Summer Internships in Full-Swing
Boston Public School students dive into the BSA x PIC summer internship program
Boston Public School students in grades 10-12 are currently at the midway point of this summer’s Architecture/Design High School Internships. This unique program, in collaboration with eight local firms, offers hands-on exposure to architecture and design through practical projects and site visits.
The program allows participants to return for up to three summers. Among the returning students in this year’s cohort are several college-bound individuals with diverse interests such as architecture, engineering, and data analytics. The participating firms tailor experiences to align with these interests, exemplified by one student working on sustainability analysis in preparation for a major in data analytics.
Students have expressed their enjoyment and appreciation for the welcoming environment and the opportunity to learn from professionals. They aim to improve their skills and confidence in drawing, presentation, and 3D modeling. The six-week program gives them the opportunity to gain a better understanding of architecture and develop essential soft skills like time management, teamwork, and personal growth.
The Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) placements for architecture date back to the 1990s, with significant development in collaboration with the Boston Society of Architects (BSA) over the past six years. Architecture is now a standout field in PIC's STEM offerings, with plans to expand to more firms as student interest grows.
Bergmeyer interns Kevin and Sophia on a site tour and giving presentations. Photo courtesy of Bill Spaulding, Bergmeyer.
Bergmeyer intern Kevin giving a presentation. Photo courtesy of Bill Spaulding, Bergmeyer.
Payette interns Luis and Cecilia working on a drawing exercise this week. Photo courtesy of Shreeya Shakya, Payette.
Goody Clancy interns in "Design Discovery" learning how to draft, make foam models, and make digital models in Rhino. Photo courtesy of Jackey Robinson, Goody Clancy.
Payette interns Luis and Cecilia working on a drawing exercise this week. Photo courtesy of Shreeya Shakya, Payette.
Goody Clancy interns in "Design Discovery" learning how to draft, make foam models, and make digital models in Rhino. Photo courtesy of Jackey Robinson, Goody Clancy.
Summer Fridays: Learning Outside the Office
The "Summer Fridays" initiative offers students a broader perspective on architectural design and urban planning through Neighborhood Tours that highlight notable architecture and planning strategies. The first tour explored the Seaport, highlighting its rapid development. The second tour, in collaboration with the Sasaki Foundation's SEED program, took students to Nubian Square to learn about Boston’s urban planning history and current development plans.
This Friday, PIC students will join returning Sasaki SEED III students for the BSA’s Firm Crawl, including visits to MASS Design Group, CannonDesign, and Payette. The goal is to encourage students to view their city's design through a new lens and appreciate the diverse project opportunities in architecture and related fields.
Thank you to participating firms: Bergmeyer, Elkus Manfredi Architects, Finegold Alexander Architects, Goody Clancy, Leers Weinzapfel Associates, Page, Payette, RODE Architects. Thank you also to our partners and collaborators at the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC).
