Intern Insight: Brandon Vasquez

This summer, fifth-year architecture student Brandon Vasquez immersed himself in the field and deepened his love for the craft while interning with Gensler, an architecture, design, and planning firm with offices across multiple continents.

Vasquez worked out of Gensler’s Work 4 studio in New York City; the specialized office focuses on corporate design and exposed the future architect to a new side of the profession. The experience—his first architecture internship—proved invaluable to Vasquez, who learned what it meant to be a part of a large firm.

Each day introduced something new to Vasquez’s plate as he assisted with project documentation, selected and organized materials and finishes, and created or updated architectural drawings. He also attended project meetings and participated in site visits, gaining familiarity with professional standards. What left a lasting impression, though, were his contributions to various projects throughout his three-month experience, as he saw firsthand how details and design decisions develop and evolve over time.

“Through that process, I became more familiar with professional standards, proper documentation, and the way Gensler approaches its work,” Vasquez says. “I looked forward to knowing that I would learn something new each day.”

Beyond technical know-how, like using software programs, producing better documentation, and comparing drawings to full-scale projects, Vasquez acquired soft skills necessary to become a successful architect. Learning to communicate details clearly, considering how decisions made on paper will translate to physical space, and developing independence and self-sufficiency will be essential throughout his career.

“Navigating a professional workplace for the first time was an experience of its own, but the people I met made me feel welcomed and supported,” Vasquez says. “In my next role, I want to remain curious and continue learning from every experience and from the people around me.”

After graduating, the aspiring architect looks forward to obtaining his license and working in experiential design—projects involving entertainment and performance spaces, hospitality, retail, and other immersive environments that create memorable experiences and bring people together.

His internship at Gensler put Vasquez ahead of the game as he “gained a better understanding of how design ideas are developed, documented, and built in a professional environment,” he reflects. “This experience strengthened my skills while showing me how much collaboration goes into creating a successful space.”