Pictured above from left to right:
Brandon Holley, Joseph John Fremante III, Gabriella Macera, Courtney Antholzner, DJ Seitz, Ben Blades, Sarah Travers
SWBR enjoys bringing interns throughout the year to work side-by-side with architects and designers as an integral part of the team. The firm’s six summer interns are assigned specific projects, ranging from complex educational facilities to lifestyle and corporate interiors to housing projects. The goal of an internship at SWBR is to gain experience in all design disciplines the firm practices, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, planning, graphic design, and structural engineering.
Courtney Antholzner attends Clarkson University in Potsdam, majoring in civil engineering with concentrations in architectural engineering, construction, engineering management and structural engineering. She resides in Little Valley, New York, and will graduate in December. “Growing up, I was always around things being built,” Antholzner said. “My father is a carpenter and I’ve had the opportunity to work with him on breaks from school. Seeing the work come to life was a fantastic opportunity and (showed me) what great design work can accomplish. I’ve always appreciated the beauty of older buildings and want to be able to be a part of preserving them. I’m interested in sustainability and incorporating it into design and our everyday lives.”
Ben Blades of Rochester, New York, is studying architecture at Alfred State College and is expected to graduate in 2018. “My junior year attending Edison Tech was the first time I was exposed to architecture,” Blades said. “I immediately knew that this major was for me because of the opportunity to influence design in order to impact lives for the better. I quickly realized that architecture is everywhere in this world and I want to make my own mark as well.”
Joseph John Fremante III is a graduate student at the University at Buffalo, studying structural engineering. He received his bachelor’s degree from Clarkson University. Fremante will graduate in December and is from Albany.
Brandon Holley attends Alfred State College, studying architecture. The Livonia, New York, resident is expected to graduate in May 2018.
Gabriella Macera studies interior architecture and design at Mercyhurst University, and is expected to graduate in spring 2019. “I have always been interested in commercial design because it combines both creativity and practicality,” said Macera. “I love the way that good design can make people feel better and improve their quality of life.”
DJ Seitz is a marketing intern at SWBR, he supports the marketing team and works extensively on website content. Seitz graduated in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, he resides in Ontario, New York.
Sarah Travers is an architecture student at Alfred State with a concentration in construction management. The Pittsford/Henrietta, New York, resident is expected to graduate in May 2018. “I love the idea of giving a client what they want and having their thoughts turn into an actual design,” Travers said. “I’ve always enjoyed designing houses and different facilities either with a program or freely.”
“These students bring an energy and fun spirit to our firm and we love challenging and helping them achieve great things during the summer with us”, says Tom Gears, AIA, SWBR President.
SWBR internships are full-time, paid and typically last eight or more weeks.