Interns Committee to Explore Further Steps with OAA Council 

The results of an OAA Interns Committee survey shows the membership’s opinions regarding the possibility of changing the title, “Intern Architect.”

According to the survey, conducted last fall and open to all those with OAA status, 45 per cent support a title change for those enrolled in the Internship in Architecture Program (IAP) via the OAA, whereas 14 per cent want it to remain the same. A significant proportion of the membership (39 per cent) is either neutral or feels it does not know enough about the issues involved. After more information was shared in the survey, a re-ask of the initial question about a title change showed a 9 per cent increase in support (54 per cent) to reach a majority, but also a doubling of opposition (31 per cent). 

For Intern Architects participating in the survey, 75 per cent feel their current title has negative connotations. This includes concerns the term “Intern” may diminish and undermine expertise and experience, and imply they perform short-term, menial, or free work.

The Interns Committee will use the full results to make a recommendation to OAA Council on further direction, as well as explore possible new titles. This discussion is scheduled for the May 12 meeting, with next steps shared in the OAA News e-newsletter and on social media afterward.

Background

In November 2018, the Registrar sent Intern Architects a questionnaire created by the Intern Architect Title Subcommittee. The response indicated strong support for a title change among Intern Architects, but not a specific new name. At the June 25, 2020 Council meeting, a motion was approved to retain a survey consultant to help develop and administer a second survey to determine overall support from all those with OAA status related to a possible change and new title preferences.

Survey methodology and questions were developed with a joint effort from the Subcommittee, OAA staff, and market research firm Stratcom. The final version was reviewed by the OAA President, Executive Director, Registrar, and staff, with Council being informed of the title options at its September 24 meeting. The survey was launched October 21 and closed on November 11, with 1,174 respondents participating, representing an 18 per cent response rate.

The final survey data has been statistically weighted to ensure the participating Architects, Intern Architects, and Licensed Technologists OAA match their proportions of the membership database. The margin of error for a sample of this size is ±2.4, 19 times out of 20. (This margin increases when analyzing sub-samples of the data.)