What kind of work did you do as an architectural intern at INVISION?

MICAH: I have worked with many project scopes and team sizes, anywhere from a small development of cottage court style single-family housing units and healthcare clinic remodels to larger-scale K‑12 education marketed projects. Each of these opportunities has allowed me to advance specific skills of the architectural process while also understanding a holistic narrative of what it takes to make it into a reality. Each project I have assisted in gives me more confidence for new ones in the future.

CARLIE: I have worked on several different types of things, ranging from visual graphics to fully being on project teams. Most of the projects I have worked on were healthcare projects like a clinic, emergency department, and surgical support spaces. In each project, I learned more about the architectural process and the different aspects of healthcare design. 

 2023 Intern Project Tours | Grimes Public Library

What is the most valuable thing you have learned during your internship?

MICAH: Architects and professionals as a whole need to be versatile. There are many roles or ​“hats” an architect can take on, and my experience in this position as a part-time intern has shown me the value of being flexible. Some of the primary tenets I have learned from my experience at INVISION are to maintain a degree of professionalism and flexibility that helps structure the course of a project and its parts more effectively. Although taught in school as well, INVISION has exposed me to a broader range of material sciences necessary when considering a project for construction in the real world.

CARLIE: The most valuable thing I have learned is not to be afraid to ask questions. I just finished school, and I am not expected to know everything. The best way to learn is to ask questions! I have also learned a lot about the technical side of architecture while working here, and it has made me think about how the projects I worked on in school would work in the real world. 

Why INVISION?

MICAH: INVISION offers a unique set of circumstances to apply your skills and enhance them through access to a variety of project stages that make for a well-rounded experience. The city of Waterloo is also my hometown, so that sense of relatability and familiarity drew me to this position.

CARLIE: I wanted to stay with INVISION post-grad, primarily because it seems like a big family here. Everyone is eager to support me and answer my questions as I have them since I am just starting my career.

 2023 Intern Project Tours | Lincoln Savings Bank

What are you looking forward to in your future career as an architect?

MICAH: Before becoming a licensed architect, I want to ensure that, as a designer and maker, I can make clients, communities, and consultants feel comfortable and confident in my ability to help them bring their ideas to life. My goal is to assist them in creating projects that meet their needs and expectations. The tendency for designers and architects to stereotypically make something that ​“looks cool” surely is an appealing approach, but I do not want to lose sight of what really matters in the production of any project: the real people who use it.

CARLIE: I am excited that in the architecture field, I will always be learning something new. There is no way to know everything, so I am excited to embrace that I will continue to learn new things every day.

Give one piece of advice to future interns.

MICAH: Make sure to keep an open mind to the new experiences coming your way at INVISION. There is a wealth of knowledge that may seem insurmountable to stomach early on, but by keeping track of the projects you’ve worked on, requesting to take certain documentation of your part in the project, and actively listening to what your mentors and peers have to say about a project will go a long way! Also, don’t be afraid to speak up and add your thoughts or inquiries about an aspect of a project you’re interested in learning more about!

CARLIE: Don’t be afraid to ask questions; it is the best way to learn. You are not going to know everything when you are still in school, so you are going to get stuck at some points and need direction and clarification. Whenever you get stuck, just ask the people around you for help, and they will be more than happy to work through questions with you.

Starting an internship can be a daunting experience, filled with uncertainty and the challenge of stepping into the professional world for the first time. However, as Micah and Carlie’s journeys illustrate, this initial fear quickly transforms into a valuable learning opportunity. The transition from intern to full-time employee is a significant milestone marked by personal and professional growth. Micah and Carlie’s stories emphasize the importance of embracing this journey with curiosity and an open mind. Their experiences have equipped them with practical knowledge while instilling a deep sense of confidence and purpose in their careers. As they continue to grow and thrive in their new positions, we look forward to witnessing their contributions to the architectural field and their impact on the communities we serve.