Reflections and Learning: 2025 Summer Intern Teachout
by Spencer Smith
As summer winds down, our 2025 class of summer design interns closed out their experience with a series of teachout presentations. These sessions offered a glimpse into the diverse experiences, projects, and personal growth each intern encountered during their time with us. Our interns immersed themselves in real-world design challenges, collaborated across teams, and contributed meaningfully to our ongoing work.
SM Kaikobad
Boston
What did you work on this summer?
I worked on three projects: BCHGIS Snapper, BWH Red Oncology, and UMMH White City. I focused on Revit dimensioning, detailing, and rendering with Enscape. I also participated in collaborative design sessions, site visits, and contributed to Finch with critical writing about architecture.
What did you enjoy the most?
I loved the layered learning experience—from design development to site management. The studio culture, virtual collaboration, and mentorship from my team made it a truly enriching summer. I especially appreciated how Shepley fosters safe learning and reflection through platforms like Finch.
“I was always reaching out to people and they were always there for any kind of solution I needed. That felt like a really wholesome experience.”
What did you work on this summer?
I worked on the UH Dining Commons project, helping with program verification, SD narratives, detailing brick sections, and facade pattern studies. I also created Enscape views and wrote a Finch article about a precedent analysis from my second year.
What did you enjoy the most?
I really enjoyed detailing—especially the wall section work—and learning Enscape for the first time. The summer social pottery event was a highlight, and it was amazing to work on a building that will be part of my own campus.
“It’s cool to see how the development in the beginning phase of SD is going to show up later on campus—especially since I go to the school.”
Paige Holmes
Houston
Ayush Singh
Boston
What did you work on this summer?
I contributed to the BU Mugar Library project, focusing on guardrail code compliance and exterior detailing. I also worked on the BC Religious Archive project and created field reports after site visits, which helped me understand the architect’s role in construction.
What did you enjoy the most?
I enjoyed learning about detailing and how new construction connects with existing conditions. Being involved in projects at different design phases gave me a well-rounded understanding of architectural practice.
“Being on two projects in different phases of design helped give me a well-rounded experience.”
What did you work on this summer?
I worked on details for UDG, facade design for a Las Vegas hospital, and climate diagrams for Uncommon in Flagstaff. I also visited several project sites including McKinley and Apache, and used tools like Rhino, Affinity, and Revit.
What did you enjoy the most?
I loved the welcoming environment in the Phoenix office and seeing how real projects come together. The site visits and facade design work were especially exciting, and I’m looking forward to applying these experiences to my thesis on algae-based energy systems.
“It just blew my mind how each project is like a 2-million-piece puzzle… it’s so cool to see a project come together from drawings to this ginormous building.”
Julia Smith
Phoenix
Emmilee Osbourne
Remote
What did you work on this summer?
I worked on the Mayo Clinic interior renovation, creating feature wall iterations and an Enscape walkthrough for the Taylor Auditorium. I also studied curtain wall systems and participated in a site visit to Boston Children’s Hospital.
What did you enjoy the most?
This was my second year at Shepley as part of the IPAL program. Through getting to visit our studios, participating in numerous professional development activities, and meeting so many new faces, I felt like even more of a part of Shepley than last year! I enjoyed being part of design conversations and seeing how ideas evolve through collaboration. Visiting the Boston office and working with teams across locations helped me grow professionally and personally. My biggest takeaway was learning to share work-in-progress to invite feedback and growth.
“Sometimes when you’re stuck, it’s better to show what you have so that your mentor, your project manager, your buddy—anybody—can see your vision and help push you along.”
Looking Ahead
Each intern brought incredible talent, curiosity, and energy to Shepley Bulfinch this summer. They not only made a real impact on our projects but also enriched our culture with fresh ideas and collaboration. We’re so thankful for all they’ve shared with us and can’t wait to see where their paths lead next.
Spencer Smith
Recruiter