For Immediate Release:
January 1, 2007

Contact: NCARB
(202) 783-6500

Washington DC - The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards announced plans to change their Intern Development Program to include hands-on training in related engineering disciplines including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

In order to achieve this goal, NCARB will be partnering with the American Institute of Architects, ASTM International, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American National Standard Institute, the National Society of Professor Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

NCARB's President Johnson Pei, stated, "This is a big undertaking, but we believe that it will greatly benefit the overall building industry. Budding architects will gain valuable knowledge about every aspect that goes into building."

NCARB's progressive new program will allow interns to get a better grasp on how related disciplines operate and to see first-hand how the trades work with architectural drawings. While working in the various related fields with consultants for two to four weeks, interns will observe how drawings are put together based on architectural designs, review drawings for coordination and assist in the design process in a particular field. This could lead to fewer mistakes in the development of construction drawings and to lower overall costs of construction down the road.

AIA Chairman, Louis Wright, says, "In the wake of 9-11, it's more important than ever before for all parties involved - architects, engineers, and contractors, - to understand first hand the vital role that each plays in building solid, safe structures. In addition, with so many baby boomers nearing retirement, we want to ensure that intern architects will be prepared for the future. Previously, much of this knowledge was learned from veterans in the field through on-the-job training over the years. While nothing can replace experience, NCARB's new program gives an Intern Architect a better head start."

This idea to improve NCARB's Intern Development Program originated at the 2005 "Designing Tomorrow's Architect" Conference in San Antonio, Texas. One very forward-thinking intern architect was quoted as saying, "If we are to be the leaders of our field someday, the additional knowledge gained from working with related disciplines will go a long towards helping build better chemistry within the team, teaching some of the material and knowledge needed to assist in passing the ARE and becoming licensed architects, and to show that we are a profession dedicated to improving standards and making buildings safer."

NCARB's mission is to work as a council of member boards to safeguard the heath, safety, and welfare of the public and to assist member boards in carrying out their duties. NCARB develops and recommends standards to be required of applicants for architectural registration; develops and recommends standards regulating the practice of architecture; provides a certification process and architect registration requirements to member boards; and represents the interests of member boards before public and private agencies.