KEPHART’s Post

As a 360-degree learning studio, Slingshot engages interns as part of the team, setting them up and supporting them to lead holistic and challenging projects and processes. Architectural interns Jessica Ritland and Noah Johnson are working on a project that explores the ground entry conditions of downtown Des Moines’ residential buildings. Their work involves analyzing planning and zoning code, and exploring optimistic alternatives. They are developing a library of resources — a “toolbox of design” — for downtown ground floor entry points. Not only will the package of deliverables benefit architects, designers, and downtown advocates, it has also provided an exciting experience for Noah and Jessica. What are their takeaways? “My knowledge on the written code and processes buildings go through to become a reality has exponentially increased. This would never have been something I would have been taught in college and so it has been fantastic to be so directly involved with it at Slingshot,” Noah says. “Our project revolves around an issue that does not have an exact answer or finish line. This conversation is one that is convoluted and will never follow a linear progression. The process of untangling this topic and exploring our own avenues has been challenging, eye-opening, and a process that I've very much enjoyed. Having the exposure to community engagement and learning more about the internal perspectives of those who spearhead planning and zoning within our city has been the highlight for me, and really brings depth to the overall conversation,” Jessica says. #SlingshotArchitecture #Slingers #Slingshot #IowaArchitecture #Architecture #AIAIowa #InteriorDesign #PlanningandZoning #SummerInterns #Internship

Meet our intern, John Trejo-Chavez! He was an invaluable member of our retail studio team this summer. Here’s a little more about John: 1️⃣ What college do you attend? I am a graduate of Greenville Technical college with an associate degree in architectural drafting. I am currently a third-year architecture major at Clemson University College of Architecture, Art and Construction. 2️⃣ What year will you graduate from Clemson? I plan to graduate in May 2024. 3️⃣ Where are you from? I am from Greenville, South Carolina, and I graduated from Greenville High School. 4️⃣ What are some of your biggest influences? I have always been interested in art, some of my greatest influences are artist. Notably Pablo Picasso, the greats from the Renaissance, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Caravaggio just to name a few. 5️⃣ How do you typically approach problem-solving? When approaching a problem, I like to use an interative process. Trying something, seeing if it works, trying a different approach, combining the two, starting over bases on what I learned, learning from failed steps. #MOATeam #MOAArchitecture #MOAInc #architect #architecturestudent #ClemsonArchitecture

Technology has a huge presence within my internship with Lisa Hatley Design. My supervisor recently gave me a project on SketchUp, where I was required to render a current client's remodeled living room to give her an idea of what the finished project would look like. This program is very time-consuming, so managing my time wisely to get this project completed was a challenge of mine. Although, the more I work in SketchUp, the more tools I learn to use and become familiar with them. Time management was definitely a skill I practiced on this project, and it only helped me improve on it. Below is a photo of my rendered living room (The flooring is a dark wood, accidentally came out as purple in the photo).

A conceptual sketch from last year when I was working on residential planning for a client at an internship. Yellow hatching, is the double height cut out which the client made necessary apart from vastu planning. The journey of planning was hard work. But i made it till the end and now it's in the construction phase. Visualizing Before on a piece of paper and then working on software practically works. #architecture #concept

Here's a great example showcasing the seamless combination of Carbon #DesignEngine with end-use production materials and reliable hardware like the #M3Max.

Explore the essence of my architectural journey in this concise portfolio, featuring select projects spanning my educational, internship, and junior architect phases. Each project encapsulates a unique chapter, showcasing the evolution of my design approach from theory to practice. Explore the intersections of creativity, learning, and professional growth in this brief glimpse into my architectural world.

Here are some Wall elevations I made during my Internship

Why is hands on, real-world experience so essential for students? Robb Berg, Principal of Design Workshop, highlights the importance of shaping the next generation of landscape architects through involvement outside the traditional classroom environment. There is often a gap between the theoretical approach taught in the classroom and the practical application on real projects. "Working for communities and with clients means understanding construction budgets, managing time constraints, navigating material limitations, and many more challenges, all the while trying to create meaningful and impactful work," says Robb. It is important to invest in this upcoming generation of young professionals, and Design Workshop’s Design Week and the Dr. Charles Fountain Internship Program are two examples of how we are providing practical experience for undergraduate and graduate students. To learn more about these programs and the importance of real-world experience for students, click the link below to read Land8: Landscape Architects Network's recent article by our very own Robb Berg. https://lnkd.in/g3SJQKYM #realworldexperience #youngprofessionals #landscapearchitects #internshipprogram #thoughtleadership #involement #practicalexperience #approach #designworkshop

🚀 Embarking on Architectural Journeys: A Fusion of Imagination & Reality Step into my world where lines blur between artistry and engineering. My portfolio is a tapestry of concepts, ranging from sustainable havens to futuristic spaces that challenge the norm. Each project is a chapter in my evolving story, where innovation meets craftsmanship. Dive in and discover how I blend tradition with avant-garde ideas to shape the future of architecture. Let's redefine the skyline, one design at a time. 🌆 Check out my portfolio and join me on this architectural adventure! #ArchitecturePortfolio #InnovativeDesign #FutureArchitect #Internship #3dvisualisation #freelancearchitect

🚀 I'm excited to share my experience getting an internship with Space Matrix.🌟 It was during the hectic Jury weeks when I was on the hunt for internships, juggling interviews and assignments simultaneously. Just three days before my Jury Exam, I received a response from Spacematrix, requesting an assignment: designing a meeting room for Dream 11 with the theme of Mumbai Indians. Despite the tight deadline and my other commitments, I dove into the task with passion and dedication. While working on the assignment, a part of me questioned if it was the right time to prioritize it. However, my unwavering passion for design drove me forward. Little did I know, this assignment would be the stepping stone to my dream opportunity. After a week with no response, I assumed I hadn't been selected and accepted an offer from another design firm. But fate had other plans. The very next day, I received a call for an interview at Spacematrix. Despite the initial confusion and stress of having accepted another offer, I realized there was a reason I had invested so much effort into the assignment. Trusting my instincts, I went through the interview process and was thrilled to receive an offer from Spacematrix. Joining the team, I knew I had found exactly what I was looking for. Reflecting on my journey, I'm grateful for the opportunity and proud of the decision I made to pursue my passion. Here's to new beginnings and seizing opportunities when they arise! #DreamInternship #PassionDriven #SpacematrixJourney 🌌 Curious to see the assignment? Check out my Behance portfolio for a glimpse into my creative process. 👇