PressroomPress Releases

Contact: Matt Tinder
202-626-7462
mtinder@aia.org

For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – June 1, 2010 – The Intern Development Program Advisory Committee (IDPAC) has selected three architecture firms as recipients of the Intern Development Program (IDP) 2010-2013 Outstanding Firm Awards. 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. The 2010-2013 IDP Outstanding Firm Awards recipients include Richard Wittschiebe Hand, Gensler and M+W U.S., Inc.

The IDPAC has also named ten 2010-2013 IDP Firm Awards recipients: English + Associates Architects, Inc., Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc., BBH Design, FKP Architects, The Design Partnership LLP, BLT Architects, DLR Group, Yost Grube Hall Architecture, GUND Partnership, and Dalpos Architects & Integrators.

The Jury
The 2009/2010 jury included representatives from the various organizations participating in the IDPAC. The IDPAC is comprised of the AIA, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, American Institute of Architecture Students, Association of the Collegiate Schools of Architecture, and the Society for Design Administration.

The IDP Outstanding Firm Awards and the IDP Firm Awards are part of the IDP Outstanding 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 new program are accepted on a rolling basis, with jury cutoff dates occurring twice a year on January 15 and July 15. Recipients maintain their award for three years. They are presented with virtual medallions for placement on their websites and are recognized at the annual AIA National Convention. For more information on the awards program, please visit IDPOFA website.

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 IDPAC
The Intern Development Program Advisory Committee is a unique cross-collateral committee, which includes three representatives from both the AIA and NCARB, and one member each from the NAC, American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), and The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) as well as one independent intern representative, a member from the Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE) and the Society of Design Administrators (SDA).The committee was formed to bring representatives of the appropriate architectural stakeholder organizations together to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern regarding the IDP. All reports, recommendations, etc., made by or on behalf of the IDPAC are advisory only to the Boards of Directors of the AIA and NCARB.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org