Designing Dreams: The Peacock Architects Internship Experience
At Peacock Architects, we believe in investing in the next generation of architectural talent. Our internship program serves as a platform for budding architects to gain invaluable experience, refine their skills, and embark on exciting career journeys. Today, we're thrilled to highlight the success stories of two remarkable interns: Gabe, who is embarking on an exciting journey with Disney Imagineering, and Cristian, who is transitioning into a full-time role with Peacock Architects.
Gabe Gillman
Q: What initially drew you to Peacock Architects' internship program, and how has the experience matched or surpassed your initial expectations?
Gabe: Peacock Architects has been such an amazing and supportive workplace, especially as an intern. I initially joined the team when an existing intern I also went to FAU with reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in coming on board. Since then, they have been super flexible in allowing me to prioritize school while achieving a healthy work-life balance. They have also been so supportive in allowing me to pursue my larger career goals and have welcomed me back after both my Disney and Universal Internships.
Q: Congratulations on your exciting opportunity with Disney Imagineering! How do you feel your time at Peacock Architects has prepared you for this next chapter in your career?
Gabe: In addition to the support discussed previously, I could not have had those opportunities without the experience gained from working on real-world projects at Peacock. Interning here has allowed me to develop an understanding of the actual process of design and construction and how relationships between architects, clients, contractors, and consultants come together. Our office is like a tight-knit family where you can ask anyone for help when needed. Across the office, there are so many projects being worked on simultaneously that you can always jump on to something new and exciting.
Q: Can you share a specific project or task you worked on during your internship that you feel particularly proud of?
Gabe: A few months ago, I was encouraged to take the leading role in putting together a package of Construction Documents for a large project. This was a large step and taking an active role in the process was very gratifying.
Q: Architecture is a field that often demands creativity and problem-solving skills. Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered during your internship and how you successfully navigated it?
Gabe: To be honest, I think the largest challenge has been successfully navigating both work and school and making time for full-time classes while simultaneously being able to gain practical working experience.
Q: Looking back on your time as an intern, what advice would you give to future interns hoping to make the most of their experience at Peacock Architects?
Gabe: My best advice is to honestly just soak up as much knowledge and experience from the amazing people here. Every day I feel like I learn something new because I engage with the talented individuals here, participate in company events, and am constantly asking questions.
Q: Is there anything else you want to note about your intern experience at Peacock Architects?
Gabe: All in all, I am so beyond grateful for my time at Peacock. Truly without them, I would not be on the path I’m on and I’ve made so many memories I will cherish forever.
Cristian Mendez
Q: What initially drew you to Peacock Architects' internship program, and how has the experience matched or surpassed your initial expectations?
Christian: Initially I was recommended the position through a friend. Although initially not knowing what to expect, it has come to teach me tremendously about real world architecture experiences.
Q: In what ways has your internship at Peacock Architects prepared you for transitioning into a full-time role?
Christian: During my role, I’ve learned way more about the day-to-day interactions between us designers as well as interactions with other interdisciplinary studies like engineers and contractors. It's really nice because during school we don’t get those experiences.
Q: Can you share a specific project or task you worked on during your internship that you feel particularly proud of?
Christian: After working on drawings for Dwyer High School and Olympic Heights High School, seeing my work for the first time in a set of official documents was surreal. It really made me want to keep working and pushing towards learning what I can to be able to achieve this feeling again.
Q: Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered during your internship and how you successfully navigated it?
Christian: When I run into problems with what I’m working on, the team doesn’t hesitate to help point me in the right direction as success for one of us is success for all of us.
Q: Looking back on your time as an intern, what advice would you give to future interns hoping to make the most of their experience at Peacock Architects?
Christian: It is really a family here and everyone wants to see you do well and succeed so you’ll never have to worry or feel bad for asking for help.
The Peacock Internship Program serves as a launchpad for aspiring architects, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed in the industry. Congratulations to Gabe and Christian on their achievements, and we look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish in their careers.
If you are interested in an internship at Peacock Architects, email cristin@peacockarchitect.com