Mentoring
Architecture is a mentoring profession. Before the establishment of architecture schools, that was the way the knowledge of design, building systems, and materials passed from one generation to the next. Now, even with highly sophisticated systems of architectural education, the personal sharing of wisdom and experience is no less important.
The notion of life long learning assumes that colleagues will mentor each other, will share their specific expertise with those who have been pursuing other dimensions of the profession. Thus, our continuing education program calls on you to lead our seminars, to share your knowledge with the rest of us.
The growth of the architecture graduate into the licensed professional depends on mentoring. Both educators and practitioners agree that even a five-year undergraduate program in architecture is not long enough to provide all the experiences that a professional requires. The Intern Development Program offers a structured guide through the three+ years after graduation to the professional exam.
AIA Houston is fortunate to have an energetic and creative group of interns that have undertaken the responsibility of mentoring each other as well as developing structures and materials to assist firms in their own mentoring programs.
Getting through IDP is a daunting task without a guide. These interns have invited experienced mentors to share their firms' programs with other firms; they have assembled a handbook of relevant information about IDP, TBAE, and NCARB. They have gathered materials for the Chapter's Intern Resource Room -- complete with computer and practice exam information. And they have organized a weekend seminar and mock exam for the graphic division of the Architectural Registration Exam.
Who are they? Ronda Wang, Watkins Hamilton Ross; Scott Clanton, McCleary German; Lonnie Hoogeboom, Natalye Appel Architects; William Pool, Morris Architects. Their advisor is Paul Lodholz, AIA, Tackett Lodholz Architects. The handbook printing was generously provided by A&E Products.
If you are an intern, stay tuned to the plans they are making. Or call the Chapter office to volunteer to join them in the planning. If you are a principal in a firm, let us know who your intern coordinators are so that we can put them on the communication list. If you are an architect with an interest in assisting these interns toward their goal of professional licensing, call us. Every intern needs a mentor outside the firm in which s/he works. We can match you with someone eager to talk to you about architecture.
Martha Murphree, Hon AIA
