We’re excited to welcome new and returning 2024 summer interns to the firm. Colton Green, Ashley Johnson, Thierry Kirui, Halie Lago, Yingqiao Li, and Macky Nobes are interning at our Rochester office, while Alec Kim is at our Troy office.
Colton Green, who is going into his fourth year studying architecture at Endicott College in Massachusetts, joins our Workplace studio for the summer. He was drawn to a career in architecture for its opportunity to design spaces that people appreciate. On interning at SWBR, he says, “I enjoy participating in professional meetings and performing tasks that benefit both the firm and projects. I’m gaining experience and knowledge that is beneficial to my future as an architect.” He is expected to graduate in spring, 2025.
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, even preferring building her own toys to buying them as a child. When asked what excites her about the future of architecture, she said, “Being an architect is a way to make the world a better place to live, even if it is just a little bit each day.” She is expected to graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Architecture in spring, 2026.
Alec Kim is studying architect at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. He credits his combined passion for art and practicality for leading him to a career in architecture, “Architecture is a way that I can help communities grow and benefit everyone.” What excites Alec about the future of architecture is improved technology that will lead to more innovation that allows architects and engineers to find ways to benefit the people who inhabit spaces. He is expected to graduate in spring, 2025.
University at Miami student Thierry Kirui accepted a summer internship after winning the 2023 SWBR sponsored scholarship through the Urban League of Rochester. Thierry has always been captivated by architecture, from skyscrapers and bridges to interesting staircases. “I’ve always been curious about the design process behind these projects—why a specific building shape or structure is chosen, and why certain buildings attract more attention than others.“ What excites him about the future of architecture is the integration of AI into the design process and how it can be used to improve efficiency and precision. He is expected to graduate in spring, 2028.
Interior Design intern Halie Lago will complete her BFA in Interior Design in spring 2025 and continue to pursue a Master of Architecture from Rochester Institute of Technology. Halie has always known that she wanted to pursue a career in design. “What drew me into interior design and architecture was the analytical side of design. There is purpose to every design choice as it impacts people’s wellbeing.” On interning at SWBR, she is enjoying the real-world experience she’s gaining. “In school we are told what is going to happen in a firm, but it is very different being in person.”
Yingqiao Li is assisting our Landscape Architecture team with projects that focus on urban environments, communities, parks, streets, and waterfront, “Things to do with a better environment for people and wildlife.” On interning at SWBR, Yingqiao is enjoying hands-on field construction experience she’s gaining and learning Revit. She credits her enjoyment in finding the natural environment in a busy and dense city, including small gardens and city parks, for initially drawing her to landscape architecture. She earned her bachelor’s in environmental design from Wuhan University in Wuhan, China, and is expected to graduate with her Master of Landscape Architecture from the University at Pennsylvania in spring, 2025.
Second-year summer intern and Kent State University student Macky Nobes assists the team on multifamily housing projects. 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.” Macky is working on a combined bachelor’s and master’s program in architecture and is expected to graduate in 2026.