Johanna A. Paine ‘09 Summer 2008

 Frederic Schwartz Architects is a medium- sized firm of 20 architects located in SoHo, NYC.  They work on an array of projects, from renovated townhouses in NYC to international airports in Chennai, India.  The sheer size of the firm’s projects and their international work foster a competitive and fast- paced work environment. Deutsch Advertising Agency, Los Angeles Headquarters Shelby Street Bridge, Nashville, Tennessee

 They are best known for their 9/11 memorials and came in 2 nd in the “Ground Zero” competition in NYC.  A native New Yorker, Mr. Schwartz is passionate about these memorials because he watched as the towers fell, sketching the plumes of smoke that rose into the sky. Ground Zero Design, second place prize Westchester 9/11 Memorial

 As one of about 10 interns (most of whom were in graduate school), I primarily acted as an office manager and as Mr. Schwartz’s assistant.  My work varied from day to day, but I had four or five on-going projects throughout the summer that allowed me to feel as though I was making a lasting difference at the firm.  I researched and organized the sample library, made an inventory of the office’s filing system, and re-organized the master image library. I also edited renderings on Photoshop, ran errands, measured site plans, and taught myself AutoCAD and Sketch Up.

One of my projects was to cut people out on Photoshop and place them in this rendering for the New Jersey September 11 th Memorial.

 I was able to familiarize myself with AutoCAD and Sketch Up and become more proficient with Photoshop.  I improved my communication and professional skills by talking to clients and communicating their needs to the architects.  I gained confidence by succeeding in a fast- paced work environment.  I enjoyed the firm’s open environment, which fostered a lot of communication and group work.

 I very much enjoyed my summer at Frederic Schwartz Architects. I learned a great deal about the architecture world and am now sure that I want to be a part of it.  I would recommend this firm to someone who wants to experience working in a competitive atmosphere and partake in international, large- scale projects.  Frederic Schwartz is a renowned architect and expects anyone who works for him to reflect his success and high-quality of work.  He cares deeply about his interns’ experiences and success after working for him.

 Take a look at the firm’s website:  Contact Frederic Schwartz: Frederic Schwartz Architects 180 Varick St. New York, NY tel: