Interning at Albert Kahn Associates: A Summer of Learning and Growth

Vanessa Lekaj and Justin Chappell intern with Albert Kahn Associates during the summer of 2024. Vanessa joined us through the University of Michigan Albert Kahn Fellowship, and Justin joined us through the ACE Mentorship program. 

This summer, Albert Kahn Associates has the privilege of hosting two remarkable interns, Vanessa Lekaj and Justin Chappell, each bringing unique backgrounds and perspectives to the firm. Vanessa, a graduate student at the University of Michigan's Taubman School of Architecture, joined through the prestigious Albert Kahn Fellowship. Justin, a sophomore architecture major from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), came to the firm through the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Mentorship program.

Vanessa's journey began with her selection for the Albert Kahn Fellowship, an opportunity that allowed her to work closely with some of the best design, engineering, and management professionals in the industry. "It's been absolutely incredible to say I'm actually part of a working team," said Lekaj. "I didn't know what would happen when I applied, but this has turned into a summer I will never forget."

Justin's path to Albert Kahn Associates started when he impressed the firm's leaders during a speech at the ACE Mentor program’s Annual Banquet this past spring.

Vanessa and Justin both brought enthusiasm and fresh ideas to their respective roles. Vanessa, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy, had the opportunity to dive into project work with the Ovation Music and Arts Center in Lansing. "To play a role in such a large-scale project is really a remarkable opportunity," said Lekaj. "My work on the Ovation project initially involved collaborating with the design team on schematic design. Now we’re into the design development phase, which allows me to work on floor plans and research building codes – the important details that will make the design become a reality.”

Meanwhile, Justin embraced the collaborative culture at the firm, participating in a series of charrettes and working on the same Ovation project. He was particularly excited to grow his skills with commercial building information modeling (BIM) tools. “In this instance, I was able to work with Revit, a software I was anxious to learn more about. Revit is more advanced than anything I’d ever worked with before,” said Chappell. “It allows you to achieve much more elaborate and detailed work. It gave me a sense of what it’s like to truly be a professional.”

Both interns also had the opportunity to work closely with Michael Giovanni, Director of Design, who has been instrumental in guiding their growth.

Giovanni commended both of the young professionals on their work and passion, applauding Vanessa's work ethic and highlighting Justin's performance, saying, “An internship given to a freshman is rare. But Justin really came in with such enthusiasm and was so engaging, we all felt he would thrive here.”

The Albert Kahn Fellowship, exemplifies Albert Kahn's commitment to nurturing the next generation of architects. Alan Cobb, Chairman Emeritus and Principal, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the firm and the University of Michigan, stating, “The firm’s investment in education was initiated by Mr. Kahn himself who, in 1942, established two undergraduate scholarships for juniors – one in the College of Architecture and one in the College of Engineering.”

As Vanessa and Justin prepare to return to their respective schools, they leave with invaluable experiences and newfound skills. Vanessa found time to bond with colleagues on the firm’s coed softball team, the “Kahndors,” while Justin reflected on his growth, saying, “My portfolio will look much more professional now thanks to the guidance I received and the tools I was able to use at Kahn.”

Their summer at Albert Kahn Associates has not only enriched their understanding of architecture but has also confirmed their passion for the field. Both interns are set to continue their academic journeys, carrying forward the lessons learned and the relationships forged during their time at the firm.