The Learning Environment

The Emerging Professional's Companion has been developed on a foundation of the traditional architecture apprenticeship model. It merges academic research and practical application. Some work will be completed independently by the emerging professional. In the case of interns, this work must be reviewed with a supervisor or mentor in order to receive credit for IDP. This interaction gives the emerging professional the opportunity to learn from, as well as share information with, a seasoned architect. Interns are also encouraged to form groups to complete the work in the Companion. To learn more about interactivity models, visit Sharing the Work.

There is so much to learn during your internship, and the information comes at you from a number of sources. Often it seems it's not finding the answers that proves difficult, but knowing which questions you should be asking. IDP gives us a breakdown of the experiences we need to gain, but not the means to gain them. The Emerging Professional's Companion empowers interns to get these experiences on their own by working with their mentors and their firms, while personalizing the knowledge they are gaining. It will prove an invaluable resource for interns to better define their crucial role in the profession.

—Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA, recent IDP graduate, ARE candidate, and member of the EPC Advisory Committee

Getting Started

Any user of the Companion—intern, student, or young architect—can work with the resource at any point that interests them or where they need additional support. Each chapter is aligned with NCARB's 16 IDP Training Areas in order to provide a seamless learning environment for the intern as well as a well-rounded collection of exercises for any architecture professional. The user can select from beginner, intermediate, and advanced exercises and scenarios. If you need help determining where to start, ask your supervisor or mentor to help you evaluate the level appropriate for you.

How the Companion is Organized

All 16 chapters are structured with 10 sections (described below) to lead users through an in-depth look at a training area. Each chapter begins with general information on the topic, followed by exercises and activities based on the narrative, based on actual projects, and based on fictional scenarios that simulate experiences with clients, consultants, and other project team members.

• Chapter 1—Programming
• Chapter 2—Site and Environmental Analysis
• Chapter 3—Schematic Design
• Chapter 4—Engineering Systems Coordination
• Chapter 5—Building Cost Analysis
• Chapter 6—Code Research
• Chapter 7—Design Development
• Chapter 8—Construction Documents
• Chapter 9—Specifications and Materials Research
• Chapter 10—Document Checking and Coordination
• Chapter 11—Bidding and Contract Negotiation
• Chapter 12—Construction Phase-Office
• Chapter 13—Construction Phase-Observation
• Chapter 14—Project Management
• Chapter 15—Office Management
• Chapter 16—Professional and Community Service