Perspective: Architecture Internship

Interning at Lee Design Studio broadened perspective on what a career in architecture looks like and the skill set needed to succeed.

Written by Marissa M. | Architecture Student & Lee Design Studio Summer Intern

Coming into this internship, I had the idea I wanted to pursue a career in architecture, but I wanted to make sure I understood what that would look like. On the very first day I shadowed Greg and Matt. I watched as they used Revit to create buildings and managed their projects with different contractors and clients. I also sat in on their Monday team meeting, as they went over the plan for the week. I saw the day-to-day life of an architect, how they are always working on multiple projects at once, both residential and commercial. Projects can be as small as designing a 4-foot addition to a house, or as large as designing a commercial building.

The team works together to bounce ideas off each other and help with unexpected issues that come up while working. I learned how being an architect is not only the design aspect, but you also must thoroughly understand the rules and regulations surrounding how and where structures can be built. Additionally, you need to know a little bit about all aspects of building a house from start to finish to be a good architect. This includes having enough knowledge of structural and mechanical engineering to be able to produce a design that would be functional for the house or building.

Architect reviews drawings and plans with architecture student at a site visit. — Site Visits

Site visits are an important part of being an architect too, and I was able to go to many of them. It was interesting to be able to observe the building process at different stages, and to know that once you're an architect you get to take breaks from the desk. Doing construction management as an architect helps to find any issues that may come up when building, before it’s too late to turn back. It also helps to see that the contractor is following the design plans ensuring the building follows code and comes out how the client desires it.

One time we went on a formal walkthrough of a commercial building that was going to be renovated. We brought current plans of the building to markup with what changes the owner desired to make. We walked through the different areas and heard all the feedback the client had. I saw here how a lot of design is based on regulations, especially for commercial buildings. For example, we wondered why so much of the courtyard was taken up by trees and plant boxes, but realized that without those, the max occupancy would be too high.

A lot of being an architect is about problem solving. First you listen to what the client desires and create a design that fits their needs. This design must match with rules and regulations, then you continue to improve and revise your design as well. Then the client comes back and requests changes, or to take reduce costs for the build, after the design is nearing completion. Finally, any final changes to the layout of the house, or removing a few aspects of the design to be sure the project includes the client’s approval.