Let that sink in.

New media has given all industries the opportunity of openness and access. Rather than resist these new venues, how can architectural organizations accept and encourage them and change our industry (profession) for the better?

What if NCARB was to accept this means of sharing information and use it to benefit the exam? NCARB would have to investigate how and in what ways its goals are aligned with the AREforum. After this analysis and acquisition then it can use the venue in ways that suit the people NCARB serves (architectural boards, intern architects). For example, does NCARB seek as many passing grades as possible? How could they mine (use) applicants’ comments to adjust or improve the exam? Does NCARB seek a means to improve its vignettes so they more accurately judge an understanding of code, site planning, programming, etc., and could they accomplish this by monitoring/using the AREforum?

Then after accepting and adjusting to the changes this causes, thereafter NCARB should react to this media in a manner that suits those it serves. How can such a venture change the development of architects by NCARB’s reaction to their development process? Can NCARB seek to align our profession academically? Can NCARB react in a manner that helps align architectural academia production with architectural industry needs? Perhaps they do not consider this a goal. (If in some way they do, I am not suggesting making the exam more difficult or adjusting the grade cut off point to limit the amount of passed exams to regulate the number of licensed architects. At least not until I’ve passed.) Can NCARB adjust the Intern Development Program to meet the needs (requirements) set by the registration boards for the new architects as they change the profession? How would NCARB react to a more open and accessible information (feedback) from those it serves.

These are some ramblings. Perhaps NCARB primarily serves the state architectural boards, more so than it serves interns. Again I’m putting this out there as a rambling post for others to consider what (or if) a change that would make. Perhaps such an action would simply kill the AREforum. Gosh. The thought. What if the American Institute of Architects (AIA) took over the AREforum instead? It doesn’t seem like the AREforum is formally encouraged by architects. Yet many of us have taken to it. Some stay on the forum beyond their completion of the architectural registration exam.

Perhaps the AREforum is what it is and I need not question or worry about its formal acknowledgement and acceptance within the professional architectural community.

Consider starting an NCARB Council Record as early as possible. Even earlier than you think. This way you can start verifying your work experience via your electronic-Experience Verification Report (e-EVR) as soon as possible. Making this decision entails researching your state board requirements. If they license architects with 10 years experience and you have a high school degree and are working full-time, then start a council record to document your experience. But if you go and get an accredited degree, is work prior to college accepted by your state board? Honestly, I don’t know and didn’t bother to look it up. The point I’m trying to make is that NCARB and state boards are not fully aligned yet. Satisfying one, may not satisfy the other.

I know. “Isn’t it supposed to?”, you’re asking. It is, and some of the recent October 2010 changes probably further align the two. But there are 50 state boards and 1 NCARB, I’ll leave it at that. Since I don’t work at NCARB nor within a state board, I can’t define the differences. But state boards may say you have to satisfy NCARB’s requirements first. So go ahead and do that! When your record is transferred to the state board it will get reviewed for acceptability. So consider starting a council record earlier, so you can document as much experience as possible.

I consider this opinion a bit controversial and risky. Find out as much as you can about the Intern Development Program at NCARB and decide if your current work environment qualifies. Even as a college student taking a year off, but working full-time, your experience might qualify for both NCARB’s IDP and your state board, or just IDP. Do some research and consider signing up for IDP earlier than you intend. It could help you qualify for your license earlier than you thought, or simply let you meet one requirement set (IDP) as you continue to meet another requirement set (state board).

Call NCARB or your state board with questions regarding documenting your experience and if it qualifies towards your license plans. The situations where a possible architectural registration exam (ARE) candidate should sign up to IDP aren’t always obvious. Asking the right questions to NCARB and your state board can help you determine if entering the Intern Development Program earlier than you intended is in your best interest. Good luck!

(This idea has been covered before. So this is sort of a repeat post. But because IDP changed in October 2010, perhaps there are new situations out there where people should take advantage of this short time window before the next group of IDP changes are made.)

Again, Good luck!

Stop. Go back and click the above link. It is more important than the rest of this post. After you read the pdf, come back here to read what’s below.

Below are two positions in dealing with IDP. Whether you agree or not, review the coming IDP changes to understand how they affect your future. This way you can feel prepared and plan accordingly.

Maintain your records on a vigorous basis. Even more things could change. Not just with IDP rules, but the RA or PE who was about to sign off on your work verification could have a stroke. How would you feel going up to him/her in the hospital with your laptop and asking, “Could you please login and approve my last 6 months?” You don’t know what could change around you. Find some common ground communicating with your supervisor and submit employment verification requests much more frequently than every 6 months. This may mean staying 20 minutes after work to organize your past job categories, or pulling a few timesheets home to go over on the e-EVR interface. Take the time and effort to make the process easier for your supervisor to approve.

Do your best to plan where you categorize your work experience. This is important for two reasons. You need to use these guidelines as a balance for becoming a well rounded architect. You need to finish IDP. Most tasks are clear. But there might be some that are not. If something you’re doing can be categorized in two places, then place it where it benefits you. If you’re lucky and have a willing and supportive mentor (or supervisor), then go over your work duties with him/her. Consider where they belong. Review your work, review your IDP categories, and review your possible future.

These two suggestions encourage you to be aware and active in your Intern Development Program. Review the oncoming changes and know what they mean in your process of becoming an architect. Good luck.

Use this opportunity! Submit.

The deadline is Friday, July 2, 6:00 pm EASTERN time! So for me on the east coast in New York that’s 6pm. For some of you on the west coast (pacific time) in California that’s Friday, July 2 at 3pm. Whatever you do, don’t wait to the last minute. Submit your outstanding experience that is older than 6 months.

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