This summer we had the privilege of hosting five amazing interns who brought their passion, creativity, and hard work to our various project team. During this time, interns were given the opportunity to strengthen their design skills by engaging in real-world projects. Their dedication and fresh perspectives have truly made a difference. Thank you all for being an integral part of our journey!

As their internships come to a close, we asked our interns what they’ve been working on all summer and what they’ve learned from their experience at Shepley Bulfinch. 

Pieter Youngman 

What projects are you currently working on? 

I’m working on a few different projects at the Mayo Clinic including the house of surgery, waiting areas, bridge OR’s, several pharmacies, and the stat lab. I’m helping with putting together document sets for construction, drafting marketing plans, developing iterative schematic designs, and visiting the site to meet with clients and to do field measurements.  

What did you learn from your time at Shepley? 

Working on a dynamic team with different specialties has shown me the importance of collaboration and being a supportive, active team member. It has been fulfilling to see how my work in Revit and other design programs come to life as I walk through the project sites. In walking through project sites, I have also learned that architects wear a lot of different hats… literally! 

Olivia McCafferty 

What projects are you currently working on? 

This is my second summer interning with Shepley, and this year I had the opportunity to work on the Bed Tower at the Yale New Haven Hospital St. Raphael’s Campus in New Haven, CT. I’m helping with construction administration, specifically submittal reviews, RFI reviews, and coordinating client meetings and discussions.  

What did you learn from your time at Shepley? 

This summer I had the opportunity to visit a project site for the first time and was able to see the construction process in real time. Visiting the site, I learned the importance of each submittal and RFI review as each directly impacts the site construction.  

Gina Bernotsky 

What projects are you currently working on? 

I’m currently working on my first higher education project with the addition and renovation of the Jackson Library at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. I’m helping with space planning, conducting project research on the University and Greensboro area, focusing on understanding local diversity, cultural significance, inclusivity, and environmental connectivity. This research has allowed the project team to develop spaces that convey comfort, openness, and connectivity throughout.  

What did you learn from your time at Shepley? 

This was my first experience working with a project architect, I was surprised and excited to learn how consultants, partners, and other stakeholders can seamlessly collaborate and communicate. I also learned the impact connectivity between the interior and exterior can have on a project’s design. By working with site elements and landscaping, we’re able to create a design that’s more welcoming, open, and connected.  

Eric Liu 

What projects are you currently working on? 

This is my second summer interning with Shepley, this summer I had a chance to work on several projects including the OR renewal and locker room redesign at Boston Children’s Hospital, as well as assist in several endeavors at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in Plainsboro, NJ. With the redesign of the locker rooms at Boston Children’s Hospital I’ve been working on the design layout taking into consideration learnings from user groups, line of sight, and various clearances such as; turning radius and ADA benches.  

What did you learn from your time at Shepley? 

Working on these projects, I’ve learned the importance of listening and developing rapport with users. Listening to the space’s users, we’re able to design spaces that aren’t just beautiful, but functional as well. Something I was surprised to learn is the complexity and importance of numbering hospital rooms. I was tasked with what at first seemed like a simple task of numbering rooms in the redesign of Penn Medicine Princeton Health. I quickly learned the task wasn’t as simple as I initially expected as the numbering needed to take into account elements such as intersecting corridors and corner rooms. 

Sophie Aldrich 

What projects are you currently working on? 

I am currently working on reintroducing Shepley’s internal newsletter, the Bulfinch Bulletin. Reintroducing the bulletin has involved brainstorming and outlining content ideas, identifying the proper channel for distribution, and defining the tone and purpose of the newsletter to ensure all teams are represented. I have also been working on conducting market research to uncover competitor strategies and identify podcasts and publications the firm can be featured in to highlight the impressive work of Shepley’s architects.  

What did you learn from your time at Shepley? 

When I began my internship at Shepley, I was unfamiliar with the architecture and design industry. Since, I have been exposed to beautifully designed healthcare, academic, and urban development projects, lots on industry lingo, and digital design platforms. I’ve also learned the strategies and techniques involved in service-based marketing, which will be valuable as a pursue a marketing career upon graduation.