Employment opportunities are limited for recent architecture graduates who want to fulfill their Intern Development Program (IDP) training requirement. Some firms may be wondering if they can do good by giving intern architects work experience in unpaid positions. Generally speaking, federal employment law dictates that the answer is “no.”
The AIA last responded to this question in the early 1990s during another economic downturn. Then, as now, concerns were voiced about how the scarcity of paying jobs could force intern architects into other lines of work, never to return to the practice of architecture. As a result, an entire age group within the profession could be depleted. At the same time, concerns were voiced that intern architects can be exploited by firms because of the pressure on intern architects to obtain work experience for licensure.
More than 10 years ago, the AIA began requiring architects who seek to become Institute Officers, Directors, or Fellows (or to receive AIA awards or speak at AIA events) to confirm that they do not employ unpaid intern architects. Ultimately, however, the issue is primarily a legal one, not just a matter of AIA policy. Between abiding by federal law, on one hand, and meeting the direct supervision training requirements for IDP as established by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), on the other hand, there remains little room for unpaid architectural internships.
Federal law governing labor and employment generally places workers into one of the following three categories:
● Employees – These individuals are protected by minimum wage and other laws and therefore cannot be unpaid. Whether an “employer/employee” relationship exists is determined by objective factors and cannot be precluded simply by the agreement of those involved. The Department of Labor’s Web site [http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/docs/contractors.asp] provides a good source of general information on this topic. There are various exceptions to the applicability of minimum wage laws to employees, such as for “apprentices” in building trades, but none apply to intern architects.
● Independent Contractors – The work terms of these individuals may be largely set by the parties’ agreement, as long as the workers are not objectively determined to be employees. NCARB policy, however, does not recognize work performed by independent contractors as satisfying IDP requirements. (See page 30 of the IDP Guidelines) [http://www.ncarb.org/forms/idp_guidelines.pdf] An independent contractor typically does not work under the “direct supervision” that is a hallmark of training.● Volunteers – Federal law generally prohibits workers from volunteering services to for-profit private sector employers, as explained on the Department of Labor Web site [http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/scope/ee16.asp]. Individuals may volunteer services without contemplation of pay to not-for-profit organizations for public service, humanitarian, and personal objectives but not as employees.
This leaves unemployed intern architects and the architects who would wish to provide them with IDP experience (but can’t afford to pay) somewhere between a rock and a hard place. The possibility remains for intern architects to volunteer their services to non-profit organizations who provide architectural services if the organization can provide a work setting that qualifies under IDP Guidelines. And it may be possible, as well, for intern architects to volunteer services to public sector (state or local government) entities. In either case, however, an intern architect would need to determine whether a particular volunteer/supervisor arrangement would satisfy IDP or state licensing requirements for training. In addition, the non-profit organization or public sector entity would need to verity that using the intern architect’s services without pay complies with federal law. After all, non-profit organizations must comply with employment law with respect to workers that they employ.
AIA Associate General Counsel Greg Hancks, AIA, authored this article which appeared in AIArchitect in 2009.
Comments (35)
Great opinion on the subject, keep the posts coming.
Posted by Luke Jaten | January 17, 2011 2:51 PM
Posted on January 17, 2011 14:51
I discovered this article very up-to-date and informative as it offers excellent tricks to get hold of the absolute best Life insurance charges and quotes. With this helpful data, you'll be able to make your decisions extra correctly and obtain one of the best Life insurance coverage plan for yourself. Plus, there are usually quite a lot of sources to help you higher understand your policy.
Posted by Hipolito M. Wiseman | February 27, 2011 3:02 PM
Posted on February 27, 2011 15:02
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
Posted by Lydia Folkers | March 10, 2011 10:26 AM
Posted on March 10, 2011 10:26
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?
Posted by Rosann Herard | March 12, 2011 8:35 PM
Posted on March 12, 2011 20:35
But in truth, this can work only if the person is aware of the case, how easy to mix and match resources to their physical size and behavior. Shadow and drawings also play a role, as some models, contrary to what the team tried to woman can do.
Posted by Hermes Replica Brand Bags | March 16, 2011 9:56 AM
Posted on March 16, 2011 09:56
It ends with the remaining funds to other important things like personal investing, or a worthy charity. If you want your money to a charity, you can tell your friends because he has decided to buy the original signature handbag, were street children, AIDS victims or work to help the working poor, while deserving the same time for the purchase of a stylish replica handbag!
Posted by Louis Vuitton Handbags | March 28, 2011 11:17 AM
Posted on March 28, 2011 11:17
Remember, there is always a cost involved when you can shop carried away a large bag, not away from all these beautiful creations by designers – it takes time and compare the prices and go for affordable alternatives. You can only be as safe with your new bag once or twice a sense, do not pull all their money for a small bag!
Posted by Hermes Replica Brand Bags | March 28, 2011 3:34 PM
Posted on March 28, 2011 15:34
If a diver is usually a normal clock, some watch manufacturers now offer models that not only can this be considered as jewelry or fine mechanical precision and can dive watch analogue or digital. So what qualities make a diving watch?
Posted by swiss rolex watches | March 29, 2011 11:17 PM
Posted on March 29, 2011 23:17
In the upscale neighborhood of shops, where you will find clothes and accessories are used. This is a good place to be for second hand Louis Vuitton Handmade Designer Handbags look authentic.
Posted by Louis Vuitton Handbags | March 31, 2011 10:52 AM
Posted on March 31, 2011 10:52
All rolex watches from Patek Philippe and the company can keep track of every piece ever made. Patek Philippe attention to detail means that it is time to produce each show lasts. The process begins with two four years ago, research and development.
Posted by swiss rolex watches | April 15, 2011 6:34 AM
Posted on April 15, 2011 06:34
This is definitely a topic thats close to me so Im happy that you wrote about it. Im also happy that you did the subject some justice. Not only do you know a great deal about it, you know how to present in a way that people will want to read more. Im so happy to know someone like you exists on the web.Thank you .
Posted by James | November 8, 2011 1:02 PM
Posted on November 8, 2011 13:02
Needed to put you the very small note just to say thanks a lot once again with the gorgeous information you've provided in this case.
Posted by Dudley Besanson | November 12, 2011 5:49 PM
Posted on November 12, 2011 17:49
This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like 'Mixview' that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you're listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of "neighbors" will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune "Social" is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.
Posted by Lemuel Yray | January 15, 2012 3:43 PM
Posted on January 15, 2012 15:43
Just a copy!
Evanescence is irreplaceable!
I thought that Ben Moody was talented.
Posted by Sachiko Stutz | February 18, 2012 5:55 AM
Posted on February 18, 2012 05:55
Perfect just what I was searching for! .
Posted by nike sb shoes size 15 | February 21, 2012 12:22 PM
Posted on February 21, 2012 12:22
Es ist fantastisch! Ich frage mich, ob ich ein paar Dinge schreiben wollte, würde ich, wie man weiß.
Posted by wypadek samochodowy | March 5, 2012 3:24 PM
Posted on March 5, 2012 15:24
Vielen Dank für dieses Blog-es ist toll! Ich mag diese Art von Menschen, die Wissen mit anderen zu teilen.
Posted by wypadek w pracy | March 7, 2012 2:30 PM
Posted on March 7, 2012 14:30
A Beginners' Guidebook to Facebook Company Pages
Posted by function | March 14, 2012 10:52 AM
Posted on March 14, 2012 10:52
Sweet blog! I located it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you've any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never appear to get there! Thanks
Posted by adlawdlkajdlakwdj ladkjalwdjaljd | March 23, 2012 11:55 PM
Posted on March 23, 2012 23:55
Hello there, I found your web site by way of Google even as looking for a comparable topic, your site came up, it seems good. I've added to my favourites|added to my bookmarks.
Posted by realizare site web | October 14, 2012 4:57 AM
Posted on October 14, 2012 04:57
[URL= - [/URL -
Posted by Steackchece | April 23, 2013 12:53 PM
Posted on April 23, 2013 12:53
Hi there to every one, the contents existing at this website are really remarkable for people knowledge, well, keep up the
nice work fellows.
Posted by hultquist Sale | May 2, 2013 11:23 PM
Posted on May 2, 2013 23:23
Hi there to every one, the contents existing at this website are really remarkable for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
Posted by hultquist Sale | May 2, 2013 11:24 PM
Posted on May 2, 2013 23:24
Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've
worked hard on. Any tips?
Posted by Jean | May 4, 2013 4:15 AM
Posted on May 4, 2013 04:15
Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on.
Any tips?
Posted by Jean | May 4, 2013 4:16 AM
Posted on May 4, 2013 04:16
I needed to thank you for this wonderful read!
! I absolutely loved every little bit of it. I've got you book marked to check out new stuff you post…
Posted by Fqgd.Info | May 4, 2013 3:24 PM
Posted on May 4, 2013 15:24
I needed to thank you for this wonderful read!! I absolutely loved every little bit of
it. I've got you book marked to check out new stuff you post…
Posted by Fqgd.Info | May 4, 2013 3:25 PM
Posted on May 4, 2013 15:25
hello there and thank you for your information – I have certainly picked up something new from right here.
I did however expertise some technical issues using
this web site, as I experienced to reload the web site
lots of times previous to I could get it to load properly.
I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will very
frequently affect your placement in google and could damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I'm adding this RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective exciting content. Make sure you update this again soon.
Posted by www.buildethiopia.org | May 4, 2013 11:26 PM
Posted on May 4, 2013 23:26
hello there and thank you for your information – I
have certainly picked up something new from right here.
I did however expertise some technical issues using this web
site, as I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to
I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and
could damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I'm adding this RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective exciting content. Make sure you update this again soon.
Posted by www.buildethiopia.org | May 4, 2013 11:27 PM
Posted on May 4, 2013 23:27
It's going to be end of mine day, except before end I am reading this great article to increase my know-how.
Posted by Mandy | May 5, 2013 11:54 AM
Posted on May 5, 2013 11:54
It's going to be end of mine day, except before end I am reading this great article to increase my know-how.
Posted by Mandy | May 5, 2013 11:55 AM
Posted on May 5, 2013 11:55
I really like your blog.. very nice colors &
theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz reply as I'm looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. many thanks
Posted by nike free run womens | May 5, 2013 3:02 PM
Posted on May 5, 2013 15:02
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz reply as I'm looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. many thanks
Posted by nike free run womens | May 5, 2013 3:03 PM
Posted on May 5, 2013 15:03
Article writing is also a excitement, if you know then you
can write if not it is complex to write.
Posted by tag watches | May 9, 2013 10:46 PM
Posted on May 9, 2013 22:46
Hello! I simply want to offer you a huge thumbs up for the
great information you have got here on this post. I'll be coming back to your web site for more soon.
Posted by bags for women | May 23, 2013 10:33 AM
Posted on May 23, 2013 10:33