At Gienapp Architects, we believe in nurturing talent and providing invaluable real-world experience that guides new and aspiring architects toward success. Our belief is that a successful internship is designed to offer budding architects a hands-on opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.
Meghan MacBeath, our 2024 summer intern at Gienapp Architects, is a rising senior at Mount Holyoke College, majoring in Architecture and Dance. Throughout the summer, Meghan has played a key role in supporting our team across a range of assignments.
Meghan was drawn to Gienapp Architects due to our clear design ethos and diverse project portfolio. As Meghan reflects, “Looking at the website, I was interested because of the way they very clearly outline their design process. Gienapp has a wide variety of projects at different stages, which I saw as a great opportunity to gain exposure to working on various types throughout their development.”
Daily Life as an Intern
A day in the life of an intern at Gienapp Architects is an exciting blend of learning and contribution. Each day, Meghan dives into generating Revit building models and architectural drawings for various design stages, from schematic design to construction documents. She works closely with Michael Nee, Project Architect, checking and updating project drawings in Revit to ensure accuracy and quality. Her responsibilities also include conducting pre-design studies, assisting with marketing efforts, and documenting existing conditions.
Additionally, Meghan contributes to setting office standards using the SpecLink program, which lays the groundwork for future tasks. This active engagement, supported by a one-on-one learning environment, has significantly boosted her confidence in using Revit and other essential architectural technologies.
Benefits of the Gienapp Internship Experience
Working with construction documents and in construction administration has enabled Meghan to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world practice. She learned to view the design process from a construction standpoint, which significantly influenced her approach to projects.
One of the standout aspects of her internship was the collaborative environment. “I really appreciate that everyone I have worked with has not just told me what to do, but has also explained why it is done that way. I have not only learned the technical skills of how to complete certain tasks, but also the logic behind why things are done the way they are,” Meghan noted.
Key Takeaways
One thing Meghan highlighted from her experience at Gienapp is the benefit of seeing the design process from different perspectives. As Meghan notes, learning to approach projects from a holistic angle is an invaluable skill that is hard to grasp from a classroom setting, so this experience has been pivotal in her understanding of the various components that contribute to a project.
Meghan also noted that Gienapp’s collaborative culture has been one of the most memorable aspects of her time here, and is something she will strive to foster within the teams she works with throughout her architectural career. Meghan notes that this is a nice system to be a part of, adding “The collaboration is really inviting, and people always seem open to helping each other.”
Unique Highlights
Throughout her internship, Meghan had the opportunity to observe various types of designs and project stages, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of the architectural process. This exposure allowed her to appreciate how different design elements come together and how the complexities of each project phase impact the overall plan.
Site visits offered her behind-the-scenes insights, enriching her overall experience. “Visiting project sites has helped me gain a more complete picture of the projects and added to my understanding of how an architect is involved in the construction process,” Meghan reflects.
Advice for Others Pursuing an Architectural Internship
Reflecting on her time with us, Meghan shared valuable advice for future candidates. She notes that from her experience, keeping an updated portfolio is crucial, as it serves as a ready showcase of your work during interviews. She also emphasized the importance of taking initiative, explaining, “Don’t be afraid to reach out to firms and ask if they are looking for an intern. The process can be discouraging, but taking the initiative can work.”
Meghan’s journey at Gienapp Architects exemplifies the profound learning and growth opportunities we offer, both for interns and our full-time staff. With hands-on experience, collaborative projects, and strong mentorship, we equip our team members to excel in their careers, all while contributing to the success of our major projects.