Last Friday, the Architecture/Design High School Internship program wrapped up at the third annual Summer Share Out, an event celebrating the conclusion of the program. Hosted by BSA’s Taylor Johnson, this event provided a platform for the interns to present their experiences, learnings, and reflections. It was an inspiring event that not only highlighted the growth and development of these young architects but also celebrated the collaborative efforts of the host firms and partners who made the internships a success.

With interns ranging from grades 10-12, the majority of students are rising juniors and seniors, while others are about to embark on their freshman year of college. This year’s cohort boasts incoming students to Bentley University, Harvard University, Northeastern University, University of Massachusetts Boston, and Wentworth Institute of Technology.

A Growing Tradition

Since the program’s beginning in 2022, the Summer Share Out has become a cornerstone event, rounding out the Summer Fridays series and showcasing youth-centered career explorations in architecture and design. This year’s event was further enriched by the presence of the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC), whose support as a core partner has been instrumental in guiding interns from the application process through to their professional experiences. Their STEM Sector Employment Managers and Career Specialists showed their support by attending the event at the BSA Space.

From the Interns: Insights and Reflections

The focal point of the event was undoubtedly the intern presentations. Each student was given the opportunity to talk about their summer experience and share their work, personal highlights, and reflect on the skills they acquired. These presentations varied, with some focusing on the technical challenges they tackled, while others explored how their interests intersected with their professional experiences.

The interns’ experiences extended beyond just design skills. They were deeply embedded in the firms, meeting with architects, designers, engineers, and contractors, gaining a comprehensive view of the industry. As one student aptly put it, the internship was not only "a really enjoyable experience," but it "opened a lot of doors" and expanded their understanding of what working in architecture entails. Throughout their presentations, the interns shared the lessons they learned that will undoubtedly shape their future academic and professional paths. Many emphasized the importance of time management, self-discipline, and the ability to advocate for oneself—skills that are just as critical as technical expertise in the architecture field.

Amya, an intern at Goody Clancy (pictured at the top of this article), shared how working alongside her co-intern, Raniya, provided her with valuable insights. "Working with Raniya was instrumental," she said. "She brought a different perspective to our projects, and it was fascinating to see how we each approached problems differently."

Throughout the event, the interns shared their reflections on their time spent at various architecture and design firms. Many expressed how their experiences had not only solidified their interest in the field but also broadened their understanding of what architecture entails. They spoke about the collaborative nature of the work, the importance of sustainability, and how architecture interacts with and impacts the environment and communities.

A recurring theme in the interns' presentations was the value of mentorship and networking. Interns highlighted how much they appreciated the opportunity to connect with professionals who guided them through their projects, shared their career journeys, and offered valuable advice. These connections, they noted, were instrumental in helping them navigate their internships and think critically about their future career paths.

One intern shared how the experience transformed their perspective on architecture, realizing that it’s more than just designing buildings—it's about creating spaces that improve people's lives. This sentiment was echoed by others who spoke about how their internships opened their eyes to the various facets of architecture, including urban planning, interior design, and sustainability.

Looking Ahead

As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the internships had a profound impact on the students. For some, the experience solidified their desire to pursue architecture in college while others used the opportunity to confirm that while they enjoyed the experience, their true passions lay elsewhere.

Firms Customized Their Approaches to Hosting Interns

Firms took on active roles as planners, facilitators, and mentors, each customizing their approach to meet both their unique structure and the interests of their interns. Most firms combined foundational exercises, like design skills and drawing, with real-world exposure to projects, meetings, and lectures. This balanced approach allowed interns to hone their skills while gaining a broad understanding of the architecture profession during their six weeks in the program.

One firm, hosting an intern for the third summer, adapted the program to focus on the student’s interest in data analytics. Rather than rotating through various tasks, the intern worked on a long-term design challenge and contributed to ongoing initiatives, such as indexing project data for quality assurance. This approach gave the student a deeper dive into specific aspects of the profession. Another firm immersed their intern in a design charrette, complemented by exposure to different project types and office operations, providing a comprehensive overview of architectural practice. Each firm’s tailored approach ensured interns left with a richer understanding of architecture as both an educational and career path.

A Bright Future

The BSA’s 2024 Summer Share Out was more than just a celebration of the interns’ hard work—it was a glimpse into the future of architecture. These young students, with their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm, are poised to make significant contributions to the field. As they move forward in their academic and professional journeys, the lessons they’ve learned this summer will undoubtedly serve them well.

The BSA, along with its partners and host firms, can take pride in knowing that they have played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of architects and designers. The future of architecture looks bright with these talented and motivated individuals leading

Impacts All Around

The Summer Share Out event also underscored the impact of the Architecture/Design High School Internship program on both the students and the host firms. Firms benefited from the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm that the interns brought, while the students gained hands-on experience in a professional setting, which is invaluable as they consider their future educational and career choices.

The presence of the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) was particularly significant, as their involvement throughout the process—from recruitment to placement—ensured that the program was accessible to a diverse group of students. The support from PIC, along with the dedication of the host firms, made this internship program a transformative experience for the students involved.

As the event concluded, there was a strong sense of accomplishment and optimism. The interns had not only completed their internships but had also taken significant steps toward their future careers. The Summer Share Out served as a fitting celebration of their hard work and the collaborative spirit that made the program a success.

Thank you to our partners at the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) and participating firms: Bergmeyer, Elkus Manfredi Architects, Finegold Alexander Architects, Goody Clancy, Leers Weinzapfel Associates, Page, Payette, and RODE Architects.