From moving to a newly designed office to a completing a full rebrand, IKM has experienced a period of great change and excitement in 2017. As one of the AIA PA Firms Fostering Emerging Professionals, IKM is continuing a landmark year by expanding our AXP Program with the IKM Summer Internship Program. This week, we welcomed Jamie Tyler, Shannon Capone, and Sigita Ivaska.
Candidates were asked to submit their resume, portfolio, and essay response to the question: “What do you hope to achieve and/or learn from an internship?” We are pleased to welcome these three exceptional women as they spend the summer with us before completing their final year of schooling.
Jamie Tyler
Interior Design, Kent State University
Ashland, OH Raised, Cleveland Indians Fan, Proud Cat Mom
Jamie comes to us after returning from the Kent State study abroad program in Florence, Italy this past Spring. She hopes this opportunity working in a professional environment will help reveal the design focus that is right for her: “I am still uncertain as to which type of design I am most interested in, and I hope to find out what kind of work I enjoy the most.” Her exploration of design has not stopped her from joining the professional design community as an undergraduate, “I have gained some design experience through my involvement with the International Interior Design Association, mainly through attending their design charrettes, but I have never worked in a firm.”
Shannon Capone
Architecture, Penn State University
Pittsburgher, Musical Theater Kid, Color guard Performer
Shannon is currently enrolled in the Master of Architecture program at Penn State University after completing her undergraduate degree in Architectural Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Having worked part-time for a small firm, Shannon is eager to experience the dynamic project teams of a larger firm: “This summer, I am looking for an experience at a large company that offers the possibility to work with a variety of designers. My designs thrive when I am in a collaborative environment.”
Our portfolio of work in healthcare also has personal significance for her: “I am attracted to IKM after seeing the Forbes Regional Hospital Project. I went to high school at Franklin Regional, and the tragedy of 2014 shed light on the importance of architecture. This project inspires me to be a part of a firm that cares about its clients and improves quality of life.”
Sigita Ivaska
Architecture, Roger Williams University
Varsity Softball Player, Native Lithuanian Speaker, Oldest of Five
Sigita graduated this May with her Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a minor in Art and Architectural History and Construction Management. She will return to Rhode Island in the Fall to complete their Master of Architecture program. Despite having a strong background in architectural theory, Sigita plans to use her time at IKM to strengthen the skills that are unique to working in a deadline-driven firm. “There are aspects of architecture which are better taught through job settings, and I want to learn those skills to continually grow and improve every day,” including building strong client relationships, project scheduling, and working under a budget.
Highlights of the Program:
- Mentor Assignment: Each of the summer interns will have a registered Project Architect guiding them and providing professional development support. They will assist in answering any questions, help with AXP hours, and be an overall mentor throughout their experience.
- Project Team Match: Each summer intern should experience how it feels to be part of a project team. IKM has matched each intern to a larger project team to learn our process, teamwork, and collaboration. As part of this time, the individual will learn and execute core skills in project management, programming and analysis, project planning and design, and construction and evaluation.
- Cohort Directive: Interns will choose an IKM “cohort,” or special interest group with which they would like to participate in for the summer and assist in accomplishing their unique goals.
- IKM PechaKucha Presentations: With the assistance of full-time staff, interns will take part in this creative exercise, Japanese for “chit-chat,” at the beginning and end of the internship to strengthen skills in public speaking.