Internship 2: Week 6 Daily Logs

{Day 24 - 05.10.11}

The weather’s considerably fair today as compared to yesterday’s unpleasant stirrings. I bet there’ll be a lot of activity in the site. With the completion of my required hours and final day looming, I can’t help but to feel nostalgic and relieved at the same time. My mentor greeted me with a rather sad news that he’s been thinking for a quite a while. He won’t be around in Thursday and Friday and most probably in my final day at the company. I had quite a time listening to the lecture of the two engineers during today’s site inspection yet somehow my mind’s been drifting off to what my mentor imparted earlier. I wish there is some kind of way I could make him feel special before my final day of completion that he won’t be witnessing.

{Day 25 - 05.11.11}

Today was a special day with my mentor. I am not quite sure whether he’ll be around in my final days at the company so my fellow interns and I invited him over a small merienda that late afternoon and even prepared a small gift of appreciation. Though we get to spend only an hour of casual talk with him, what things he imparted that moment was surely something. We talked about the industry, tips on starting out our early career and experience in the construction scene and even titbits of details about his personal life – the things you only share with quite a few intimate circles. I felt a pang when I realized my abrupt tendencies to refer to the people in the construction industry as hollow beings where only labour and money seemed to make their world go round. I failed to see at some degree that they are human beings as well.

{Day 26 - 05.12.11}

Our mentor is not present today so we’re a bit saddened and laid back. I walked into the office this morning to see a tableful of JACMI engineers and personalities from the architectural design consulting firm deliberating over issues. Their conversations can literally be heard as murmurs from across the room but just audible enough for me to listen quite intently. I was asked by an engineer to work on an architectural monitoring sheet that will be used for punchlisting in the mock-up floor of Tower 3. It’s a good thing I already ran a draft of it from the earlier weeks of this program.

{Day 27 - 05.13.11}

I literally spent the day buried over various plans of Tower 3 to work on the monitoring sheet I’ve been tasked to finish. I’ve had a few chat with some mates from class how they spent the entire summer program doing some punchlisting. It is ironic indeed how this just came up only in the last days of my internship. I am careering this monitoring sheet as I figured this’ll only be my legacy when I leave the company. Though it was just a simple task, I honestly had some great time studying the entire plans of Tower 3 in such depth. It felt like having an intimate time with the design consultants of the structure.

Update 05.15.11

Undergrad interns from JACMI and MCC - Grass Residences Project :)

with my beloved mentor Engr. J and internmates!

Tomorrow's the official conclusion of my super summer internship experience. I realized that our required 200 hours of diversified site works seemed both so short (there's so much more to learn!) and long (agh! thesis) for this summer. I feel both nostalgic and relieved already.

Blog activity for the next days: Posting of unpublished writings I have accumulated throughout the summer. I'll be doing a walk down the memory lane both for this cyber niche and my architectural internship presentation on May 21 :) Good luck on me!

Internship 2: Week 5 Daily Logs

{Day 19 - 05.02.11}

My mentor is not around today but I have been privileged to do a site walkthrough with two JACMI project engineers while doing their regular rounds and punch listing of structural and plumbing inspections. There’s nothing quite like the seeing how the professionals do it. Years of expertise and experience have definitely forged their keen eye and attitude with regards to their chosen field of work. Our mentor won’t let us interns at the top floor where all the ‘action’ is happening but Sir R and Sir F allowed us to accompany them. I documented photographs for the update of the monthly construction progress report and lavished that uncommon moment I’ll ever get to literally be on top.

{Day 20 - 05.03.11}

I’m a little bit down today. I wrote in my daily internship journal: “There is little joy and satisfaction in the world of construction. Dealing with concerns and issues, aggravated by stress, sleep deprivation and demanding superiors on a daily basis leaves one quite wandering if there is ever a sense of purpose in everything he does. No amount of temporary high acquired from cigarette, coffee, or even money can quench the emptiness that has become a result of one’s droning bout in the field.” I silently read for a couple of times the above statement and realized how harsh and dismal things are when I put it that way.

{Day 21 - 05.04.11}

I am privileged again to be with my mentor while doing his assessment rounds in response to the inspection request at the top floor. I was surprised to see how much work have been accomplished as compared to what I’ve seen from last Monday. While looking at my mentor as I ponder upon the words I wrote in my internship journal yesterday, I kind of feel bad for making such a hasty stereotype of how life is for the people in the industry. Perhaps my generalizations of everyone may have been premature to some degree. Today, I realized that what truly makes the difference is when you deal with menial things religiously. 

{Day 22 - 05.05.11}

Everyone in the office have been talking about their upcoming basketball game against the contractors and other design consultancy firms working under Grass Residences Project. It was obvious from the tone of their voices how excited and even jumpy they feel with these. It was a very big deal for most of them I realized as it may be the only form of team-building recreation they’ll ever get from burying their heads on the loads of work day and night. It such a shame I’m not a big fan of the game but I wish them all luck.

{Day 23 - 05.09.11}

A rather stormy weather and the heavy pounding of the rain left everyone moving and working in silence inside the site office. A 15-minute power outage came at around 9.30 in the morning that halted everyone’s routine. I was deliberately looking for anything to do that gloomy day. Site inspection request came at only around afternoon. The steel fabrication area was completely deserted and only a few handfuls of manpower can be seen working ironically for such a big construction project. It was all too surreal. I realized how the ever-changing weather’s stirrings can affect the schedule and production of everyone. We truly are bounded by the nature’s highs and lows.

Shutterbug - Wannabe #017: Grass Residences

Internship 2: Week 4 Daily Logs

{Day 14 - 04.25.11}

I did the inspection rounds today on my own choosing to stray away from the group of interns we’ve become. Detaching oneself, even just for now, even just for a while, from very uninspiring personalities is a breath of fresh air. I realized that dealing with different characters in the place of work surely is all a part and parcel of the profession. Patience and temperance are both virtues and abilities one must learn to forge on a daily basis.

{Day 15 - 04.26.11}

Today’s yet another slow day at the office. My mentor did not assigned any particular inspection requests and I doubt there has been any progress in the installation of macro wall panels so I did not went on my regular rounds. It’s a good thing I am free to use the computers in the office. It is during these days that I can productively use my spare time in meditating or looking for any good resource or material I can employ for my thesis. Suddenly it came to me all at once. My final year truly is the zenith and culmination of everything that I have learned through college. I am so going to make most out of this internship experience.

{Day 16 - 04.27.11}

I did my inspection rounds today with my mentor which I very much quite enjoyed. I am given again another lesson on the strict implementation of sensible authority in the construction site for the worker’s and the contractor’s compliance. I noticed how abrupt his look and facial expression changes as soon as we come face-to-face with a worker/foreman concerned. I do understand his stance that such must be done to imply order, discipline and respect in order to get the job done correctly.

{Day 17 - 04.28.11}

I am delighted that I have accomplished so much today. One of the engineers even gave us a practical crash course lesson on project scheduling. It is a good thing I still quite remember some of our lesson on Project Management and PERT-CPM in Professional Practice. What makes this lesson so different is its practicality and application in real life which I can now transparently see.

Internship 2: Week 3 Daily Logs

{Day 11 - 04.18.11} - Holy Monday

Our mentor expressed to us his irritation regarding the slow operation of the general contractor. I’ve read file the other day counting the number of delays on the projected schedule against the actual progress of the Tower 3 construction. Everyone is really working hard before Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. There’ll be another concrete pouring on the top floor’s core wall and slab. I really wish I could freely come to see but my mentor won’t permit me access yet on the upper floors as he was just being cautious and concern regarding my safety.

{Day 12 - 04.19.11} - Holy Tuesday

I came to the office late and walked in only to see the construction manager almost reprimanding the officer-in-charge/representative of the general contractor. I really looked up to the Big Boss for being such a fine and genuine gentlemen. His voice is calm yet there is this distinct degree of firmness and stance showing authority over the situation. I can’t help but to silently chuckle by looking at the OIC’s facial expression. He seemed professionally tamed in front of our construction manager.

{Day 13 - 04.20.11} - Holy Wednesday

The weather’s gloomy; construction activity seemed to be in such a drab, and we are having a very slow day at the site office. Perhaps it is the looming Easter Triduum celebration that’s got into everybody’s mind. My mind in particular is drifting off with all the Easter Triduum activities in our parish. It was not announced that it will only be a half-day regarding today’s working hours yet the construction site seemed deserted as most workers have probably took the time early off to be with their families at home. I silently made my way back home in solemnity of tomorrow’s occasion. In my mind, I bid a meaningful Holy Week to all.

Holy Wednesday

Image borrowed here

Slow day at the office. Gloomy weather. Lazy afternoon. What can I say more? My mind's drifting with all the chosen apostle's Lent and Easter Vigil activity commencing tomorrow. I swear when I became President (which I know will never happen), I'll pass a law decreeing all days of Holy Week a non-working holiday. I can't wait to go home.

Internship 2: Week 2 Daily Logs

{Day 6 - 04.11.11}

I’m starting to get the hang of what I’ve been tasked to do – which is the regular monitoring and inspection of macro light wall panel installation (and more) at assigned floor levels of Tower 3. I’m just privileged to be a part of the construction management team. With all the internal excitement going on, I must still remain cool and composed, and most of all professional in everything that I do.

{Day 7 - 04.12.11}

I was tasked to personally handle the construction update report for Thursday’s presentation with SM Development Corporation. It wasn’t really part of the field inspection practice but I am more than glad and willing to lend a hand with the revision of the progress pictures and the powerpoint presentation. I may not admit it but I do have a knack for orderly fashioned graphic layouts and is a self-professed shutterbug myself. This’ll be a jiffy :)

{Day 8 - 04.13.11}

In preparation for tomorrow’s progress presentation, my mentor brought me to the top floor to take some pictures of the current works being done. It was utterly breath-taking! I just witnessed an actual rebar installation before the filling of slab and beam at an altitude of 20-storey high. I must admit it quite gave me a fright but all is worth it as I also cannot stop myself from impulsively clicking the camera to capture such an arousing moment.

{Day 9 - 04.14.11}

I noticed how everyone who came back from the presentation of progress report with SMDC at MOA was busy shuffling through working drawings, letters and documents of previous transactions and meetings. From what I’ve overheard, I bet they are feeling even just a tiny inkling of spite towards the general contractor regarding the recent update of the construction progress report. From there, I remember what my mentor told me yesterday after our documentation at the 20th floor. It was about the ability to gain respect from your colleagues, co-workers and subordinates in the industry without them secretly yielding spiteful thoughts towards you.

{Day 10 - 04.15.11}

I do not know it is just my enthusiasm waning or the seeming monotony of my everyday or both, that is affecting my macro perspective view of the whole internship program. I need to break away from this dreary steadiness. I need to somehow accept the truth that it is not always bright and exhilarating while doing my summer training. I may be exaggerating but unless I accept this given fact, I may not be able to pick myself up and pull through. Funny how a lot of ponderings goes through one’s mind when he is not preoccupied my topics that really matter.

ArchInspire #022: Construction Introspection

Just a quick post. Here are some of the shots from my first week of project management internship. I'm still pinching myself whenever we're doing the monitoring rounds to see if this is real. I'm just grateful to have been granted this opportunity to learn and experience first-hand from the construction industry. In consonance with my Architectural Internship 1 posts of office works last year, I will also be posting weekly wrap-ups and reflection of this whole experience :) yeah~

Mga napagtanto ko kanina lang:

• Masarap magnilay sa 10th floor habang pinagmamasdan ang mga construction workers sa baba na nagpuputol at nagyuyupi ng bakal. Nakatingin sa kalawakang bubong ng mga bahay habang dinadalaw ng serenidad sa pagmumuni-muni katabi ang mga konkretong kisame na wala pang masilya, at amoy ng bagong lapat na epoxy sa mga bakal na nakabaon sa pader. Oooh, surreal. Pa-deep.
• Palagay ang loob ko sa construction site. Mukhang alam ko na kung saan ko gustong madestino kapag nagsimula na akong magtrabaho.

Internship 2: Week 1 Daily Logs

{Day 01 - 04.04.11}

Arriving at the site office for the first time again is somewhat nostalgic in some sense. I remember how I got accepted in this company last year with my application for the Architectural Internship Program 1 but decided not to continue as they offered then a program that is fit for civil engineering field works. I’m just thankful and giddy to be back. The field office seemed a lot bigger compared to last year. Fully equipped and furnished, the room is big enough to contain two conference-sized tables, 5 computers, a Xerox machine, and kitchenette with a mini-fridge, a microwave and mineral water dispenser. There are about 9 desks for the different working engineers and a nook with racks for storing compiled folders and important documents. This is the place I’m going to report in for the rest of the summer. I am simply delighted.

{Day 02 - 04.05.11}

I was ecstatic to meet my mentor for the first time. He seemed very nice and accommodating. He even told that there’ll be a lot of work to be done making me a bit giddier with all the knowledge and learning I’m about to witness and absorb in the wholeness of this internship program. For sure, the heftiness of it all will be my drive to push through.

He dismissed me early today to make the necessary preparations for my first construction site walkthrough. A hard hat, a pair of safety shoes, my very own official ID, and the pseudo-uniform is a must when entering the construction zone. I’m anticipating a great day tomorrow.

{Day 03 - 04.06.11}

I chanced upon a stack of weekly progress reports that completely captivated me as soon as I get to the progress pictures taken at different periods of the construction before I came here. It was enchanting to see the primordial birth of a building – an environment which designers must have consciously regard as a space where living breathing human beings will soon populate. Well, I certainly would love to take part in such creation in the future.

{Day 04 - 04.07.11}

I was still thinking of yesterday’s bout when my mentor called for a representative of Carpark Building A’s contractor to discuss the inconsistencies/non-compliance of the actual work (a misaligned lavatory in the men’s room causing an ergonomic error with one of the wall-hung urinals) with the working drawings I reviewed yesterday. Their authority and stance regarding the matter is utterly remarkable. Metaphorically, I pictured the construction management team as a squad of dauntless police officers/ law enforcers reprimanding a grave offender. It was remarkable, indeed.

{Day 05 - 04.08.11}

On my way back from my inspection assignments for the day, I met Arch. Al, the occupational safety engineer who gave me the safety and hazard orientation on the first day. He reiterated his intent that if I ever see something that is suspiciously off within the site which might speak of hazardous and unsafe, I could confide it to him so that necessary steps must be taken. Now, I’m totally feeling like an inspector!

Update 04.06.11

Recently started with my summer internship at a nearby residential construction of a renowned development corporation. I'm so hyped! Getting ready for tomorrow's site monitoring assignment :) Yipee!

ArchInspire #013: 20th PhilConstruct 2010

 

   

That's me with two beautiful engineers from gsn+p architecture studio, the same firm I had my internship last summer. I was ecstatic to see them. I just missed them so much :)

My friend and I spontaneously ended up in SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia Complex last Saturday to visit the Philconstruct 2010: Event 20th Philippine International Construction Equipment and Building Materials Exhibition and Technology Forum held annually during this time of the year. The event is from November 11 to 14 and the visitors who came that afternoon is surprisingly large given that it was the second to the last day of the affair.

It was the first time I attended Philconstruct so I'm quite stumped on what to expect. I should’ve foreseen though that what I’d witness is strikingly similar from that of a typical WorldBex Convention. The place is undeniably much better than the World Trade Centre, yet there are things that I guess will never change during this kind of events.

As superficial as it may seem, I am actually talking about the accursed sticker ID that loudly tells everyone I am just a puny STUDENT. It's a tried and tested sales rep repellent. They will instantly accuse you (at least silently in their heads) as creatures hungry and hoarding for product brochures, sample material swatches and business calling cards. They won’t waste their time on you knowing that you are not a prospective client. Saddening and intimidating. *sigh*

I had quite a time at the end of the day. It's already an accomplishment that I was able to memorize my way to and from Mall of Asia (tatanga-tanga kasi ako sa directions). It's those glaring eyes of sales reps that I can't get off my head. Oh, the horror.

Lesson learned: It’s not really about the volume of brochures you have accumulated that matters. It is ultimately about the knowledge and wisdom that you’ve gained from a brush stroke of the real-life industry.

ArchInspire#003: SketchUp!

I got my hands busy on SketchUp today. *teehee* The things I do in a boring day. At least I convinced myself to be creative and productive :)

Last Internship I Report

Image borrowed here

I remember the first time I stepped into the chic reception area of the gsn+p architecture studio. It was the day of my application and interview to try out if I could make into their internship program. The black lounge sofa was perfect for the minimalistic flavour and clean lines of the whole area. Everything was cool and comfortable and not even a bit of tense I felt. It was the day I said to myself that this is where I wanted to learn; that this where I wanted to grow up. Fast forward to the present time, I look back and felt nostalgic about the whole thing; still staring at mid-blank air out of marvel over the best summer of learning I had ever had.

The point of the internship program in the first place is to expose the student in the office works of the industry and give a shot on the application of everything they have learned over the three years of studying inside the classroom and reading theory books on the profession. But through the weeks of my stay and from the very first time I met one of the Big Boss for an orientation, I realized that there’s truly so much more in the immersion on the practice. Pass the seemingly menial things I did in the office like documenting previous working drawings, answering phone calls, calling suppliers for a quotation, drafting a plan in the AutoCAD, making swatch boards, or even just familiarizing myself in all sorts of construction and finishing materials, there’s always that underlying lesson present not necessarily on the work but about the overall process of the work and the role it is playing in the bigger picture of the industry.

I heard someone say that everything they teach in the university is a fairy tale. That none of it is ever close to being real. I may not suppose all that but one thing’s for sure that I’ll ever believe is when my professors say that not every one of those who take up architecture will become design architects someday – or whatever kind of jobs we deem architects to have. Because the profession is so diversified you can never compartmentalize everything into one.

Take for example the four Big Bosses of the firm who has their own kind of field and contribution in the company. One handles the administrative side that makes sure the services are made available, another handles the creative aspect of the projects (read: pure design), another who is more inclined on the technical details and specifications, and yet another who handles interior design. Together they make the perfect concoction in creating a successful partnership and that is one of the Big Bosses challenged me to be in order to be successful in my own career.

Architecture is all about process management. That six words may probably be one of the most important lessons I’ll ever learn about the profession. It’s about juggling everything all at the same time. It may seem hard, and in fact it all looks so hard. But that is the reality being an architect. That is the reality of embarking on the road less traveled.

Some may say that we all have different paces when it comes to learning and comprehension in life. That some may prefer to learn inside the classroom and some may otherwise. I don’t know about me but I’m infinitely grateful for the wonderful opportunity that was given to me to experience the profession first-hand. And I’m sure I couldn’t have done it alone. There’s always that need to look for mentors that may guide you in the foundation years of your discernment as an architect. My internship experience as a whole may not be all about sunshine and smiles but I’m thankful. And I feel blessed.

Infinitely Thankful

Image borrowed here

My last day of internship at gsn+p architecture studio has been very emotional. It was an amalgam of sadness, happiness, excitement, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Two days after everything ended, I look back and started to recall all the lessons that have been inculcated by everyone both in my mind and heart throughout the internship program. The dinner we had catered by Congo Grille was great but the short program prepared by us interns that started with a small speech of gratitude have been quite affecting.

I wasn’t at all prepared with that speech. It was all impromptu. And so are my thoughts that are mixed-up at the time. I haven’t had the chance to thank everyone in a more personal manner. So though I know most of them will never get to read this post, I’m going to thank them all anyway in this cyber niche where I’m most good at. My heart welling up with gratitude goes...

• To Mam T for accepting me in the company and imprinting a great first impression of the firm.
• To Mam D and Mam C for being nice and accommodating of us interns.
• To Mam F whom I sensed a great deal of sincerity, thank you so so much.
• To Mam A whom I felt almost like my mom with all the lessons she taught us.
• To Mam J and my mentor Sir E for the time they have let us accompany them in one of their day. Those were special moments when I got to see from their vantage point as an architect and walk their shoes as a passionate professional.
• To Kuya D with the lessons he shared on creative procrastination and learning in general.
• To Kuya M and Kuya V for the stories they have shared back when they were in college. And to Kuya V for being such a nice chum.
• To Ate E for letting me help in the preparation of bid documents at the day of my first pre-bidding conference attendance. And for being so nice.
• To Kuya J and Ate R for the time I had my first site survey in a mall. The time I acquired an obsessive pulse to measure almost anything is priceless.
• To the RND Boys that are unaware of the inspiration they have left me with their wonderful works.
• To the Pretty Engineers who are happy enough to let us help in their busy works. I appreciate the times when I get to help with all the canvassing and quotations. You know how I’d rather do anything than do nothing at all.
• To the Fabulous Interior Designer whom I felt terrified with the first time I met her but turned out to be a great automatic posing camera diva. I appreciate all her fabulousness. *laughs*
• To Miss Secretary and her warm welcome with us almost everyday.
• To the Big Boss R for sharing stories of his starting days.
• To the Big Boss G for never falling short in providing us inspiration and challenges with all his pep talks in our meetings with him. It is ultimately because of you that I have become more determined to embark on the rocky road of being an architect. I will never ever forget the lessons you have imparted on us interns about the profession and about being a great father. I thank you for the effort you did on letting us see the bigger picture of life with that decision to take on the journey.
• And of course, to Ate G whom of all the staff I am very grateful with. Thank you for all the stories you shared (I guess I’ll be reading some more from your blog XD) and for that silent smile that never fails to melt my heart out. Thank you so so much.

My stay came and went by fast but I will never forget to look back on gsn+p as I move on that journey.

Internship Week 5 Wrap-Up

Image borrowed here

My week started on Tuesday because of the May 10 elections last Monday. I was rather relieved to be here in the office because of all the going-ons the previous day. But I guess I’ll save that story for a more appropriate time.

I basically did nothing last Tuesday. It was another one of those times wherein you feel stagnant and all. Recalling the time I had a talk with one of the staff wherein I said that I’d rather be loaded and all crammed up than doing nothing at all. So I opted to fix up the deranged storage room again and read some research about CMS just to keep myself busy.

My Wednesday and Thursday was quite the opposite. I assisted one of the staff in preparing the bid documents to be used on the pre-bidding conference to be held that Thursday after lunch. It was about a proposed two-storey commercial warehouse to be discussed with the general contractors and the rest of the consultants. It was the first time I ever get to observe in one that was why I was paying real close attention to everyone, the manner how they speak and address their concerns, and how they generally deal with each other. I realized they meant real business. And it was then I truly realize I was witnessing the business side of the architectural profession in the construction industry.

Aside from the swatch board of McDonalds restaurant which I helped doing with my fellow interns, the other highlight of my week was also the meeting with one of the partners. He went about the usual way telling us stories of his endeavors (which are all interesting and I swear I’ll never get tired of listening), and also had a few icebreaker exercises. It’s just too bad that the moment I finally felt comfortable to speak up, everything was cut short due to some circumstances.

There are only three days left until the end of my internship at gsn+p architecture studio. If I were not here, I wouldn’t probably have the best summer I’ve just experienced. Learning something first-hand from the industry sure beats the hot summer getaway from the beach.

ArchInspire#002: Architecture Studios

Images borrowed here

It was a very busy day in the office preparing bid documents for the pre-bidding conference our firm held for a proposed two-storey commercial warehouse with the general contractors and the rest of the consultants. It was the first time I ever get to observe in one that was why I was paying real close attention to everyone, the manner how they speak and address their concerns, and how they generally deal with each other. Oh, they meant real business. And it was then I truly realize I was witnessing the business side of the architectural profession in the construction industry. Phew!

Anyways, above are inspirational pictures of the NADiff a.p.a.r.t / Schemata Architecture Office at Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan, which I stumbled upon searching distinctive design for an architectural office. The instant I saw them I knew they were from Japan for the clean aesthetic signature and minimalistic flavor. I am truly a big fan :)

Internship Week 4 Wrap-Up

Image borrowed here

Work started Tuesday this week in observance of a non-working holiday last Monday. I started off as a receptionist which I secretly enjoyed having to deal with something very different from what I used to most of the time in the office. I realized one thing from the work of Ate Reyla, which I experienced doing one whole day – that though she’s not in the production, her work demands a lot from her. Though it initially feels like I was stuck there answering and transferring phone calls, at the end of the day, I figured that the real interaction happens most in the reception area, entertaining occasional visitors and having those short random talks with the rest of the staff in the office. Another lesson learned from this task is that no work is too small in an architectural organization. I mean, even the most “non-architectural” thing is crucial in the entire process of operating a company.

I was also able to help one staff in drafting an as-built plan of a bookstore renovation project we surveyed last week. I was glad that I could even help just in drafting. Only it turned out, it wasn’t that easy at all. The data we gathered last week did not seem to match up once put in paper. The measurements were all messed up and it just blew my mind having to see him flustered at my work. I made it up with him until the end of the day to start over again but the measurements don’t really add up so they took off to the bookstore the next day to confirm the figures. Sigh. I can now see the amount of resources and work one puts in a particular project to get things done.

Anyways, in generalizing the standing of my week here, I’d have to say it has been pretty slow but unconsciously fast. Oh, the irony. Nonetheless, just as I have promised the first time I set my foot in this firm, I’ll make the most of everything by opening myself to all sorts of opportunities of learning. Whatever it may be.

Internship Week 3 Wrap-Up

Image credit here

The third week of my stay as an intern at gsn+p architecture studio has been the best I’ve had yet. It was quite like an amusement park ride as it brought about emotions of thrills and excitement on the ups and downs of the days throughout the week. So maybe we started off slow with the usual random musings at books, reorganization of the storage room and other small tasks but my week finished off unexpectedly as it turned out to be great after all.

Aside from the two new interns – a lovely surprise with which we will share the rest of the internship program and the two product presentations from suppliers of uPVC windows and LED lights which I found very informative, a side project was given to us to work on the whole week. It was the redesigning and reconstruction of the existing gsn+p website that initially gave me an adrenaline rush (because it was new to me to engage on something other than architectural design). I thought it was going to be a piece of cake (something as simple as a blog, perhaps) until all the technical terms came up that wore all my enthusiasm down. It was like having to communicate to an alien language you’ve no idea of even a bit. We are still working on that research about the skeletal framework of a website. What I realize now which I should have know earlier was the parallel approach we could’ve treaded on just as how we solve a given design problem.

Anyway, the cherry on top of the ice cream slash the surprise inside the cereal box of my week had been the three days I spent outside the four walls of the studio to gather data for the as-built plan of a given renovation project. It was such a great experience because it was also the first time I was able to bridge the concept on a piece of paper and the tangible in the physical world. I was even joking to one of my fellow intern how I acquired an obsessive-compulsive urge to measure almost anything as I got used to the measuring tape on my hands holding it as if it were a delicate piece of weaponry.

The final day of the week proved to be the best yet, as I was able to pretend architect (well, at least only in my mind) while I assist Architect Jen throughout her busy day going all over places to meet clients and gather data. It was like a dream come true being able to witness the world from a professional’s point of view. I looked at her as she browses for fixtures/materials in the home depot and as she talks to a client (the owner of a known trendy restaurant) and realized this is how a professional architect should be.

It was all very refreshing to see.

Internship Week 2 Wrap-Up

Image credit here

So far, my second week of internship at gsn+p architecture studio has been going great. I have finally started feeling comfortable with the environment especially with the people around me. My held-back attitude finally waned and words come out much more easily compared to last week. I figured that the real learning will only start once I decide to break that invisible wall separating me from them, and I did just that after several exchange of conversation with some of the staff. I learned that most of them are all too willing and happy to entertain my queries and help out on things I don’t know much about. It really changed my view of them as compared to last week. Before, I only see them as ‘just’ officemates/co-workers that needed to finish loads of things to be done, but now I completely view them as a living, breathing humans faced with different situations and struggles of doing the best they can on a given task. Observing also that most of them are devout Christians made a big impact on finally breaking the wall I had. It was a common ground I could settle with and be comfortable about. That may as well explain some of the Christians songs that break the silence in the workplace and the diligent attitude of everyone while working.

Well, aside from all that, some of the highlights of this week may have been also the knowledge I gained on the computer software/tools that are used along with design. With the availability of some of the computers for most of the week, my thirst to review my lessons in AutoCADD and to learn the basics of SketchUp and PhotoShop, was surely quenched. If not exploring the sample swatches inside the storage room, studying the details in some of the working drawings, or helping out on some small task, I was in front of an available computer tinkering with those useful tools. (The renderers’ works, by the way, are truly inspiring).

In the end, one of the most important lessons I learned this week was to open my mouth and ask whatever I’m curious about. I heard this from Architect Gene on our orientation with him from last week and a couple of times as well from those in the office, but it is only now that it has finally sunk in. And paraphrasing from one of the staff that taught me about ‘creative procrastination’: ‘in learning, the teacher is only ready when the student is.’