Welcome back to the fourth instalment of our series, "Why Architects Merit Their Fees." Today, we navigate the complex world of architecture internships and the path to licensure.
In this segment, we delve into life in an architectural firm, specifically as an Intern Architect, and discuss different types of firms. These insights are rooted in my experiences and anecdotes shared by others, providing a balanced perspective.
We begin with the term 'Intern Architect,' a title some find derogatory due to its insinuation of unpaid labour. Despite years of experience, some interns never transition into fully licensed architects, remaining bound by the 'intern' title. This necessitates a rethink. In the US, there's a push for the more respectful 'Graduate Architect,' or 'A.I.T.' – Architect in Training, reflecting the engineering profession's terminology. Irrespective of titles, Intern Architects are paid and make significant contributions to architectural firms.
Life as an intern architect varies greatly depending on the firm. I was fortunate to start a startup, where the responsibility was a valuable learning opportunity. While some thrive in such environments, others prefer less stress. Firms vary in size: from small to medium ones built around a founding architect's vision, to larger regional entities, international corporations, and the coveted "starchitect firms." Renowned firms like those of Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, and Norman Foster inspire many.
However, these renowned firms have a darker side. Only the best secure a chance to work at these firms, and with countless applicants, especially in Japan, you might find yourself working as an unpaid intern to prove your worth. Understandably, star firms have rigorous selection processes due to the volume of applicants. Once hired, employees work extremely hard to impress and secure their positions, which are highly coveted. I speculate this may lead to burnout, but lacking first-hand knowledge, it remains speculation.
Each firm, depending on its size, has unique pros and cons. Aspiring architects are advised to experience various firm sizes to find their perfect fit. Following this advice, I worked with a range of firms, including international ones, discovering my preference for smaller, more intimate settings where camaraderie and individual influence on design and direction thrive. Others flourish in corporate environments, working on exciting projects like airports, stadiums, and skyscrapers. Some firms specialize in specific construction fields like healthcare or education, while others diversify their project types. This significantly influences each firm's work culture, and it may take time for an intern architect to find their perfect fit.
In the next instalment, we'll discuss workloads, work-life balance, and the potential reasons behind high workloads. Stay tuned!
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