This fall, our studio welcomed recent-graduate Jacqueline Tellez for an interior design internship. Here she shares about her experience working with several project teams as part of our integrated approach to interior architecture. See the Opportunities page for more information about our internship program.
Q: What appealed to you about working at Hennebery Eddy?
A: What appealed the most to me about Hennebery Eddy was the kind of projects the firm focuses on. As a designer, I wanted to see how different firms take on different kinds of projects and understand what I would like to focus on (in my career).
Q: How is your internship related to your studies?
A: I graduated from the Art Institute of Portland in winter 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in interior design. During my internship, I’ve been able to have the experience to work on different kinds of projects, whether the tasks were small or big. It’s been a great experience as a designer to be able to dive deep into a project; in college, we don’t have that ability.
Q: Describe some of the projects you are working on and how you are working with the project teams.
A: I am working on new renovations at the Cedar Hills Apartments, where we are improving the design/lighting in the corridors, as well designing some studios and a storage/laundry space. I’m working with another designer and an architect/project manager, and it’s been great being able to work closely with two people on a small-scale project. We had weekly meetings, which made the process of the project run smoothly, and we did a great job of communicating with one another.
Q: What are you enjoying most about your internship?
A: In the beginning of my internship, I was looking forward to working with other designers and architects and seeing different phases of a project. I was also excited to be able to assist on design options and get into Revit again. I’ve enjoyed being able to help with tasks and to take some workload off from other designers at the same time that I’m learning.
Q: What do you hope to take away from this internship?
A: During my internship, I’ve already learned so many things that I didn’t learn in college. It’s been great being able to learn how an architecture firm uses Revit, works with clients, work with project budget, finish specifications, etc. As a designer/intern, it’s also been great being able to grow relationships.
Q: What is next for you?
A: After my internship, I will be actively applying to positions in Portland. My hope is to be in hospitality design as well as multi-family housing. Aside from my career, I will be enjoying the holidays with my family.