Emerging professionals form more than the future of the American Institute of Architects. They provide the questions and curiosity that propel the profession into the future. Working in tandem with licensed mentors, emerging professionals can combine their drive with the mentors' knowledge to direct the profession safely into new products, new assemblies, and new architecture that builds upon the work of the past.

As members of the AIA, emerging professionals will travel fascinating professional avenues, some familiar, some foreign, as varied as the number of practitioners in the field. To learn more about the Institute's offerings for emerging professionals, visit the national AIA website.

Visit the National Associates Committee website: http://www.aia.org/nac_default

The Intern Development Program (IDP) of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards is the national program designed to assist qualified persons in achieving licensure as an architect. Successfully completing the IDP is a requirement for licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Learn more about the IDP.

Kim Thompson, AIA, of Charlottesville's VMDO Architects, is state coordinator for the Intern Development Program in Virginia. Kim may be reached at 434-296-5684 or via email at thompson@vmdo.com.

Emerging Leaders in Architecture: An Honors Academy of the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects TM

Designed to develop future leaders in architecture firms, in communities, and in the profession, the program consists of seven day-long seminars. Each session will focus on one or more essential strategies or skills such as financial management, presentation and communication skills, negotiating techniques, understanding legal and ethical issues, and public service.

Nominees and applications for admission to the 2011 class of the Emerging Leaders in Architecture are being accepted now. Contact Wayne Conners for more information.