With many traditional architecture student internships still in flux due to COVID, and based on the success of its 2020 inaugural year, the Michigan Architectural Foundation (MAF) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Michigan once again held the MAF + AIA Michigan Internship Bridge Program this summer.
The goal of the program is to help bridge the current gap in available student architectural internship programs in Michigan, and preserve educational, experience, and career-boosting opportunities normally provided through the traditional internship experience. This year’s program, which began in early June and ran for eight weeks, included students from Michigan’s five architectural schools participating in internships that provided virtual, in person, or a mix of the two work experience types.
Photo: one of Jeremy’s summer projects
Lawrence Technological University (LTU) graduate architecture student Jeremy Hufnagel recently completed his MAF + AIAMI Bridge Internship with Diekema Hamann Architecture & Engineering in Kalamazoo. His remote internship gave Jeremy the opportunity to work on a number of commercial and historic projects, including the Pointe aux Barques Lifesaving Station, winner of the 2021 MAF Evans Graham Preservation Award. During his internship, Jeremy was responsible for making a comprehensive digital model of the project (so drawings could be printed). He continues to work with the firm post-internship, and is in the process of creating a timeline for the historical structures report for the Pointe aux Barques project. Meet Jeremy:
“Hello, my name is Jeremy Hufnagel. I am a graduate student at Lawrence Technological University pursuing a Masters in Architecture. I did my undergrad at LTU as well, and I’m on track to finish at the end of next Summer.
I’m currently employed at Diekema Hamann and work on a variety of projects, both within their standard healthcare and education practices, as well as with their more nuanced historical projects. I often find these the most engaging; last Summer I helped with the ongoing renovations of the Boudeman House in Kalamazoo, and now this Summer I worked on a historical life-saving station on the East side of the state. This has all been supported by the generous grants from the Michigan Architectural Foundation and AIA Michigan. Thank you!”
Congratulations, Jeremy, on the completion of your internship. We wish you continued success as you complete your degree program, and in your future!