On Tuesday, we went on a site visit to one of the many projects Studio E has been working on. It was really interesting to see them talk about why they designed the building the way they did and the challenges they came across. It was almost like their POL. Reflecting on their design and noticing issues they could have addressed. For example having a way to keep the little kids separate from the bigger kids. When John Sheehan was talking to Emane and I, he said, "Being an architect, it is kind of scary to think that your drawings will come to life." This really stuck to me because when I first started thinking about becoming an architect, I knew I really loved drawing the plans and seeing the piece come to life but it wasn't until then that I realized that is the job of an architect. Overall, it was a really neat experience and I am glad to have been able to be a part of this site visit.
I had an amazing first day at Studio E Architects. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The sound of fingers hitting the keyboard as my colleagues worked on their projects was music to my ears. My first task was to look through the project exhibits on the "t drive" for project ideas of my own and to get a better understanding of the work that they do. We then had a meeting where John Sheehan and Eric Naslund, the principles of Studio E Architects, kindly invited me to join. Rapidly trying to keep up, I took notes as my colleagues did their routinely Monday morning check-ups. The experience of sitting in a room full of strangers for a meeting was nothing new to me, but this experience was different. I had the opportunity to participate and be a part of the team. I was surprised to see how open people were to collaboration and speaking in front of a group. I know that if I didn't go to High Tech, I would not be able to speak in front of a group. So I am grateful for High Tech and the opportunities they have provided me with. So far, I went down to the basement to organize samples and I updated the San Diego Architectural Foundation event calendar. I am worried that after this internship I will not want to go back to school.
A dramatic wood wall blocked my view as I talked to the receptionists. Waiting in silent anticipation,
I watched as people worked. My mentor appeared with a great big grin on her face as we introduced ourselves. When we first walked into the room, I was shocked. It seemed just like High Tech. One big room, about 10 desks on either side and a large work table centered in the middle, ready for collaboration. The intern desk is placed right in the back with a computer and an very comfy looking rolling chair. Everywhere you looked, there were models of different projects done throughout the years. Mesmerized by their intricate detail, I gradually followed Maxine as she showed me the two offices in the front of the building. I am lucky enough to be working with Studio E Architects, but my mentor is the President of the San Diego Architectural Foundation. I know there will be several things that I will have trouble with, but it is how I overcome those things that I will use for the rest of my life. At first, I had no idea where to start. I knew I wanted to do something with architecture or engineering. As I was talking to a few of my senior friends who have been through this process before, they introduced me to Ms. Megan Willis; the architectural engineering teacher here at High Tech High Chula Vista. She helped me figure out what I'd like to do and what would be the best fit for me. Ms. Megan put me in contact with Maxine Ward from Studio E Architects and after a few emails back and forward, I confirmed my internship. I will be working with Studio E architects under Maxine Ward's supervision.
We are still in the process of determining the project I will be working on but I hope to get to build a lot of models. Though I have never taken an architectural class, High Tech High Chula Vista is a project- based learning school in which there are opportunity for designing and building products. Of the many products, I have built things from a cardboard chair to a toothpick bridge to a model shelf, a rat trap car, a recycling receptacle, to even a hovercraft but I am still deeply nervous to be building a model for Studio E Architects. What if it is not detailed enough? What if I can't get the scale correct? Are there any architectural regulations that I should know about and take into consideration? |
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