2024 Bergmeyer x PIC Summer Design Internship Program
Every summer, the City of Boston and the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) work together to place thousands of Boston Public School (BPS) students in paid summer internships across various companies and organizations throughout the city. This initiative, known as the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program, provides students with valuable insights into fields that interest them, helping them prepare for future employment.
Bergmeyer has actively participated in the PIC program since 2018, collaborating with the Boston Society of Architecture (BSA) to engage architecture firms in creating a dynamic internship experience. Our goal is to offer an immersive educational opportunity where interns learn about architecture and design.
2024 Bergmeyer x PIC Summer Intern Profiles
This past summer we enthusiastically welcomed Sophia Barros and Kevin Tan to join our architects and designers for 6 weeks:
Sophia attends Boston Latin Academy and learned about the PIC internship program from her advisor, Noah Monzillo. She is currently exploring interests in architecture, interior design, and engineering.
Kevin is a rising senior at the Josiah Quincy Upper School. He discovered the PIC internship program through his network and hopes to be accepted into a University with a strong architecture program.
What Did We Plan?
On Tuesday mornings, one or two designers took the interns on a tour of a few projects and then had them reimagine the space. There were special assignments for each challenge, but the focus was on a simple formula of having them start with research, move to image strategy/branding and on to programing/adjacency studies. There were check-ins and reviews along the way as the interns prepared to present their concepts each Thursday afternoon.
For example, the first design challenge was for a restaurant space combined with the concept of a food coop. Meaning, community members will run the store by volunteering and learning how to order, prep, cook, serve, and establish the business. The other challenges focused on incorporating community into commercial lobby spaces, event halls, and retail establishments.
Scroll through the slideshow to view photos from Kevin and Sophia's experience at Bergmeyer.
Feedback from Kevin and Sophia
Kevin
Q: Are there any things that surprised you while you were there? Any areas of interest that you hadn't thought about before but would consider pursuing in the future as a result of interning with Bergmeyer?
During my time with Bergmeyer, I learned so many cool things that you won't find anywhere else. The atmosphere is so welcoming and calm. I’ve always found the retail and food and beverage area special as the process is different than other sectors. Bergmeyer has accelerated my dreams of becoming an architect and pushed me to work harder to achieve it.
Q: How was your experience with Bergmeyer? What were some of the highlights of your time here?
During my time with Bergmeyer, I loved meeting everyone. Everyone had so many cool stories to listen to and unique backgrounds that made them who they were. It was so easy to ask for help and to work in a team because the work environment is so strong. I loved all the places Bergmeyer took me because they always make sure we understand the different designs and the concepts behind them.
Sophia
Q: Are there any things that surprised you while you were there? Any areas of interest that you hadn't thought about before but would consider pursuing in the future as a result of interning with Bergmeyer?
It was surprising how everyone was so welcoming and non-judgmental of me being such a newbie and not knowing much about architecture. I came to Bergmeyer not knowing which sector I would pick when I get older. After spending time here and meeting such incredible people, I realized that I don't have to necessarily pick one sector to work in. With that, I think that as I get older and being as spontaneous as I am I would want to work in all of them.
Q: How was your experience with Bergmeyer? What were some of the highlights of your time here?
My experience at Bergmeyer was absolutely amazing and nothing that I would have expected it to be. The people that are here at Bergmeyer were the ones that ultimately made it such a great experience for me. They provided me with feedback that did not tear me down but in fact, led me to think outside of the boxes that I was previously confined in. Some of my highlights consisted of having conversations with Peter about sustainability or cracking jokes about fast fashion with Sha.
Last Thoughts
It was impressive how seriously Kevin and Sophia approached each design challenge. Although they admitted nervousness, they provided high-level presentations and welcomed feedback from Bergmeyer’s architects and designers.
While the primary aim of this internship program is to offer students an educational design experience, it is undeniable that we will cherish the valuable insights from collaborating with these talented and driven students as well.
Bergmeyer looks forward to participating in this program again in 2025.... once a Bergie, always a Bergie!
As we continue to build and reimagine our program from the feedback provided by our interns and our team, what would you want to be exposed to if you had the opportunity to spend 6 weeks interning with us? Reach out to us at careers@bergmeyer.com