MENTOR PROGRAMS

THE AIA MICHIGAN MENTORING NETWORK

The AIA Michigan Mentoring Network is an opportunity for every interested student to have a one-on-one relationship with a practicing architect. Meetings and communication occur at times and places convenient to both student and mentor. This program is an opportunity for young professionals to gain benefit from the experiences of seasoned practitioners – there is no course credit, no grades, no minimum requirements, and no promise of employment – just guidance and encouragement.

For further information, contact AIA Michigan at (313) 965-4100, or visit their website:

www.aiami.com/home.htm

THE INTERN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Historically, most interns were trained by mentors. A daily, working relationship allowed the experienced practitioner to transfer knowledge and skills to the apprentice. However, such a sustained learning environment became less attainable as architectural practice grew more complex. With the decline of mentorship, interns lacked a structured transition between formal education and architectural registration. A deficiency emerged in the preparation of competent architects.

The Intern Development Program (IDP) was created to remedy this deficiency, IDP is a profession-wide comprehensive program that contributes to the development of competent architects who can provide exemplary architectural services. A comprehensive internship program is necessary to acquire and reinforce the discipline, integrity, judgment, skills, knowledge and quest for learning that must serve the registered architect for a lifetime. Completion of the IDP is required for licensure in 48 sates, including Michigan.

Educator coordinators are faculty members appointed by the school of architecture. These individuals provide faculty and students with information about internship opportunities and registration requirements. The educator coordinator for LTU is Professor Edward M. Orlowski, AIA. For more information, contact him at 248-204-2850, or orlowski@ltu.edu

For further IDP information, you may also visit NCARB’s website: www.ncarb.org