In this edition of “Step Into My Office,” three high school interns from the Malone Maxwell Borson Architects offices in Dallas give us a video tour of the space and reflect on their experiences at the firm.
Malone Maxwell Borson supervised three students from Highland Park High School during their Senior Internship Program. The students were to complete 10 hours of non-paid work per week for an 11-week period. The objective of the program is to immerse students in a professional environment so they can gain professional leadership skills and investigate potential career paths.
Tasks and activities were created and implemented by firm project designers Danielle Anderson, Assoc. AIA, Landon Williams, Assoc. AIA, and Travis Schneider, Assoc. AIA. Activities included hand drawing exercises, computer drafting (BIM), physical model-making, and project site visits. The latter included visits to a project under construction as well as completed projects. The interns worked amongst office staff in an open-office environment so they would be exposed to day-to-day office activities.
Name: Bethany Gleiser
High School: Highland Park HS, Dallas, TX
Program: Senior Internship Program, Class of 2018
Why did you choose an architecture internship?
When I was little, I always looked at buildings with a creative eye. I talked to my parents about it because I thought engineering was the way to go. They encouraged me to look into architecture. Architecture has the perfect blend of math, science, and design. That’s what attracted me to the career. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time.
What was your favorite project/task during your internship? Why?
I really liked the Revit models when we built the billiards table because I found it really challenging. The more I fumbled with it, the more we got it to work. You had to learn by trial and error, which was very beneficial.
What task did you find to be the most challenging? Why?
The same task as above. Building a physical model is more straight-forward than the computer model. A lot can go wrong in the computer. For example, our measurements were off in the computer model, and it was a huge pain to fix.
What surprised you about working in an architecture office?
It was interesting to get to know everyone because everyone is at different points in their career. It was interesting because I learned a lot more about school from one person and a lot more about the career from others.
What did you learn about being an architect (that surprised you)?
I noticed that Mr. Malone has a set material palette that he prefers. I didn’t realize that it was about selling your ideas and concepts. I didn’t know you were trying to sell your design, not have the clients dictate it to you.
How do you think your internship will impact your career path?
It has given me realistic expectations of what the field is like. The more immediate effect is that I’ve picked up basic skills that I can use in school. It’s comforting to know I’m not starting with nothing.
Next Steps: What university would you like to attend? What path of study do you intend to pursue?
I’m waiting for admissions decisions from several schools, but Auburn and Tulane are my top choices. I will definitely be going into the school of architecture.
Name: Lauren Lake
High School: Highland Park HS, Dallas, TX
Program: Senior Internship Program, Class of 2018
Why did you choose an architecture internship?
I always wanted to be an architect because my two favorite subjects are math and art. I heard about someone else doing architecture, and I though it sounded cool. I’ve always been fascinated by buildings. I definitely want to do something creative.
What was your favorite project/task during your internship? Why?
Building the billiards table in Revit following Michael’s design was my favorite. I liked learning to use Revit. We were clueless, so learning to use it was cool, and finishing was a big accomplishment.
What task did you find to be the most challenging? Why?
The physical model we are building is the most challenging to me. Understanding wall thickness and how the pieces fit together…thinking about how everything fits together is challenging.
What surprised you about working in an architecture office?
I was surprised by how nice and helpful everyone has been. Everyone has shown us how to do a lot of things.
What did you learn about being an architect (that surprised you)?
Learning different tips for college was really helpful- things like understanding the different (architecture) program types and learning about the various schools of architecture
How do you think your internship will impact your career path?
I understand a lot more about the profession and I feel more prepared for what’s to come in architecture school.
Next Steps: What university would you like to attend? What path of study do you intend to pursue?
School of Architecture — that’s the plan. I’ve already been accepted to OU, Arkansas, and Auburn, which is exciting but I’m waiting on several decisions. Clemson, Maryland, and Tulane are my top choices.
Name: Patrick Walker
High School: Highland Park HS, Dallas, TX
Program: Senior Internship Program, Class of 2018
Why did you choose an architecture internship?
I chose arch because I was interested in it as a career. I wanted to see what it was like to work in a firm, what it requires, and what you have to do.
What was your favorite project/task during your internship? Why?
Some of my favorite tasks were drawing the sites that we visited because we got to explore things that were actually constructed, explore their geometries, and all of that.
What task did you find to be the most challenging? Why?
Working on Revit I found challenging because it was a foreign thing; It was tough to adjust to it; I enjoy making 3D objects on the computer.
What surprised you about working in an architecture office?
I didn’t know that y’all made models. I thought it was all computer based. I also didn’t know about the amount of client interaction. I didn’t realize how much communication was required.
What did you learn about being an architect (that surprised you)?
I learned that it’s not just office work all the time. You’re not just developing a project and sending it off. You get to see the finished project and see it form over time, which was cool.
How do you think your internship will impact your career path?
I gained a ton of work experience. Getting to see how important it is to be on good terms with your clients and coworkers was very helpful. It gave me a good idea what it will actually be like to work in the profession and the real world.
Next Steps: What university would you like to attend? What path of study do you intend to pursue?
I applied to OU, Penn, and Vanderbilt. I was accepted to OU Honors and will be attending as a first-year pilot student for the new Biomedical Engineering program.
Do you think there are similarities between architecture and biomed?
Biomed has a lot to do with the structure of organic life forms and about breaking down how those are constructed naturally. It was interesting to see how humans recreate what’s already been created by nature and turn those into buildings.