Architecture Internships and Advice for Students

Applying to architecture school? Looking for architecture internships? We spoke to top University of Cape Town architecture student Jake Ackerman about what it takes to excel in architectural studies and how he landed vacation work when he was only a first-year student.

What does it take, getting in and excelling at architecture school?

I would highly recommend doing internships and job shadowing. You want to make sure that architecture is the right field for you and that you are exceptionally committed to it. The best way to do that, is to experience being in an architecture office. If you can, apply to firms with a set job shadowing program to get a fuller experience.

During my first six months of studying, I did 20 minutes to an hour a day of software learning. YouTube is a great resource for tutorials.

I'd say Photoshop is an essential for any architecture student. Revit, SketchUp and Rhino are also worth checking out. By spending a little time on the program each day, you can learn it easily. Once you start using programs for projects, your skills will develop a lot quicker. Once you reach this point, start with a small scale to make things easier.

There is also more creative modelling software like Blender which some universities use because it's similar to your freedom you have with your hand, unlike certain programs such as Revit where elements like walls and floors are categorised. Blender allows you to model anything, like a human.

For my drawing style, I incorporate a lot of digital work. I've found that there is so much potential to every software you use – making it useful to have many. On that topic, don’t adjust your style to fit a certain mold. Develop your own style and spend time everyday learning the tools that are best suited to your work.

What about finding a job or internship at an architecture firm?

Actively participate in spaces that architects are in such as Design Week, Open studios or other exhibitions – and use this as an opportunity to meet people. Your university tutors are the people you are most likely going to work with or for, so don't discount those connections either. It all comes down to being willing to meet people and being in a space that architects are in. Once you are in conversation with architects, show a willingness to learn and eagerness to be part of whatever it is they’re doing.

Many students get bursaries from architecture firms who fund their degrees on condition that they work for the company for a certain number of years after they graduate. If you are going to contact firms about the opportunities they offer, do so early rather than at the end of the year. They’re not very responsive then!

How has architecture school transformed your thinking?

My first year brought a greater understanding of what architecture is. I tend to think in a more structured way but my lecturers pushed me to balance technical thinking with an awareness that buildings can be meaningful and people-centric. Many buildings are neglected after many years because they lose meaning. So, how can we design buildings that will stand for not just fifty years, but hundreds of years?

One of the reasons I like architecture is that your ideas become part of the physical world. It’s beautiful to have something that starts in your imagination, and later, you're able to experience it.

What have been your highlights at Stewart and Partners?

I’ve had the opportunity to work on a range of projects from water infrastructure to residential developments in sought-after areas. Working in industry gives you the experience with processes you simply aren’t exposed to at university like council approval and laws that you need to abide by as an architect. Alex is very open to ideas which is a great environment to be in and grow. Sometimes, it is just an ordinary conversation with him that sparks a new understanding which I can take to my university work or apply to something else. I’ve also been able to contribute to marketing and communications by editing photographs or preparing the technology we need to produce high quality content. There have been many, many opportunities and experiences that the vacation work at Stewart and Partners has brought and I’m so blessed to be in this position.

Tell me about some of your independent student projects.

We looked at the history of the apartheid-era forced removals that left a scarred landscape in District Six. Many people from the suburb are also part of the Kaapse Klopse community, people who were historically slaves for the Dutch. As part of my research, I spoke to friends and parents in the community who celebrate the Second New Year (2 January) which was the only day that slaves were given off in the year. Today, the Kaapse Klopse continues to host the Second New Year parade. Participants paint their faces white, just as the slaves did, to mock their owners in protest against them. The event includes performances, singing and dancing - a festive celebration that may be a way of healing the scars of the District Six landscape.

However, there is no place for people to plan the event, to gather or to store the costumes, instruments and umbrellas. So, there was an opportunity to build a central hub for the community. In the process, I questioned how a building can embody the atmosphere of the Kaapse Klopse. My final design included external and interior performance spaces, a gallery, workshop space and storage.

At Stewart and Partners, we maintain strong relationships with educational institutions University of Cape Town and School of Explorative Architecture. Our innovative approach is strengthened by Associate Professor Philippa Tumubweinee who brings her research expertise to projects. In exchange, our architects teach and examine at architecture schools.

We are always looking for top talent to join our team. To apply, submit your CV and portfolio to info@stewartpartners.studio. When reviewing applications, we look at the quality of drawings and renders, neatness, attention to detail and evidence of advanced Revit skills.