At the School of Architecture, real-world career experience is a cornerstone of our students' education. Our rigorous curriculum, community builds, industry lectures, and critiques from top architects are designed to enrich their learning and prepare them for professional success. This summer, our students took these lessons beyond the classroom, securing prestigious internships that have broadened their horizons and deepened their expertise.
A key highlight of our professional development efforts is the annual career forum at the University of Miami. Here, students meticulously prepare their portfolios, dress professionally, and engage with top architectural firms. This preparation has translated into valuable summer experiences for our students, who have been working with firms in dynamic locations like New York City and Tokyo
Robert Sims Dubon found himself immersed in a whirlwind of tasks at COBOD International, where no two days were the same. From drawing wall section details for ongoing construction projects to testing new software and aiding on-site, Robert’s internship was a blend of hands-on learning and innovative challenges. This experience has reshaped his career perspective. "Interning at COBOD International has me rethinking the sheer scope of work that can be done with an architectural education," he reflects. His role has exposed him to new avenues within the field, broadening his career possibilities.
Catalina Cabral-Framian embraced a global perspective through her internship in Tokyo at Shigeru Ban Architects, working under a Pritzker Prize-winning architect. Catalina’s hands-on involvement in creating presentation and study models, done primarily by hand, has been a significant learning experience. "Working on these models rapidly and purely by hand has been an invaluable skill," she shares. This opportunity has allowed her to experience and contribute to cutting-edge projects, enriching her understanding of international architectural practices.
Jaylin Cole drew inspiration from her experience with the Kendeda Building at Georgia Tech, where she first encountered the principles of green architecture. As a resilience planning intern at Dewberry Engineers, Jaylin has been engaged in various aspects of community planning, from vulnerability assessments to community outreach. "This internship is helping me build the skills needed for future success," she says. Her work aligns with her passion for designing spaces that contribute positively to both environmental and social contexts.
Alana Cowan has thrived in the intimate setting of Graves & Associates, where her role quickly evolved from digitizing historical plans to creating design concepts for new projects. "I was thrown in the deep end from the beginning," Alana recalls, noting her swift immersion in diverse tasks such as preparing site plans and participating in client meetings. Her experience has underscored the importance of teamwork in architecture. "I’m learning valuable skills from various departments within the firm," she observes, appreciating the collaborative nature of the work.
Jessie Doleman has found her place at HKS, where she works on analyzing drawings, updating project models, and engaging in meetings across the Healthcare sector. Her time at HKS has been marked by supportive mentorship and a positive work environment. "Everyone is eager to help and has treated me as one of their own from the beginning," Jessie says. Her experience has reinforced her belief in the importance of a collaborative and supportive work culture.
Jordan Kekst is making the most of his internship at Ferguson & Shamamian Architects, where he has been involved in preserving historical architecture while integrating modern elements. Jordan’s insights from classical architecture classes with Professor Richard John have significantly enhanced his work. "Applying these insights to my designs at Ferguson & Shamamian has deepened my understanding of iterative design and collaborative effort," he notes. His internship has highlighted the practical application of his academic knowledge in a real-world setting.
Jayson Moron and Deirdre Nash, at Robert A.M. Stern Architects in New York City, are deeply involved in classical design projects. Jayson appreciates the firm’s emphasis on continuous education, sharing that it has allowed him to "learn about all phases of design and fundamental principles of classical architecture." Deirdre, too, values the blend of real-world practice and ongoing learning, noting that it has "advanced my knowledge significantly." Their internships at RAMSA have provided them with a pivotal opportunity to apply their academic background in a professional environment.
These diverse and enriching experiences exemplify the School of Architecture's dedication to bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. By immersing our students in real-world challenges and opportunities, we ensure they are not only well-prepared for their careers but also inspired to innovate and lead in the field of architecture.
