My architectural career began much differently than most: after two decades as a research scientist with advanced degrees, I returned to school. This affords me the perspective of an older intern as well as someone from an entirely different intellectual approach. Although I was familiar with internship from my close work with medical colleagues, architectural internship turned out to be much different. While the goal is essentially the same (to train professionals who have met a set of standards that signifies the ability to carry out a competent practice) the methodology, intensity and necessity are quite different.

A medical internship is a requirement for a license; a license is essential for being able to practice as a doctor. Architectural licenses require an internship in most states but one can still engage in the practice of architecture without being licensed. Therefore, the architectural intern may not be able to see the critical need to complete the internship requirements and obtain a license. The internship program, leading to licensure, should have greater emphasis within the profession so that it becomes something interns will be motivated to earn. Architectural firms need to stress the importance of becoming licensed and even assist with the scheduling and costs as a demonstration of their commitment to this goal.

Although all those in the architectural field work long hours, the time demands in medicine are much greater. A medical intern's life revolves around their career; this time demand is not the case for architectural interns. When one finishes the intern year (and any subsequent residency), a physician cannot help but feel they have been battle-tested and have a great deal of confidence that they have achieved something significant. From my own experiences, I do not think that my architectural internship rose to that level. I would like to see the standards raised so that upon completion, the intern feels that they have truly been tested and has earned something of great significance.

One could say that it is unfair to compare medical and architectural training since a poorly trained architect is unlikely to kill someone; a bad doctor surely can. But an architect that does not recognize their role in shaping our society, from planning to aesthetics, can also have a very negative impact. Something I believe needs to be incorporated into the architectural internship program is the obligation we have to strive to improve society through all of our work. We are not draftsman; we are not simply serving our client. We have a responsibility to balance economics, the environment, and the needs of our society as well as serving the client responsibly. Failing to do all of these competently will not result in anyone's death, but it certainly can diminish the quality of life for a great many people. Recognizing this responsibility and the importance of being a licensed professional are what I believe an architectural internship should be.