BLOG#10
I have nothing but good things to say about my internship experience! Hangar 41 was beyond generous and my sponsors were definitely the best at helping me out and learning. Since day one I knew my experience was going to be one for the books. If ya’ll remember, on day one of the internship there was no internet and all we did is play fuzzball! Everyone there was so willing help, which made me feel part of the crew.
I definitely did not expect to be treated the way I was. I totally thought that I would be doing boring stuff but the fact that they let me express myself and go my own pace was shocking. They taught me so many hacks to different programs which I thought I had pretty down. Like one of the architects I work with said, “You learn so damn much in a small office,” frankly it is so true. I learned a whole new set of things, a new process to design after, and to work with equipment.
Most importantly I learned that architecture is what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. Going in there I knew I liked architecture but wasn’t sure what side I wanted to go into. Whether it was the design part or the engineering part. Working at Hangar 41 I was able to clarify that and enhanced that passion. I will be attending UCD, in the fall to get my bachelors in ARCH. I. AM. EXCITED.
BLOG#9
I have seen so many things at my internship that I picture myself doing in the near future. I love the ambiance of the place, iI love the work they do, I love architecture. Anything that has to do with it intrigues me even more. As an architect you express yourself throughout your designs. As an artistic architect I have learned how to take constructive criticism and take in peoples idea. The worse thing one can do is be married to your work and not accept any type of comment. As an artist, one must realize that not every one has the same taste and not every one is going to see the vision you want them to see.
In a way the internship did make me change my artistic ambition because architecture is all about pleasing the client. Yeah its about the design you present but most importantly what kind of design the client wants you to present. It is difficult sometimes having to deal with another person especially if they’re into your not so into either. Architecture is about expressing your own designs but it is also about pleasing the client with your designs. Which is extremely important that you have communication skills and not only artistic abilities.
I am very appreciative on everything the Hangar 41 crew has done for me! All the tips and pointers they have done for me and everything, they did give me a reality of what my future might look like and I have fallen even more in love. Every time I go in I loose track of time!
BLOG#8
My internship project is so chic and modern! I have an obsession for shipping containers and the way they are being used for modern home design today. So I took my passion and designed an addition, to the architect studio I am working with, conference room. It is a 10×20 ft. shipping container office right outside of Hangar 41. Coming up the idea was simple the Hangar 41 crew originally wanted more space and what better way of doing that but using a modern trend of the shipping container.
When I shared with them the thought or interest in shipping containers right away they went to sharing the project they wanted me to do! A whole design process was then started. I had to interview each and everyone of the architects to see what they wanted with the new extra space. After the interviews I had to compare and see how I would fit everyone’s desires. I had three thesis statements on what the shipping container would be and what they would be able to do in there. I presented the thesis statements to the Hangar 41 crew, received feedback, then started to sketch the office by hand. After that I went to Sketchup.
Overall the Hangar 41 crew really liked the ideas I had for the shipping container. They liked the idea that the shipping container can be used for First Fridays and could also be used for mobile marketing. It is a very unique office and totally different, I absolutely loved it!
BLOG#7
Working alongside the Hangar 41 people has been something. They give me all the freedom and responsibility everyone has. The difference between working on personal art projects other than the ones im assigned here is that one has a due date and the other doesn’t. I enjoy both, I am able to express my creativity through them both. I have to use my creativity to fit one persons style, that’s another factor that differs both.
I have learned a significant amount of material and have gained much more knowledge about the career I want to pursue. Being able to express my creative side in every project i work on is definitely something I want to be doing for the rest of my life. Most importantly I have learned that in order to be successful in this career is by being passionate about it. I have learned that work is not always going to be handed to me. I have to repeatedly have prove myself. Meaning my creativity has to be so versatile to appeal to clients and also be unique. Architecture is my passion and since my time here I’ve only enhanced my feelings those feelings. You know you really enjoy something when you can spend hours and it only feeling like minutes. I’ve learned how to incorporate other people’s styles with mine, how to take constructive criticism, and how to confidently talk and present my work. All which future architects do not start to learn until their second year of college. Only being a Senior in high school, I am ahead of the game!
BLOG#6
Today I had my first presentation to the whole staff. I was terrified, I believe I used the bathroom three times prior to presentation. Maybe not terrified more like mortified. Though my coworkers stress it to me that they’re not going to judge, I have trust issues and I’m a perfectionist plus I have an ego to feed! I want excellent feedback, though of course I have to be realistic.
People at work are extraordinary, my presentation did not even feel like a presentation. Everyone loved my ideas and chimed in their ideas to make my designs even grander. They did not judge but they did guide. My coworkers find ways to make me understand concepts easily. They are not vague about anything and thoroughly explain everything to me. They have the best answers to my question and always give the best feedback.
I will not lie, presenting I was afraid I was going to be seen as an amateur.
BLOG #5
The pressure is definitely on with this shipping container addition. Although things have been slow and my sponsors haven’t really let go of my hand to work freely on it, I’m pushing through it and soaking up all the feedback they are giving me. They have had me reading many books to get in the right designing mindset.
I am extremely fortunate to have had my sponsors teach me as much as they have. My only lowlight would be the fact that was so caught up with the finish product that I had to take ten steps back to actually get the finished product. It took me a week to really understand that and the patience with my sponsors to let me free. Atlas I’m free. My highlights definitely outshine my lowlights because I have so much love for architecture that even though we were moving 10 mph I was enjoying the ride.
As times goes by, I find myself relating more to the new additions to the team, Calin, Michael, and Shawn. They all recently graduated from either college or grad school, they can relate to me and where I am standing. They have given me so much advice on what to do with certain projects and even school. Calin has already shown me what books I will be using and our architecture bible. They’re great people and what I do to improve my experience is to have an open mind and willingness to learn. I have learned a great deal of amount these past two months then I have learned my last four semesters taking arch. To me that’s that shines brighter than any minor low I have encountered. I learned that from Buddy. The 41 in the Hangar 41 name mean the day after the challenge, its the motto.
BLOG #4
My sponsors like to spoil me, I have my own desk with my own sketching notepad and writing utensils. I love it! I come in two times a week, but I also work from home. Usually my projects take up weeks. Never do I finish in one day. When I come in I will continue to work on whatever I left on last time.
My biggest contribution is yet in the design process. Literally! I am designing an addition to the office that will actually be constructed, hopefully. I have doing extensive research, and working on my hand sketching to design it. On the other hand I am one of the younger minds in the office so I come in handy with technical problems! No offense guys. But that is why they ask me to sync their iPhones to their PC’s. Just kidding but I do help in that department. Architects most of the time are working on their computers working on projects while having their earphones plugged in. So another one of my contributions are to not disturb the artist creative process. (By now you should be familiar with my sarcasm!) But I try not to smother my coworkers with a billion questions because work does have to get done and I also have work due.
Each day I come in I set up my laptop and check in with Buddy and according to my progress he will give me feedback or a deadline to when I have to have my work done. Time flies, and sometimes I continue my work at home. Work is also school so I take notes when Buddy and I check-in. Soon I notice I have to pack up to go and my heart breaks a little but reassembles when I come back.
BLOG #3
I know this opportunity is a gift that could not be taken for granted. I know that when I go in I have to show my most sincere respect and show my willingness to learn. Everyone has made it clear to not be afraid to ask them questions or talk to them. I greet everyone once I walk in and I say goodbye as I walk out. I often ask how’s the day going or make conversation with anybody. Everyone are so friendly, I sometimes feel like the baby sister just because how willing to help they are.
I always remind my principals of how grateful I am for everything they’re doing for me, but I do not want to sound redundant so I just prove it by working hard. The ambiance of the studio is always positive, I know I do not want to change that. My co-workers are always showing me cool new things and schools to look into. They even show me some of their school work and projects they have done before coming to Hangar 41. Since architecture can be individual work sometimes we don’t interact as much as a group but everyone is available to converse with or ask for help.
Since the studio or office is so small I have connected with everyone. Kara especially, when I’m waiting for Buddy to help or approve of something she usually asks me about me and how I’m doing. We converse for a little and she gives good school advice. Calin too, I feel a different connection to them because they are the only girls I work with. They guys are nice, but Buddy is the one that checks me in and gives me my assignments, you can say I’m most comfortable with him. Though the rest of the guys are great! But they just keep to themselves most of the time.
BLOG#2
Being apart of the Hangar 41 community has been an absolute pleasure. The team has took me under their wing and has treated me like one of their own. I say this because they trust me enough to include me in actual work projects. This week they assigned me to work on a shipping container home idea. But before I was able to do any designs, I had to do a case study to present to a potential client. No pressure. When I was told this I thought to myself, “I must be good, good good, the type of good that considers me a child prodigy. I don’t even have to go to school, I got this already!” Ok, just kidding but you get the point on how I felt. I was honored honestly, I knew I had to work hard because I did not want to disappoint.
Before I presented to the client I presented to Buddy who was very excited and impressed with my findings. Which added to my ego. This time I was “good” times three! We spent about an hour just talking about ideas and what would be innovative to add to a certain design. Shipping containers are the next big thing!
“When you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” Now more than ever am I a stronger believer that when someone is passionate about they do its not called work anymore. When I come in the hours go by flying. I could be doing nothing and observe the people and I know this is what I want my future to look like. This is home, this is my sanctuary.
BLOG #1
When I was in third grade I had an art teacher who introduced me to my now passion, architecture. Ever since then I have been obsessed with the artistic world of design. That being said, when I was granted the opportunity to be an intern at an architectural office I was beyond excited and grateful.
First days of work or internship are much more different than first days of high school. Which is obvious, but certainly I was more nervous and ecstatic for one than the other. My first day at Hangar 41 was epic! I walked in and as soon as I did, my sponsors were I guess you can say shocked/excited to see me. At least that’s what I thought looking at their facial expressions. Though what was really going on their minds was the completely opposite. They were shocked because they had been dealing with technical difficulties all morning. Meaning Hangar 41 hadn’t had internet access. For those who don’t know, internet connection plays an important role in the creative process just because it powers the design programs on the computers. So while Derek (Principal) was busy on the phone trying to get it fixed, Bobby gave me a tour of the office. Jokingly Bobby mentioned how he was going to give me a tour of Hangar 41 that he never got. My first day was concluded by watching a tournament of fuzzball between Buddy and Bobby. As I left Buddy said, “We will try this again on Thursday.”
My first week at Hangar 41 was unforgettable. Its a small office with seven architects. The Principals: Buddy, David, and Derek. The other four: Bobby, Shawn, Calin, and Michael. And the lovely secretary Kara. I say unforgettable because I was expecting my first day to be full on work but surprisingly it was so much fun! The next day I came in though was 100mph work. Buddy and I went over the worker plan and we talked about what I would be doing and just like that I was assigned my first project. Everyone was welcoming and not as intimidating as I imagined. There is eight different personalities that compliment the Hangar 41 ambiance. I didn’t have to do much code switching just because my personality adds to that mixture. Everyone is a big family, we are all one.