CHARLESTON — Seventeen college students from various institutions are gaining practical experience this summer through internships with ZMM Architects and Engineers.
At ZMM, interns collaborate with other students and professional staff, applying classroom knowledge to real-world projects. These experiences benefit communities across the region.
The interns are working at ZMM’s Charleston, WV, and Blacksburg, VA, offices. They represent eight institutions, including Fairmont State University, Marshall University, West Virginia University, and others.
Caroline Castle, a Charleston native and University of Tennessee student, returned as an intern after her first year in college. She emphasized how the internship helped her refocus and improve her design skills.
“It really helped me going back into my next semester and helped me refocus my priorities to become a better designer. I have learned a lot here that I am not going to learn in school,” Castle said.
Castle praised the early exposure to her field through the internship.
“I feel like it was a really invaluable experience to be able to do it that early. It’s so hard to know if you’re going to like architecture from school because it’s so different, especially in the earlier years. It’s so design-heavy and conceptual. To come in and learn a lot about construction and documentation and the functional aspects of the career was really incredible,” she said.
Owen Farrier, a Virginia Tech student from Blacksburg, echoed Castle’s sentiments about the supportive environment at ZMM. He began interning at ZMM at age 17.
“I was really nervous. As soon I walked through the door, everybody was willing to help. It felt right,” Farrier said.
Claire Fulks from Ona, WV, and a Marshall University student, is in her first year interning with ZMM. She also appreciated the support she has received.
“Everyone has been welcoming and helpful. I feel like I’ve learned a lot. It’s the best internship I’ve had by far,” she said.
Fulks added that seeing various aspects of architecture beyond design has been valuable.
“I like how they’re taking us places and we get to see more than just the design aspect of architecture. We get to see biddings and pre-construction meetings and I’ve been able to be involved,” she said.
Marshall Villers, a Marshall University student from Winfield, WV, enjoys the focused work on projects.
“They focus me and time seems to fly when I work on them,” Villers said.
Castle shared her excitement about seeing community-engaged projects come to life.
“I get to see the things go up and know what’s happening and talk to the community of people that are being affected by these projects. That is something that I am really excited about. Going into a school building that this firm has built and seeing the kids’ reactions, hearing from the community, and all of the excitement is fulfilling,” she said.
Adam Krason, Architect, Accredited Learning Environment Planner, and Principal at ZMM, highlighted the benefits of interns working on projects within their communities.
“It’s very exciting for our interns when they can work on projects in the communities where they were raised. It provides them with an opportunity early in their career to see the positive impact that can be realized through design,” Krason said.
David Ferguson, Architect, Recognized Educational Facility Professional, and Principal at ZMM, noted the mutual learning experience between interns and staff.
“It has been energizing for all of us to see our interns so interested and involved in projects. Learning and gaining perspective from each other is at the core of who we are and our interns are an important part of our team,” Ferguson said.
The 2024 summer interns include students from institutions like Virginia Tech, University of Tennessee, and West Virginia University, among others.
Interns gain a comprehensive understanding of architecture and engineering, contributing to ZMM’s mission of community-oriented design and professional development.
