by Cara Battaglini
AIA Media Relations

James, Harwick + Partners, Inc. (JH+P) of Dallas captured the 2003 Intern Development Program (IDP) Outstanding Firm Award. This honor is presented annually by the Intern Development Coordinating Committee (IDPCC), a cross-collateral group of representatives from the AIA, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, National Associates Committee (NAC), American Institute of Architecture Students, and Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, and an independent intern representative. Given to an architecture firm that demonstrates exemplary commitment and contributions to interns, this national award recognizes a firm's balance of comprehensive training opportunities, continuing education programs, and commitment to the IDP. Representatives from JH+P will receive the award during the NAC reception at the AIA national convention on May 8 in San Diego.

JH+P's nomination in the midsize-firm category came from Melissa Joesoef, an intern in the firm’s program. She states in her letter of nomination, "JH+P is truly an excellent place for any young person starting a career. The firm is heavily invested in the future of its interns, in each individual's skill development, and ensuring that all are advancing at a healthy rate." Joesoef added, "JH+P's commitment to excellence is so apparent in the way that training and sharing of knowledge seems second nature to everyone in the firm, regardless of his/her years in practice or position with the firm." The IDPCC jury felt that JH+P went beyond meeting the criteria for the award, "they have created a corporate culture that fosters intern enthusiasm and initiative." Additionally, the jury cited the firm's "strong educational and financial support for intern's development registration" as one of the deciding factors in giving them the 2003 IDP Outstanding Firm Award.

"We are especially gratified that the nomination was initiated by our intern staff," commented J. Mark Wolf, AIA, a principal with JH+P. "We recognize that an investment in IDP is fundamental to maintaining a long-term commitment to continuing education in general."

This award program recognizes finalists in each of three firm size categories: large firm (50+ employees), midsize firm (8–49 employees), and small firm (1–7 employees). JH+P has 35 employees. TTV Architects, Jacksonville, Fla., was named as the finalist in the small-firm category for 2003, and FreemanWhite, Inc., of Charlotte, is the large-firm finalist.

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