“We find that arcDESIGN interns bring a renewed energy to the firm, updated ideas on process and design, and a positive reinforcement to our studio culture of continuous learning. We’ve had many interns transition into full-time employees after graduation, and others that have moved into high-level graduate schools across the country. Their short and long-term impact on our organization cannot be over-stated,” says Andy Hine, AIA, Principal.
The firm attracts talent from top architecture programs nationwide, and currently hosts interns from Ball State University and the University of Cincinnati — (pictured from left to right) Noah Smith, Noah Porter and Christopher McKay.
Noah Smith is a fourth-year student in the 5-year Ball State College of Architecture and Planning Program and is working with the Higher Ed team. Upon graduation in 2021, he plans on becoming an accredited architect and focusing on sustainability within the profession. He will also take advantage of an opportunity to travel globally before starting his career.
“The thing that hit me the hardest here in just 2 months is ‘you only know what you know’, and I think that quick realization has led me to accept a lot of advice, says Smith, “I have learned an incredible amount in such a short time—the staff has taken me under their wings and pushed me to get a lot of different experiences and I couldn’t be more thankful.”
Noah Porter is a first-year graduate in the Ball State, Masters of Architecture Program, graduating in 2021. He is working on an Assisted Living project with our Corporate team. After graduation, Noah plans on getting licensed, rehabbing his car and perhaps moving to somewhere without winters. He has found that arcDESIGN has a lot of helpful people who want to keep you engaged.
“I’ve had experience on both ends of a project— from the front-end marketing to win a project, to the back-end of putting together Design Document (DD) and Construction Document (CD) sets,” stated Porter.
Christopher McKay is a second-year student in the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning program (DAAP). He is interning at arcDESIGN during the first of three co-op semesters with a graduation date of 2022. After graduation, he plans on working in the field for a year and then enrolling in a related master’s program. His current focus is assisting the Healthcare team on a medical office building project.
“I enjoy working in such a positive environment and having the opportunity to work on all phases of the design process. Overall, my experience at arcDESIGN has been fantastic, and I look forward to learning even more,” says McKay.