The Internship Advisory Committee (IAC) has selected eight architecture firms as recipients of the 2014-2017 Intern Development Program (IDP) Outstanding Firm Award. The firms have not only satisfied the requirements for recognition with the IDP Firm Award, but have demonstrated a deep commitment to the program by going above and beyond the baseline criteria and demonstrating innovation in their commitment to the IDP.
The 2014-2017 IDP Outstanding Firm Award recipients include the following firms: BLT Architects, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Eppstein Uhen Architects, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Eskew + Dumez + Ripple, New Orleans, Louisiana; Payette, Boston, Massachusetts; Seay, Seay, & Litchfield, PC, Montgomery, Alabama; the Washington, DC office of VOA.
The IAC has also named 16 recipients for the 2014-2017 IDP Firm Award: Barnham Architects, LLC, Tyler, Texas; Grimm + Parker Architects, Calverton, Maryland; Kodet Architectural Group, Minneapolis, Minnesota; The Thrasher Group, Inc., Bridgeport, West Virginia; Touchstone Architecture, Tallahassee, Florida; Williams Blackstock Architects, PC, Birmingham, Alabama; Barcelon Jang Architecture, San Francisco; Darden Architects, Fresno, California; Design Collaborative, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Lionakis, Sacramento, California; the Austin and San Antonio, Texas offices of O’Connell Robertson; BLDD Architects, Inc., Decatur, Illinois; the Madison, Wisconsin and Saint Paul, Minnesota offices of BWBR; and Philips|Sekanick Architects, Inc., Warren, Ohio.
The Jury
The 2014 jury included representatives from the various organizations participating in the Internship Advisory Committee. The IDP Outstanding Firm Award and the IDP Firm Award are part of the IDP Firm Awards Program, which aims to honor not only the firms with the most remarkable dedication to the IDP, but also those who meet baseline criteria in their dedication to the IDP. Submissions for the program are accepted on an annual basis, with submission deadlines occurring in the fall. Recipients maintain their award for three years. They are presented with virtual medallions for placement on their websites. For more information on the awards program, please visit the IDP Firm Awards Program website at www.aia.org/IDPFirmAwards.
About IDP
The Intern Development Program started in 1976 as a pilot program developed by the AIA and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards to ensure the continued support of interns by the changing profession of architecture. IDP is a profession-wide, comprehensive training program that is focused on the professional development of architectural interns. Through a series of required activities, IDP enables participants to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills that form the core competencies related to successful architectural practice. IDP is structured in a way that effectively responds to the training needs of architectural interns by providing a wide range of resources, established progressive benchmarks, advice and mentor guidance throughout the extensive internship process.
About the IAC
The Internship Advisory Committee exists as a joint NCARB/AIA advisory committee to NCARB and AIA on matters relating to improving the Intern Development Program. The IAC was formed to bring representatives of appropriate architectural stakeholder organizations together to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern regarding the Intern Development Program. The IAC is co-chaired by a member of each organization and committee membership consists of thirteen members and two staff representatives; appointments are made by NCARB/AIA consent and currently include two at-large intern representatives and representatives from the following stakeholder groups: the American Institute of Architecture Students, the Association of Collegiate Schools or Architecture, the AIA Council of Architectural Component Executives, the NCARB Member Board Executives, and the Society of Design Administrators. All reports, recommendations, etc., made by or on behalf of the IAC are advisory only to the Boards of Directors of the AIA and NCARB. Learn more at www.aia.org/careerstages.
About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well being. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.
