This summer, AE Design welcomed three interns to our team: Stephanie Torres, Tristan Smith, and Joseph Osborne. Throughout their internships, they gained hands-on experience, contributed to active projects, explored different sides of the AEC industry, and saw firsthand how thoughtful coordination transforms ideas and drawings into built spaces.
As their internships come to a close, we asked them to reflect on what drew them to the industry, the experiences that shaped their summers, and the lessons they will carry into their careers.
Stephanie Torres has always been curious about how technology, construction, and design work together. Growing up with a father who works as a carpenter helped spark her interest in the relationship between individual components and the complete systems they create. At AE Design, that curiosity expanded as she worked with drawings, RFIs, submittals, and site documentation while seeing how many details and disciplines must come together to deliver a successful project.
One of Stephanie’s most impactful experiences was working on the BVSD Boulder TEC renovation. Her responsibilities included reviewing and responding to RFIs related to technology systems, updating speaker zones and AV one-line diagrams, revising technology layouts in Revit, coordinating design changes, and participating in site walks to document field conditions. Through the project, she strengthened her skills in Autodesk Revit, Bluebeam, construction administration, and project coordination.
The experience also showed her how design documents evolve during construction and how different disciplines coordinate throughout the process. Site walks were an especially rewarding part of her summer because they allowed her to connect the drawings and design decisions she saw on paper with the work taking shape in the field.
“Always stay curious and ask questions.”
Stephanie encourages future interns to remain open to unfamiliar projects and responsibilities, even when they seem challenging at first. Because the industry and its software were new to her, asking questions played an important role in helping her understand the work, build confidence, and expand her skill set.
Stephanie will take the project- and task-management skills she developed into the next stage of her career. Working in an environment where priorities shifted and new assignments arose taught her how to stay organized, manage her time, and adapt to changing project needs.
Outside of work, Stephanie spent time with her family, explored trails and parks with her dog, played video games, watched movies, and enjoyed solo outings.
Tristan was drawn to electrical engineering because of its connection to the built world and the opportunity to see a design progress from a drawing to a system installed in the field. His internship reinforced that interest by giving him the opportunity to contribute directly to project work and better understand how electrical systems come together.
One of Tristan’s most valuable assignments involved creating existing-condition one-line diagrams for an industrial area totaling approximately 450,000 square feet. The project strengthened his understanding of electrical systems, their components, and how they operate together.
“Always ask questions.”
Tristan’s advice is simple but important: professionals continue asking questions throughout their careers, regardless of how much industry experience they have. For an intern, being willing to ask is an essential part of learning and growth.
Attention to detail is one of the most important lessons Tristan will bring to his future work. He learned that producing high-quality work requires care at every level, including the smallest project details.
.Outside the office, Tristan enjoyed exploring the Denver metro area and participating in recreational sports leagues.
Of the disciplines within architectural engineering, electrical design felt like the most natural fit for Joseph Osborne. His internship gave him the chance to apply his skills to real-world building projects, learn more about the electrical design process, and discover a new interest in lighting design. He described the experience as the most valuable and educational summer of his college career.
Joseph worked on the power design for the Recovery Café, where he placed electrical fixtures, performed fault calculations, and coordinated with the mechanical designers. Through the project, he learned how to circuit receptacles, identify appropriate feeders, determine loads for mechanical equipment, and contribute during the construction document phase. The experience further solidified his interest in electrical design for buildings.
Joseph recommends pursuing two goals: seeking out new and challenging project experiences and building meaningful relationships with engineers and clients.
He encourages interns to develop an understanding of the full design process, remain organized, and look for opportunities to contribute during different project phases. He also found that lighting fairs, site visits, and coordination meetings created valuable opportunities to learn about the building industry and connect with other professionals.
The biggest lesson Joseph will carry forward is that consulting engineering is also a customer-service profession. His internship demonstrated the importance of listening to clients, addressing concerns, communicating consistently, and keeping people connected throughout a project.
Outside of work, Joseph played in an adult hockey league, climbed Colorado 14ers, practiced piano, and spent time with friends and family. Together, those activities and his ten weeks at AE Design made the summer both memorable and rewarding.
Stephanie, Tristan, and Joseph each brought curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn to AE Design this summer. From responding to RFIs and documenting field conditions to developing one-line diagrams and coordinating building systems, their experiences offered a meaningful look at the collaboration and detail behind the work we do.
We are grateful for everything they contributed to the team and excited to see how the skills, relationships, and experiences they gained this summer continue to shape their paths forward.