We’re excited to welcome new, and returning, 2023 summer interns to the firm. Ashley Johnson, A.J. Niles, Mackendra Nobes, Joseph Perez, Kyle Taylor, and Luisa Velocci are interning at our Rochester office, while Katie Petix is spending her summer at our Troy office.
University at Buffalo student Ashley Johnson accepted a summer internship after winning the 2022 SWBR sponsored scholarship through the Urban League of Rochester. Ashley has always been creative and even preferred building her own toys to buying them as a child. She chose a career in Architecture after struggling to feel included in certain places. “I realized I wanted to create spaces where everyone would feel safe to be themselves.” She is expected to graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Architecture in spring, 2026.
Structural intern A.J. Niles assists the team with the inspection, analysis, and design of projects. He credits his high school engineering courses for piquing his interest in a career in engineering. What excites A.J. about the future of engineering is seeing changes in design and innovation and how they compare to those of the past. He is studying Civil Engineering at the University at Buffalo and is expected to graduate in 2024.
Kent State University student Mackendra Nobes is working on a combined bachelor’s and master’s program in architecture and will graduate in 2026. What excites her about the future of architecture is its ability to make an impact on the built environment through sustainable and environmentally friendly design. “As a LEED Green Associate and aspiring LEED AP, I want to continue to push green building as a common practice.” Outside of work and school, Mackendra enjoys running, playing soccer, and buying and selling sneakers.
Joseph Perez is assisting our Landscape Architecture group with construction documents, planting plans, and renderings. He credits his passion for the environment and love for sketching and drawing to leading him to the field, “Landscape architecture is a perfect blend of both, and I’ve loved it since I started college.” In his free time, he enjoys working out, meditation, journaling, drawing, and shooting his bow. Joseph will be graduating from SUNY ESF in May 2024 with his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
Katie Petix joins us after spending her spring semester studying in Italy. Katie credits her creativity and problem-solving skills for drawing her to a career in architecture. “I enjoy taking extra time to figure out how something really works or operates before asking for the answer.” In her free time, she enjoys outdoor sports, including hiking and mountain biking. She also enjoys playing the piano and guitar and singing. Katie has an associate degree from FLCC in Architectural Technology and will graduate from Alfred State College in 2025 with both her BArch and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Returning for his fourth summer internship, Kyle Taylor was originally offered an internship after winning the SWBR sponsored scholarship from the Urban League of Rochester. What excites him about the future is the ability to create sustainable and physically alive buildings that can positively impact society. “From green roofs to movable solar shading that track the sun’s rays, structures not only will serve a purpose, but will bring an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the new art of architecture.” Outside of work, Kyle enjoys mixing and creating new cocktail recipes to add to his collection. He is graduating from Alfred State College with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2024.
Interior Design student Luisa Velocci joined us part-time in the spring and decided to continue her internship through the summer. She assists the team on a variety of workplace and education projects. Luisa credits her experience in theater stage/set design and construction for drawing her to a career in Interior Design. “I am excited to be a part of the process to bring buildings and spaces from paper to real life.” Outside of work, Luisa enjoys drawing, going to concerts, and playing with her cats. She is graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design in May 2024.