Today at JA: Meet the Interns
/For architecture and design students, summer internships are often a rite of passage. At JA, we have a rich history of teaching and mentoring students through internship opportunities, but also by lecturing in the College of Built Environments at the University of Washington. Mary and Ray Johnston met each other as graduate students at UW, so we have a special place in our heart for the institution.
We’d like to introduce you to JA’s current design interns from the University of Washington. First up: Ghida and Jake!
Ghida Ali
Ghida ali is pursuing her masters in architecture at the university of washington
When and where did you get your bachelor’s degree? Where are you studying now? When do you expect to graduate?
I received my bachelor’s degree back in 2018 from University of Khartoum in Sudan, Currently I’m doing a Master’s of Architecture in Sustainable Systems and Design at the University of Washington. I will be graduating in the Spring of 2022.
Is this your first architectural internship? If not, how does it differ from internships you’ve had in the past?
I did a couple of internships before in Sudan. The firm culture and the workflow is different from what I have experienced before. I found JA a very welcoming environment and I get to explore different areas of expertise.
“Do not hesitate to apply for internships, you will learn more from the process and connect with great people even if you didn’t get the job. And the most important thing, don’t hesitate to reach out! ”
How did you find out about JA? Were you encouraged to apply for an internship or did you ask about opportunities?
I heard about JA last year at UW, I had the chance to know Mary and Ray Johnston in studio and learn more about the work of JA. By the end of the school, I reached out and asked about summer opportunities, and I was lucky to be offered one.
What kind of architecture do you hope to focus on when you are a professional, or are you still figuring that out?
I’m still figuring out my interest in architecture, and this summer is great opportunity to explore different types of projects. However, I’m passionate about sustainable design and daylighting and I would love to see myself growing in that area.
Do you hope to stay in the US after you graduate or do you want to move back home to work as an architect?
Since I’m following a career path in sustainable design, I find Seattle and PNW a great place to live, work, and grow. Therefore, I will stay here after my graduation.
Do you have any advice for students looking for internships?
Do not hesitate to apply for internships, you will learn more from the process and connect with great people even if you didn’t get the job. And the most important thing, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Jake Woll
Jake woll works part time at ja during the academic year and full time during the summer months
When and where did you get your bachelor’s degree? Where are you studying now? When do you expect to graduate?
I attended University of Minnesota and graduated with my Architecture degree in 2017. I’ll earn my Masters from the University of Washington in Spring 2022, with Ghida.
Is this your first architectural internship? If not, how does it differ from internships you’ve had in the past?
This is not my first. I’ve worked on multi-family housing, civic projects, and urban design previously. At JA, I’ve had the greatest opportunity to act as a both a project designer and project manager. I’ve had the autonomy to explore my own ideas while the support of Ray, Mary, and the rest of the team has allowed me to ask questions and rapidly grow my skills and passion.
How do you balance working part time during the school year? Do a lot of your peers work part time throughout the year or are you the exception? Do you intend (or hope) to continue working at JA during your next academic year?
Working during school is a challenge and there is no way around it. As both architecture school and the profession are project based, it is tougher to develop a regular schedule so it requires you to be rigorous at planning and strike while the iron is hot so to speak. Don’t put off assignments or communication and be engaged when you are in the office. I would say only a quarter of my cohort work during the year, however this year may be an exception to the rule with COVID-19 affecting the industry. I do intend to work into the upcoming year
“At JA, I’ve had the greatest opportunity to act as a both a project designer and project manager. ”
What has been the most unexpected part of your internship at JA?
The knowledge sharing and team growth mindset is spectacular. Everyone supports everyone, no one is pigeon-holed into their own specializations. This really creates, I think, better all-around designers and teams.
What is one thing you’ve learned about the design industry though this internship that you would never have known about through school alone?
I now understand how gorgeous, magazine cover spaces and details are crafted into existence. Beautiful architecture is really a product of communication, process, and project management as much as simply being able to visualize and put it on paper.
Do you have any advice for students looking for internships?
Know what kind of work you’d like to explore. Big firms are great at some things and small firms are great at others. You can change your mind later but a broader breadth of experience will only serve you well.