This past summer, Interior Design undergraduate student Emma Smith interned at Page/. She shared some of her experiences with the Gibbs College of Architecture as her experience unfolded. These stories and insights can be found below.
What surprised you most about your internship?
I was surprised that not only could everyone act professional and get their work done, but that everyone was able to get along on a personal level as well. Everyone’s ability to get along and joke even with constant deadlines made my internship enjoyable.
After working at an office, what are some ways you think you might approach studio differently when you return?
After working, I have found I approach the design process much more intently than before. I think more critically in some areas, as I would at work. The constant exposure to vendors and reps helps me have access to more materials and furniture companies for my projects. Working also gave me the experience of working with others. This has allowed me to start collaborating with my classmates, which has helped strengthen my designs overall.
How does this internship relate to your career goals?
My internship was at a fairly large commercial firm. I want to go into commercial design at a larger firm and work on a variety of projects. My internship has allowed me to work on healthcare, hospitality, higher education, multifamily and corporate projects. This has given me experience and exposure to all areas and has allowed me to figure out my likes and dislikes.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture announces John Harris as Associate Dean for Research ad interim, effective Aug. 25, 2026, until the permanent position is filled.
Gibbs College is pleased to announce the 2026 Gibbs College Faculty & Staff Awards recipients. These individuals were recognized by Dean Butzer during the Gibbs College Back to School Meeting and will be honored during the Celebration Banquet in October. They were nominated by their colleagues via an open nomination process.
Telesis, the Gibbs College of Architecture’s student journal, has been awarded a grant from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts to support its next two issues, “Pause” (Volume IX) and “React” (Volume X).
