Portland, ME Harriman has been selected as one of three national firms to receive the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Internship Advisory Committee (IAC) 2015-2018 Firm Award. This award was given to the Portland studio where, true to its culture and the award program requirements, Harriman demonstrated a deep commitment to the Internship Development Program (IDP) by going above and beyond the baseline criteria, and demonstrating innovation in its commitment to the program.

Harriman has an established culture in which licensed architects mentor interns both within the firm and in the surrounding architectural community. Internally, Harriman actively supports mentorship and education by staffing projects with development opportunities for interns. Interns are paired with a licensed architect and assigned to projects in which they can be part of the entire scope.  This allows interns and mentors to share a full project experience and learn each aspect of the profession.  Harriman also facilitates “Building Bites” seminars in which interns and architects are asked to present a topic of interest to the firm, which enables them to work together on non-client-related architecture projects. In addition, Harriman donates office space and time to run the free AIA Maine Architect Registration Exam (ARE) Study Material Library, and hosts events for interns, mentors and supervisors surrounding licensure.

“Harriman has demonstrated a responsibility to making the path to licensure an integral part of the firm’s culture,” said Matthew Hart, AIA, AIA co-chair on the Intern Advisory Committee.

The other two other recipients for the 2015-2018 IDP Firm Award are Quinn Evans Architects, Washington, D.C. and STOA, Pensacola, Florida.

Harriman is a studio-based firm and offers many opportunities where interns can learn about aspects of architecture and the profession outside of the projects or studio to which the intern is assigned. It also regularly arranges walk-throughs of projects under construction to help interns gain hours towards their construction observation requirement. Harriman also advocates for interns to gain skills in leadership and service by supporting attendance at conferences, lectures, and volunteer opportunities, both after hours and during work, when appropriate. Harriman is committed to the ongoing education of all staff and regularly invites speakers for lunch and learn presentations in which interns and architects can learn about various topics including building systems, sustainability, and current code compliance.

The 2015 jury included representatives from the various organizations participating in the Internship Advisory Committee. The IDP Outstanding Firm Award and the IDP Firm Award are part of the IDP 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. Recipients maintain their award for three years.