First Week Impressions

- My observations of the site:
My first week at CTA Architects was pretty great. Every morning I loved waking up a little later than usual, and then coming into work. It is really nice to have my own space in the CTA office, so that I can have everything I need at my hands reach. I usually have various books out, my laptop, usually my camera if I ever find something I think I should take a picture of, so I really am glad I have a place that I can kinda call my own. I feel really welcome here, so I enjoy that too. It's pretty quiet around the office, but I actually like being in that atmosphere, because I find myself working harder since I'm not being distracted. Although a lot of the time the phone is ringing, or James is talking with Andy, so it's not ever completely silent.

- My evaluation of the site’s mission/purpose:
I think the one thing that I've learned about James and Andy and what they do, is that they design these amazing buildings all for a purpose. I don't think that there has ever been a project that either of them have not been into, or not enjoyed. Just knowing James, I feel like he is able to overcome all struggles, and deal with people who he might not like to deal with, but he does both in style and with a smile. I really like the fact that the architects at CTA are not just into architecture for money, or just to take over the world, but to leave their clients happy and enjoying the structure that have.

- New skill sets that I know I will need to work on?
Using the program called Revit has been somewhat of a challenge. It's a program that is used for designing buildings, houses, whatever you want. It's a great program and I am loving every day that I get to come in and use it, but Revit is a very complicated program. There is a lot more to it than just drawing up some walls and adding windows and doors. I think the thing I will most need to work on is just learning more of the shortcuts and what many of the functions do. I have not had trouble designing something, but there are ways to make your design actually come to life using accurate topography or colors of buildings and other things as well.

- Any likes and/or dislikes that I have experienced within these first two days.
In terms of dislikes, I really don't think there are any. I have really been enjoying my time here. I have learned a lot just from me messing around with Revit and I know that I will continue to learn more about it. I also like how I feel welcome, like mentioned before. I was really nervous that internships might get weird if I had a mentor who was not friendly, or someone who I couldn't connect with, but James has been awesome. I am really bummed that internships are only three weeks, because I feel like this process has been amazing.