One of the most important things in life is the way others perceive us, but more importantly the way we perceive ourselves. I would make a change to what people perceive as the value of the internship period by making a change in the way the Intern Architect is introduced to the world.

There is confusion to outsiders, people who are not in the field of architecture, what the Intern Architect’s role is on a job or within a firm. Recently I had a client ask me what my plans were when the project would finish construction, was I going to find a new job or move somewhere else. Confused by her question I asked her to explain herself. She said, “When the project first started construction the principal of the firm introduced you as an intern architect.” Many of my colleagues who are not registered have conversations about what they call themselves, or what title they put on their business cards to sound more professional than the typically assigned “Intern Architect.” I believe the reason why this discussion is being held is because young professionals come out of universities sometimes
with a bachelors degree and sometimes with a masters degree, being proud of their accomplishments, and are referred to as an intern. When one thinks of an intern they think of the person who makes copies, opens mail, or runs to get more coffee when the office runs out.

What is the value of the Intern Architect to a firm and what value does the Intern Architect have for himself/herself? Should the title of an individual be reflected in ones accomplishments?