By David Perez Architectural Intern, The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects
Hello, my name is David Perez. Currently I am attending New School of Architecture in San Diego, CA where I will be receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (BArch) degree. I began my internship in 2014 and have had the opportunity to continue interning at The Kastrop Group, Inc. where I am improving and learning new skills. I would like to write this post to give my thoughts on how my experience has been while interning. I have been part of The Kastrop Group team for two years. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside of Mike, Lorianna, Brian, Megha, Marie and Barry. The team has been very supportive of my schooling and are always willing to answer any questions that I may have while working on projects.
“Budgets really do matter and the faster a project is completed the better it is for the client, whereas in school there actually aren’t any budgets.”
One thing that stood out to me from interning is how different school is from working in an architectural office. Budgets really do matter and the faster a project is completed the better it is for the client, whereas in school there actually aren’t any budgets. I found this interesting because as a student in a semester or quarter system the deadlines for projects are months compared to work where sometimes projects are completed in weeks. Building codes are very important when designing a building. Making sure a building is safe and that it satisfies the building code requirements is important. In school the building codes are discussed but they really are not a priority–the projects are more design-focused.
While at The Kastrop Group I’ve worked on many different projects, from residential remodels to office buildings, hotels, and street-side cafes. I’ve had the opportunity to work on floor plans and as-builts, participate in client meetings, discuss project budgets, and apply for building permits, for both commercial and residential projects. As-builts are done to document the existing conditions of a building. The building is sketched and measured. With this information the building can then be drafted in a CAD program.
The variety of projects makes the environment at the office fun and interesting. At times I may go and measure a house to create as-builts, other times I will be drafting in CAD, or creating a 3d model of a building, making a building detail, researching new materials or project specifications.
“The variety of projects makes the environment at the office fun and interesting.”
I really enjoy my time while interning at The Kastrop Group, Inc. Architects. I always have a great time working with everyone. I’d like to thank The Kastrop Group team for all your help and for sharing your knowledge during my internship this summer. I’ve learned a lot this summer and I am very grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to working with the team in the near future.
–David Perez