My experiences at Purple Cherry Architects

My experiences through the Community Mentorship Program have been very enriching. Every day I spent interning for Purple Cherry Architects was a learning experience- I worked with someone different and learned something new each time I came. For example, I greatly enjoyed learning the basics of the design software Revit with Brian and Rachel. My Revit lessons were brief, but I enjoyed observing them as they completed tasks in Revit and explained to me what they were doing. I also learned how to sketch architectural plans with John, who explained to me what various line thicknesses and patterns signified and showed me several examples. I learned about things other than architecture too. For example, Alan taught me how to compile PDF documents using Adobe Acrobat.

While I enjoyed much of my time at Purple Cherry, I was sometimes assigned tedious tasks. For example, I was occasionally given documents to archive. Sometimes this meant emptying the contents of project binders and filing the contents into the appropriate file cabinets. Other times, this meant scanning architectural drawings on tracing paper using a multi-function peripheral and printing them to be filed or sending digital copies to their respective architects to be archived electronically. These tasks were monotonous, but I am glad that I was exposed to the duller, less glorified side of an architect's job. If I had only been exposed to the exciting parts of architecture, such as the design process, I would have developed an unrealistic and one-sided view of the career.

In conclusion, I am grateful for being selected to participate in the Community Mentorship Program. My experiences, although not always exciting, have allowed me to develop a realistic view of a career in architecture. I hope to utilize the knowledge and experience I gained through my internship to my advantage as I pursue a degree in architecture.