Summer at the office feels a little different! There’s a special vibrancy in the air when new faces of summer interns join our office culture. They’ve headed back to school now, but it’s been a blast encouraging them, learning from them, and creating special memories for us all. Before they left, three of the summer interns took the time to share what a day in the life of a TURNERBATSON student intern really looks like.

From participating in project site visits and meeting reps from various furniture or textile companies to enjoying a ball game, barbeque or ice cream social, our interns seemed to have a great time while gaining valuable experience along the way.

Here’s a snapshot of their feedback:

1. Explain the day in the life of a student intern.

“It can vary, but you will be working on projects with your supervisor a large majority of the time. Oftentimes, this involves site visits and meetings with owners, contractors, and consultants. Throughout the day you may have periodic check-ins with your supervisor and work independently the rest of the day. There are also occasional meetings and events with the entire firm, which allow for moments of connection with those you do not typically work with.” – Ryan Kubinski, Student Intern – Architecture

2. Is this internship what you thought it would be?

“Yes and no! I was not expecting to have as much design freedom. I feel like TURNERBATSON has welcomed my ideas and opinions, which has helped me gain confidence.” – Mallory Morris, Interior Design Team

3. Why are student internships important?

“Internships are especially important for architecture students because it helps to bridge the gap between a school project and a real building design. Internships expose us to all the aspects of real-world design from communication with clients, contractors, and engineers to the technical details such as building code, life safety plans, structure, mechanical, and more. Architecture internships are also a great opportunity to see how professionals take all those factors into consideration while still having a beautiful design that they love!” – Addie Holden, Student Intern – Architecture

4. If you could give students a piece of advice as they prepare for internships, what would that be?

“The advice I would give is to be open to doing things you are unfamiliar with. Even though it can be stressful to work in software programs unknown to you or in an area you lack knowledge in, this is how you grow and learn the different aspects of the profession. In addition, I would ask everyone questions and try to learn from everybody, regardless of their position or experience within the firm.” – Ryan Kubinski, Student Intern – Architecture

5. Tell us a little-known fact about architecture or interior design:

“Interior designers spend a lot more time than most people realize coordinating with other professions such as architects, engineers, and contractors.” – Mallory Morris, Interior Design Team

6. What is the best piece of advice you’ve gained from a mentor in architecture/interior design?

“The best advice I have gained from a mentor in architecture is to simply not be afraid to ask for an explanation if you are confused! As an architecture student just starting out in my career, I see many unfamiliar technical drawings and things I do not quite understand yet during site visits. Asking my mentor, supervisor, coworkers, or builders about what confuses me has allowed me to learn and understand so much more, and they are always happy to help!” – Addie Holden, Student Intern – Architecture

7. What is the most important thing that you have learned throughout your internships?

“Take risks whether it be in life or in design! I took a huge risk moving to a brand-new city alone, and it has quickly become one of the best decisions I have ever made! As far as design goes, taking a risk can be as simple as mixing two bold patterns together. You never know what will work until you try it!” – Mallory Morris, Interior Design Team

8. Tell us what you find humor in during your day?

“Since the interns all sat together, we started a candy drawer and took short breaks in the afternoons to try new candy or enjoy our favorites.” – Mallory Morris, Interior Design Team

9. Tell us about the friendships you have created with the other interns:

“I have created great friendships with the other interns that would not have been possible without a summer internship. It is great to learn about what students from other schools have experienced throughout their education and connecting based on shared interests.” – Ryan Kubinski, Student Intern – Architecture