Intern Spotlight: Cambria’s Experience at erstad
At erstad, we believe that the best way to learn is by doing. That’s why we immerse our interns directly into the world of architecture, engineering, and construction, ensuring they are never just observers. This summer, Cambria, a structural engineering major, joined our team as an intern, gaining hands-on experience across a wide variety of projects and sharing valuable insights that enriched our entire team.
What Was Your Favorite Project to Work On & Why?
Cambria’s favorite project was the Interfaith Sanctuary. She was able to witness multiple phases of this active project, from demolition through to interior wall framing. “I liked seeing the way a project works when they are using the bones of an already-standing building,” she shared. Being part of a project that repurposes an existing structure was especially enlightening for her, giving her an appreciation for the complexities of adaptive reuse in architecture.
What Was Your Favorite Thing About Working for erstad This Summer?
As her first office job, Cambria noted that she learned a lot about how an office is run. “When everyone sees each other every day, it encourages camaraderie. I enjoyed watching the blend of professional and personal relationships that erstad has. There isn’t a checkpoint at the door where you leave everything but your work mindset and there isn’t a rigid hierarchy. I could ask anyone a question and everyone was willing to help me, whether a partner or a job captain.” At erstad, this open, collaborative environment is intentional. We strive to create a space where ideas are freely shared and every team member, from intern to principal, feels valued. This culture allows interns like Cambria to not only grow their technical skills but also feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance from any member of the team.
What Was Your Favorite Site to Visit?
While she wasn’t directly working on the Marriot project, Cambria found it fascinating. “I got to tag along on the OAC meetings. I watched as they poured the core and shell of the 15-story building. I saw all the structural components up close before they were covered up. The tower crane was also something I enjoyed watching in action.” The opportunity to witness large-scale construction in progress was a highlight for Cambria and underscored our belief in providing meaningful, hands-on site experiences to our interns. Being involved in these phases of construction gave her a real sense of how everything comes together in a project, from the big picture down to the smallest detail.
How Will What You Have Learned to Help You in the Next Semester?
Reflecting on her time with us, Cambria shared that it’s hard to quantify everything she’s learned over the past ten weeks because “it’s been a million little things… mostly regarding the nuances of the architecture process.” While her major is structural engineering, the experience has given her a deeper understanding of how architects think and what has to happen behind the scenes, even when she isn’t directly involved. “This will affect my work in school and hopefully be more conducive to an architect’s mind.”
The erstad Internship Experience
We take pride in offering interns real-world experience from day one. Whether it’s participating in project meetings, site visits, or preparing presentations based on their observations, our interns are fully engaged in the architecture and design process. We provide them with hands-on project participation, ensuring they feel empowered to contribute. While we focus on helping them grow their skills, we also take the opportunity to learn from them—seeing through their eyes reminds us of the excitement that comes with every new project, phase, and challenge.
Take Cambria’s experience as an example. After a site tour at one of our projects, we asked her to prepare a presentation to share her observations and insights with the team during our next staff meeting. It was clear that she had gained valuable knowledge—and her perspective enriched our understanding of the project. At erstad, we believe that no two projects are the same—and we see that as a strength. We want our interns to experience that diversity firsthand because it prepares them for the ever-changing world of design and construction. As Cambria continues her academic journey, we are confident that the knowledge and experience she gained with us will benefit her in ways that will last far beyond this summer.
