The ideal architectural internship would be a combination of experience from the three main entities of a project: The owner, the architect, and the construction manager. Presently, IDP guidelines outline various stages of a project that are essential to an intern's development. All of these areas may be fulfilled within an architecture firm; however, some of the detailed requirements may be met in various other design related fields. As an intern, I have utilized this option to acquire experience by working in all three fields.

Construction administration hours may be earned in an architect's office by simply corresponding with the contractor. Often, interns are assigned to a CAD team producing construction documents, and are not exposed to the realities of a design project. A potential solution to this problem is to require some units to be fulfilled on a construction site. The following activities were helpful to me.
1. Writing Request for Information (RFI)
2. Bidding, contract administration
3. Reviewing submittals
4. Scheduling and Observing Construction Activities

Writing RFI
When design problems, questions, or inconsistencies arise; often the intern will see the issues in the field. This allows practice for writing clear, concise communication to the design team; and often good experience in learning how to generate answers that may be easily understood by the contractor.

Contracts and pricing
Performing pricing exercises may be the easiest way to remember what design decisions may increase or reduce the cost of construction.

Reviewing Submittals
Reviewing submittals on a construction level enables the intern note products and materials to which he/she may refer when preparing products specifications. Observing the installation also helps young designers learn how equipment, materials and products are integrated into his/her building.

Scheduling & Observation
Understanding the sequencing of construction prepares the intern to review construction progress, payment applications, and punch lists as a future architect. The architect must make a connection between, progress, time, and money on a project. Since construction managers are constantly monitoring their subcontractors by these criteria, an intern may easily learn standards of quality, and sequencing of activities.

Working for a developer is another solution for gaining non-traditional design related experience. Interns should learn the development process of a project. They may participate in activities that would allow them to understand what is expected of an architect. Often, owners look to architects for expertise in the following areas.
1. Assisting in funds acquisition
2. Budget
3. Future expansion
4. Long-term operation and maintenance
5. Marketability/usable spaces
6. Time constraints
7. Monitoring construction
8. Working with user groups
9. Safety/liability issues
10. Coordinating building systems
11. Building management concerns

Working for a developer enabled me to learn why these issues are so important.

I believe that my experience at each stage of a project will make me a well-rounded architect, considerate to the needs of the client and builder. As an intern, I am more confident with my knowledge of the field because of my diverse experiences.