INTERNSHIP INSIGHT: Pierce Applies Classroom Techniques To Interior Architecture Project

1) Why Thibault's Renovations?

Thibault's Renovations is a construction company that works on a variety of projects, which gave me the ability to get a larger overall education in all areas of the industry. I was hopeful I would be able to work with the company on all types of spaces, indoor and outdoor. It was an added bonus that all of the jobs were local and I wouldn't have to travel too far day-to-day. 

2) What was the process like to obtain your internship?

Gerard (the owner) is working on a large garage addition at the end of my neighborhood that my parents and I pass when we take the dogs for a walk. I knew I wanted to do something hands-on and I had previously played basketball with Gerard's daughter in middle school so I knew of him and his business. I decided to reach out to him and ask if he needed any help and would be able to give me an opportunity to learn more about what his crew does. He said he would love to have me on the team and I would be able to follow and be an apprentice to one of his younger workers.

3) Describe your overall internship experience.

My internship experience was unlike any other project or job I have ever done. Each day I picked up new knowledge, whether that was through direct conversations or simply just watching others work. I learned skills for each aspect of construction working on job sites varying from additions, renovations, and new construction. I worked on projects inside and outside, from smaller bathrooms to large decks and basements. I met many people with decades of work experience who were more than willing to pass on their profession to a new, eager student. At the end of every day, I went home feeling exhausted and fulfilled, loving to always be able to see the progress we had made.

4) What have you learned from your internship?

My internship taught me that not every design drawn perfectly on paper works flawlessly in real life. In almost every situation there were little tweaks or adjustments that needed to be made in order for the design to work out. It was incredible to see the projects come to life day after day from my own hard work. I learned how to use an abundance of new tools, from the basic ones to more intricate ones I had never even heard of. I learned that most of the time before creating, nine times out of 10, you must demolish. The most important thing that I learned is the ability to balance time and efficiency with quality work.

5) How will this internship help you in your career moving forward?

This internship has opened my eyes to understanding the differences between the work we do in the classroom versus the work they do on the job site. Nothing is ever as straightforward and clean as it seems on the computer. Almost every day I had to apply my problem-solving skills to overcome unexpected problems. I look forward to completing even more hands-on work in the future of my career. I enjoyed being able to physically see the work that I was doing come together, the final product is so much more satisfying when it is right in front of your eyes. One day, I would love to work on designing and building tiny homes myself to help people realize their dream of living with a small ecological footprint and travel at their leisure.

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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)