Three things that shocked/surprised me this week were that my firm is much more corporate than I thought, the other interns were all college/grad school students, and that I actually have SO much to learn!
The environment at my firm is much more business-y than I thought it would be, but the people who work here are actually very very cool, chill, and friendly. They’re all such creative individuals, and despite working in their little cubicles/desks all the time, they all seem to love what they’re doing. It’s amazing what they can draw…so beautiful!
As for my fellow interns: they all seem to know their stuff already because they’ve gone to school for it for almost 10 years. I feel kind of inferior in comparison because all I know is Photoshop, Indesign, and of course drawing/sketching. I found out that you really do need to go to school and learn a lot in order to do architecture.
Despite me getting an internship here, I can’t just jump in and expect myself to be able to help the designer or architect. However, I’ve tried my best to help and I have used my Indesign and Photoshop knowledge a little to prepare for our intern group project. The project is to redesign a pavillion at the Franklin Park Zoo. I was really amazed that we, as interns, would be able to receive such a big project. Though we know that it probably won’t be built (because of the zoo’s lack of funds), we are taking this project on as if it were real. I was also surprised to find out that Gensler is the largest architecture firm in the country (and even the world?).
The first day was a little shaky and quiet, but as the week went on, I got much more comfortable and warmed up to my fellow interns and co-workers. I look forward to getting to know these people even more and learning a lot more about architecture this summer. It’s crazy how this may or may not be me in 10 years (though I do hope it will be).
Who knows where the road will take me?
Maggie Lee, Youth Design Class of 2012
Jeanne Nutt, Mentor, Gensler