Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)’s Post

As I progress in my internship in the real estate sector, I’m gaining invaluable insights into an industry that blends vision, precision, and innovation. A recent visit to the Lodha site gave me a hands-on perspective on how iconic projects are brought to life. Key learnings so far: 1️⃣ Project Management in Action: The Lodha site demonstrated the importance of meticulous planning, seamless execution, and timely decision-making in large-scale developments. 2️⃣ Customer-Centric Design: Understanding how spaces are designed to align with client needs and lifestyle aspirations has deepened my appreciation for real estate’s impact on lives. 3️⃣ Sustainability at Scale: Witnessing how sustainability principles are integrated into infrastructure planning and construction reinforced the need for environmentally conscious growth. 4️⃣ Financial Acumen: From project financing to pricing strategies, I’m gaining practical exposure to how financial frameworks drive successful real estate ventures. 5️⃣ Team Synergy: The collaboration between architects, engineers, designers, and strategists stood out as a core strength in delivering excellence. This internship has not only enhanced my technical understanding but also underscored the importance of adaptability, communication, and innovation in shaping tomorrow’s landscapes.

👀 Ever wondered how your expertise could shape the future of a student's career? With the support of Genesis Experiential Learning and Career Centre, Shift Interiors had the chance to guide interior design students through a transformative job shadowing experience, and the results were inspiring! 🎨✨ From observing design projects in action to engaging with industry professionals, students gained invaluable insights into the real-world workings of the design field. 🌟 Here’s what makes job shadowing special: ✔️ It’s an opportunity to share knowledge. ✔️ Build connections with eager, talented students. ✔️ Inspire the next generation of industry leaders. If you’re ready to showcase what makes your workplace extraordinary, reach out today through a comment or a direct message! Together, we can connect your expertise with enthusiastic students ready to learn! 📩 Join us in creating meaningful learning experiences – one shadowing opportunity at a time. #ExperientialLearning #CareerGrowth #IndustryInsights #JobShadowing #FutureLeaders #ShiftInteriors #ConnectAndGrow

Joining an internship program is an exciting step in any professional journey. 💼 To help current or future interns navigate this experience, the AD&V team has compiled a treasure trove of advice to help interns thrive, learn, & grow. 🌱 Take a look at how you can make the most of your internship experience. 🌟 Let us know your favorite piece of advice in the comments below! ⬇️ #advfirm #blog #internship #internshipblog #internshipprogram #advice #internshipadvice

From Challenges to Growth Reflecting on how far we can come, it’s clear that every step, challenge, and achievement shapes our path. **Early Beginnings** 👷🏼♀️ Starting with a strong educational foundation in Lebanon, it became evident that a passion for architecture and design can lead to incredible opportunities. **Academic Pursuits** 👩🏼🏫 Moving across countries for higher education in architecture and project management—first in Italy, then the UK—showed that the quest for knowledge knows no boundaries. **Professional Milestones** 👩🏼💻 Internships can open doors. Starting at Foster + Partners and progressing to significant roles in London with AECOM demonstrated the power of dedication and seizing opportunities. **Personal Growth** 💆🏼♀️ Life’s challenges, including being away from loved ones and coping with loss, teach resilience and empathy. These experiences shape our character and drive. **Giving Back** Mentorship is key. Guiding students and supporting colleagues in their growth not only enriches their journey but also reinforces the importance of community and shared knowledge. **Looking Ahead** The journey is ongoing. Each challenge overcome and goal achieved is a testament to perseverance. With determination, we can all move forward, embrace new opportunities, and continue growing. Let’s keep pushing towards our dreams and supporting each other along the way. #architecture #design #growth #opportunity #resilience #mentorship #community #AECOMDesignManagement #engineering #projectmanagement #designmanagement

"Hey everyone! Let's talk about navigating challenges during interior design internships, especially when it comes to technical and on-site knowledge. As young designers, internships are our stepping stones into the industry, but they can come with their fair share of hurdles. One major challenge is mastering the technical aspects of design – from software proficiency to understanding building codes and regulations. It can feel overwhelming, but here's the scoop on how to tackle it head-on: 🚀Ask Questions Fearlessly: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Whether it's seeking clarification on design software or understanding technical drawings, your mentors are there to guide you. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. 🚀Take Initiative: Seize every chance to dive deep into technical tasks. Offer to assist with drafting, space planning, or researching building materials. The more hands-on experience you gain, the more confident you'll become in your technical abilities. 🚀Continuous Learning: Interior design is an ever-evolving field. Stay updated on industry trends, software advancements, and building codes through workshops, online courses, and industry publications. Knowledge is power! 🚀Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback is invaluable for growth. Request feedback from your supervisors and peers on your technical skills and areas for improvement. Use it as a roadmap to refine your skills further. 🚀Network and Collaborate: Connect with fellow interns and industry professionals. Collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and exchange insights. Networking opens doors to new opportunities and fosters a supportive community. Remember, every challenge you overcome during your internship is a stepping stone towards becoming a proficient and sought-after interior designer. Embrace the journey, stay curious, and never stop learning! #InteriorDesign #InternshipInsights #TechnicalSkills #DesignJourney"

The real life of a founder: One day, you’re leading the team and setting the vision, and the next, you’re an apprentice, learning on the go as you dive into unfamiliar tasks. You’re responsible for strategy and management, but also handling work a trainee might do. While it feels like you have to manage everything, what you’re really doing is fitting together the pieces of a puzzle, ensuring everything aligns. And yes, sometimes you also get to be the person capturing beautiful photos of magnificent buildings like this one ;)

🧑🎓 How did the students of Architecture and Urban Design faculty of Kimyo International University in Tashkent spend their internship at the Yellow River Conservancy Technical Institute of China?   🎞 In this video, we will share the most interesting moments of the internship, new experiences that students gained and the educational programs offered to them.

Exploring Diverse Specialties in Building Design through Internships: Varied Project Portfolios Engineering Consultancies Construction Management Specialized Design Studios Interdisciplinary Experiences The goal is to gain a diverse set of internship experiences to develop a well-rounded skillset in Building Design.

5 Things to I’m Doing Over Winter Break to Prep for 2025 Internships and Career Goals These 5 weeks of winter break is the perfect time to catch up and prepare for what’s next. Here’s how I’m using the next five weeks to get ready for 2025 interior design internships: 1. Practicing CAD and Rhino—focusing on small projects to sharpen my skills. 2. Researching design and construction firms in Austin to find companies that inspire me. 3. Scheduling coffee chats with mentors and reading articles to stay connected and learn. 4. Improving communication through YouTube tutorials and LinkedIn Learning—because good design is nothing without clear messaging. 5. Revisiting my portfolio—curating my best work and developing stronger concepts. What are your plans this winter? Any tips or resources you recommend? Let’s keep each other motivated! #InteriorDesign #WinterBreakGoals #PortfolioBuilding #Networking

The Value of Walking Buildings in Commercial Real Estate One of the coolest aspects I viewed of working in commercial real estate is that you can physically see the market with your own eyes. During my internship at Cushman & Wakefield, walking office towers wasn’t just a task, it was a window into the market itself. There’s something unique about being able to walk through the buildings, seeing exactly who occupies the space, how they use it, and how these offices shape the overall market. You’re not relying on internet data or reports alone, you’re actually observing the businesses and dynamics in real time! What fascinates me the most about commercial real estate is the hands-on approach. You’re not just analyzing data, you’re watching the market unfold in real time.