by Hayley Owens, Assoc. AIA, and Jonathan Hiser, AIA, on behalf of AIA Virginia’s J.E.D.I. Committee
Have you heard of IPAL?
Back in 2014, NCARB was grappling with two long standing issues – the average time it took for an architect to get licensed was over 13 years and the profession was continuing to struggle to increase diversity. The Integrated Path to Architectural License, best known as IPAL, was born to improve the accessibility of licensure by creating a pathway that harkens back to a tradition of the past – apprenticeship as an integral part of the education of an architect. Schools that participate in the IPAL program partner their students with architecture firms for internships that last throughout the student’s time in school. Participation in IPAL allows students to accrue their required experience hours and start taking the licensure exams before they graduate while they still have the supportive school environment.
In Virginia, Hampton University (HU) is the first and only school to offer IPAL. HU leadership saw the program as a unique way to enhance the education they offer, but also to answer the urgent need to support students of color on their journey to licensure. Offering a reminder for the importance of these efforts, the recently published 2025 NCARB by the Numbers Report reveals that the number of African American architects is holding steady at 2% for the last five years. Hampton adopted the program with the initial goals to better prepare their students for licensure, give them a sense of the rigor of the profession while immersed in their education, and build a strong, vibrant exchange between academia and the practice in firms.
To learn more about how IPAL is going at Hampton, the AIA Virginia J.E.D.I. Committee sat down for a conversation with folks who represent a range of perspectives on the program: Leanna Humphrey, an assistant professor at Hampton University who coordinates the IPAL program; Isaiah Bailey, a Hampton student participating in IPAL; and two leaders of firms participating in IPAL, Robert Easter, FAIA, former Hampton University Director and Principal at KEI; and Rob Reis, FAIA, a Principal at Hanbury. Together, their voices offer a rich picture of the success and challenges of the program.
“Interning this early has opened my eyes to the profession.” Isaiah Bailey
Isaiah, now entering his fourth year at Hampton, has been an intern for the past three summers at HGA in the DC area. He shared his appreciation for how welcoming the firm has been, immediately helping to create a sense of belonging despite being young when he first joined. Isaiah noted how his experience interning not only has been great for improving his graphic and technical skills but also how he has had the chance to practice and grow as a presenter. His repeated internships with the office have allowed him to see projects through multiple stages, for example, this past summer Isaiah was in charge of designing and coordinating a mock-up that is now near completion. Leanna added that the IPAL students are noticeably mature from their internship experiences and, though a small cohort at Hampton, they end up changing the whole department by sharing the knowledge and skills they bring back. They especially know “how to do group work.” Those of us working in the profession understand this sentiment!
At Hampton, students who are interested in participating in IPAL apply for the program during their first year and, once accepted into a limited number of seats, will interview with firms to secure an internship. Just like the participating firms will make a commitment to the same intern for the duration of their education, students make a commitment to participating in this rigorous program from early in their education. This naturally attracts driven and focused students, especially since participating in IPAL means taking a gap year to immerse themselves in their full-time internship and exams before returning for their final year of schooling. Leanna works very closely with this small group of students and participating firms to make sure that the program is meeting everyone’s expectations and offering support as is necessary.
“It is not a tremendous time burden; it is just a matter of tracking the student and making sure they get the right experience, and all for such a worthy cause.” Rob Reis, FAIA
Without a doubt, IPAL is a valuable program for both students and firms. However, one of the main challenges Hampton faces is the need for awareness and participation from firms so that more students are able to participate. Rob Reis, FAIA, shared how Hanbury came to be involved with IPAL, and that from the outset of their involvement, their interns have been very effective in the office. From Rob’s perspective, it is a very small commitment on the side of the firm: “It is not a tremendous time burden; it is just a matter of tracking the student and making sure they get the right experience, and all for such a worthy cause.” Rob is excited to see some very robust enrollment numbers of students in IPAL at other schools like SCAD, whose Master’s program has over 100 students enrolled. He sees this as evidence of the potential Hampton’s program has here and the importance of firm support, sharing that “it is going to take energy from all of us to build the momentum.”
How can firms get involved?
The committee had some questions that I’m sure several of intrigued firms and firm leaders may have, so Robert Easter, FAIA, graciously answered some FAQs:
- Are only local firms with a connection to Hampton University able to participate?
NO! There are ways for firms anywhere, of any size, to connect with IPAL participants and even Hampton University students. That’s right, you do not have to be based in the Hampton area or even in the student’s home area. Robert Easter mentioned that there are two HU students from Mississippi placed in Richmond firms. IPAL is a national program and firms and students can be based anywhere.
- But isn’t this only for large firms?
NO! Firms of any size are accepted, the only requirement is to have a heart for making an impact on the next generation of students. Easter sums this up as well, in that he’s “not afraid of someone who doesn’t know something, [rather] afraid of someone who doesn’t care to learn.” Any firm looking for a reliable summer intern for several years can be involved and help to mold the next generation of architects.
- Isn’t there a big time commitment to participate?
Not any more than mentoring a new hire! Like with any new hire, it helps to have a firm or individual within the firm willing to champion the program at their firm. Keep in mind that committing to a student for the program is a multi-year commitment, which is really an amazing opportunity to shape an architect in the image of your firm, as Easter sees it. After graduation, these students will be licensed architects and ready to continue to productively contribute to the firm. - Is this a program for Hampton University only?
NO! Any NAAB accredited program can adopt this program as long as they also show that students will make significant progress towards their AXP hours, provide an opportunity to take each division’s NCARB practice exams prior to graduation, and appoint an IPAL advisor. For full requirements, check out this link on NCARB’s website.
We asked these leaders for tips on implementing IPAL at your office:
- A firm / individual willing to champion the program at their firm
- Assigning a mentor to do regular check ins on the IPAL students
- A desire to mentor / teach the next generation of architects
- Support open, transparent communication between the student, the school, and the firm
Many thanks to our interview participants for sharing their stories and experiences. Each looks forward to opportunities to share more and welcomes you to reach out. If you have questions about Hampton’s IPAL program or want to learn more, you can reach Leanna Humphrey at leanna.humphrey@hamptonu.edu.
