2024 Summer Intern Recap

Every summer, Kahler Slater welcomes a new group of student interns to offer them first-hand exposure into the working world of architecture and design. Interns collaborate with their teams, visit project sites, attend various educational sessions, and join the many Kahler Slater networking and volunteering events.

As our intern team members return to school over the next few weeks, we asked a few of them to share insights about their experience being a part of the Kahler Slater team.

Marina Fabela joined Kahler Slater as an Architectural Summer Intern with a focus on our Higher Education, Sports and Recreation, and Civic and Culture markets. She will be graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee this coming spring with her Bachelor’s in Architecture.

Abhilasha Ambhire is a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign pursuing a Master’s in Architecture and is expected to graduate this spring. Abhilasha joined us as an Architectural Summer Intern in our Chicago office, gaining exposure on the Corporate, Hospitality, and Residential markets.  

Allie Mack joined us as a Human Resources intern in our Milwaukee office as a member of our Operations team. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources with concentrations in Accelerated Ingenuity in Markets (AIM) and Marketing at Marquette University, expected to graduate in May 2026. 

 

What is it like to work at Kahler Slater?

Marina: Over the course of three months, I have been exposed to the world of architecture on both macroscopic and microscopic levels. From touring expansive construction sites, to refining my wall section skills, and even playing a role in the pursuit process, I have been given a thorough overview of the field. Working at Kahler Slater means being a part of a catalytic team that is nothing short of synergistic energy. 

Abhilasha: Working at Kahler Slater has been a truly enriching experience. The environment is both inspiring and supportive, making it a fantastic place to grow and learn. The collaborative spirit and dedication of the team have made every day a pleasure.

Allie: Working at Kahler Slater everyday felt new. I had the pleasure of visiting Madison and Chicago over the summer and each office felt collaborative, fun, inviting, focused, and helpful. You are surrounded by people who are truly passionate about their work, it is inspiring.

UW-Madison College of Computer, Data, and Information Sciences Building Site Visit

What did you learn?

Marina: Perhaps the biggest takeaway from my time at Kahler Slater is the importance of self-identity as a creative.  Understanding your strengths, passions, goals, and weaknesses are crucial in being an effective team player. In a more technical light, I learned the importance of internal communication as well as external communication with contractors, partner firms, etc.

Abhilasha: Throughout my internship, I gained valuable insights into the architectural field, deepened my knowledge of various software tools, and learned to dive deeper into details to gain a thorough understanding of the project. Additionally, I developed strong teamwork skills through close collaboration with the team. 

Allie: This summer, I gained a wealth of knowledge, but the most valuable experience was the hands-on involvement in Human Resources. Working closely with my mentors allowed me to significantly enhance my problem-solving and communication skills. This practical experience provided relevant insights and will undoubtedly benefit me in the upcoming school year. The skills and knowledge I acquired will serve as a strong foundation as I apply what I’ve learned in future academic and professional endeavors.

 

What was your favorite project you worked on and why?

Marina: My favorite project to work on was a confidential higher education project that I worked on under Chris Ludwig’s direction. This project hand allowed me to first handedly play a part in the design process. Understanding the complexities of stakeholders and the continuous creative process has been nothing short of impactful. My time at Kahler Slater has been incredibly fruitful for both my professional career and personal growth alike. I am filled with the upmost gratitude and am leaving this internship feeling very fulfilled.

Abhilasha: One of my favorite projects was a Community Center in Chicago. This project gave me valuable insight into the complexities of working with community spaces. It was a great opportunity to explore how to retrofit a building with a contemporary touch while preserving its original character. The hands-on experience was both challenging and rewarding, and it provided me with a deeper understanding of the profession.

Allie: For the summer, one of my main objectives was to deepen my understanding of Kahler Slater’s HR systems. I became proficient in this area and was tasked with developing a comprehensive training course for new users for some of their technology. This effort not only enhanced my expertise but also aimed to streamline the recruiting process, ensuring new users could efficiently navigate the system across the organization.

Thank you to all of our student interns that joined us this summer.  We wish you the best of luck as you begin the new school year.

Chicago and Madison Office Visit
Madison Office Visit