At ACI Boland we offer an internship program that gives architecture and interior design students real, working experience in the industry. Our interns are provided with resources, training, and opportunities to grow and develop their skills.
Below, you’ll find our interview with our interior design intern, Elizabeth Fredrick. Find out more about her time with us and how it has helped her to advance her career.
WHERE DO YOU GO TO SCHOOL AND WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR?
Elizabeth Fredrick: I attend school at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. My major is Interior Design, with a minor in graphic design. I’m about to enter my fourth (and final) year in the program. The interior design program is in the College of Health and Human Sciences, which makes my degree a Bachelor of Science, as opposed to being in the College of Architecture, Planning, & Design.
WHAT MADE YOU INTERESTED IN INTERIOR DESIGN?
Elizabeth Fredrick: From a young age, I always enjoyed what I now know as design and the art of aesthetics, but it wasn’t until high school that I realized that interior design was something I could actually do. I took a class that taught foundations in a bunch of different areas, one of them being interior design, in my sophomore year of high school, and it just clicked for me. Once I found out about the great interior design program at K-State, I just kind of knew that it was what I wanted to do. So far, I’ve been right!
WHAT ARE YOUR DAY TO DAY TASKS AT ACI BOLAND?
Elizabeth Fredrick: My day-to-day tasks at ACI vary from day to day, but then generally consist of working on specific tasks for a variety of projects and keeping the material library organized and non-cluttered. For example, I’ve recently been working on our Revit standard details and Heal room templates and fixing redlines on those, but when I’m not doing that, I’ve been cleaning out project bins in the library and sending back any materials we aren’t keeping. I also occasionally go on site visits with other interior designers or architects, most recently having gone to do punch at the first phase of our Hobby Hill project.
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WHAT NEW SKILLS, TECHNIQUES, OR KNOWLEDGE HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM INTERNING AT ACI BOLAND?
Elizabeth Fredrick: At ACI Boland, I’ve had the opportunity to learn more technical design skills that are essential to successful design projects, as well as being able to develop my professional interaction skills with coworkers, product reps, contractors, etc. I’ve learned more efficient Revit and design process techniques that allow me to work more accurately at a faster pace. My skills in more aesthetic based design decisions have also been improved because of work I’ve had to do regarding selections for clients that are based on a larger variety of real-world factors.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING AT ACI BOLAND?
Elizabeth Fredrick: What I like most about working at ACI Boland is the people, and in turn how they effect the office culture. Every person I have met and worked with at ACI has made me feel nothing short of welcomed, supported, and valued. I never truly felt like I was a “good designer” or like my work was truly professional-level or ready until I worked at ACI. Even though I’m just an intern, I’ve never felt so trusted and respected in my work, and I know that I’ll go back to school with a newfound confidence in what I do.
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WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLANGE SINCE BEING AN INTERN HERE AT ACI BOLAND?
Elizabeth Fredrick: I think the biggest challenge I’ve faced is honestly getting used to the full time working schedule! I’ve gotten so used to college schedules and how scattered they are that getting used to working 8 hours a day 5 days a week was a bit challenging at first, especially since I started right after coming back from a 2-week trip to South Korea. I’ve gotten used to it now, but I’m definitely not going to be unhappy when I get to go back to my looser school schedule.
HAS THERE BEEN A SPECIAL PROJECT DURING YOUR INTERSHIP THAT YOU LIKED WORKING ON? IF SO, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT IT?
Elizabeth Fredrick: I think the project I’ve enjoyed working on the most during my internship is the Quantum Office Remodel project, mainly because I’ve gotten to be so involved with multiple different aspects of it and have really gotten the chance to understand it. I’ve also really enjoyed the Brookside STEAM project because I’ve gotten to go on a few site visits for it, and as someone who favors education design, it’s been really fun to get to interact with and experience the work that goes into an education project.
HOW HAS BEING AN INTERN HELPED FURTHER YOUR CAREER?
Elizabeth Fredrick: Being an intern has helped me further my career mainly by being a good source of experience that helps prepare me for the professional design world. I’ve been able to take skills that I’ve learned in school and actually apply them to real projects in a way that I’ve never done before, and build upon those skills so I can go back to my last year of school more confident and knowledgeable than ever. I’ve also made a lot of long-lasting connections with other professionals, which is greatly helpful when trying to enter the professional design world – and makes me a lot more comfortable in professional settings!
