HONORS EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM - RESEARCH

Complete and submit this proposal in your e-portfolio (for those with iWebfolio portfolios) or email to
honors@uc.edu (if you do not have an e-portfolio in iWebfolio).
Basic Information
Full Name: Emma Theresa Schrantz
UC ID #: M04197541
UC Email: schranet@mail.uc.edu
Phone: (513)-325-1049
College: College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
Major: Architecture
Title of Project: Architecture in the Real World
Project Start Date: June 18th, 2012
Expected Project End Date: August 17th, 2012
Project Information
1

Provide a brief overview/abstract of your proposed honors experiential learning project.

This summer, I was given the opportunity to participate in an unpaid internship at a local
architecture firm. Mr. Scott Moore, who is a good friend of my parents, knew an architect with his
own firm. He gave us his contact information, to help with my job searches in the future. After I
contacted Mr. Stan Ladrick, he expressed an interest at having me as an intern, and asked me to come
in for an interview.
As an architecture student, I am a part of the Universitys Co-Op program. I will be applying for
my first co-op this fall, and Id be lying if I said I wasnt nervous. Its the next big step in my life.
When I started the process of this internship, I knew that it would be incredibly beneficial to me,
especially during the co-op process. I was not sure what to look for, or what to expect, with a co-op
position. Studio work is key to understanding how to design, but its much less restrictive and more
creative than the real world of architecture, especially for an intern.
For this experiential learning process, I chose to approach my internship from a research position.
As I worked a regular day, three days a week, I have worked on several different projects and gone on
some site visits. By learning what it is like to work in an architecture firm, and the requirements
needed to become a licensed architect, I will be better prepared for a co-op assignment, and I will
have the practical skills needed to be successful in the field.

Clearly state how each of the following elements will be exhibited in your work (refer to the first
two pages of this document with the full description of what is expected in each of these areas).
1

Substantial Content and Quality within Research Theme

I believe that this internship falls under the research theme because of how much I expect to learn
over the course of this short summer. I finished the school year near the top of the class, but there is
so much I dont know about the architecture world. I needed to learn how to use drafting software,
such as AutoCAD and Revit. I also needed to gain more interpersonal and social skills, in order to
speak to adults clearly and be able to relate to people. Im a talkative person, and sometimes I cant
always elucidate what I need to say.
The things I hope to learn from my coworkers are not only the different techniques and drafting
styles used in plans and blueprints, but also how to act and speak in the working world. My first job
was at Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and the environment was pretty relaxed yet fast-paced. I had
transition out of running around, wiping up grease, and taking peoples orders, while laughing and
joking around. I was trading that crazy kitchen for business clothes and a cubicle, and I had no idea
what to expect in a small, ten-person firm.
So, I came prepared. I had a list of things I wanted to learn, such as how to use the shortcuts and
layers in AutoCAD, and how the licensing process affects practicing architecture in the United States
(It turns out that to complete projects in states, you need to have the proper license for that state. RSL
has over 30 state licenses). Im learning how projects can be labeled and documented, and how to use
templates and external references in AutoCAD software. Im also learning how to find my voice in
the firm. I am mainly there to observe and learn, but Ive grown to enjoy my time with my coworkers.
They seem to value my time and effort. I have definitely become more comfortable, and I am glad
that RSL is a very relaxed work environment.
Theres still a lot that I will learn in the next few weeks, and sitting down to write a detailed
reflection will help me through the process. I feel that all the things I have learned so far will help me
not only be a better, harder-working student, but also a better co-op student as well. Now that I know
what happens in the real world, I feel that I will be more confident when preparing my portfolios,
conducting interviews, and drafting during my fall semester.
2

Connection to Academic Goals and Theories

I have many interests other than architecture. When I was applying for college, I had decided that
architecture was my primary interest, but I was nervous for co-op. I was worried that I would get into
the workforce and realize that I hated it. I also wanted to hone my skills in the field, and I was
worried that I would struggle with AutoCAD and Revit this fall. Both of these concerns pushed me to
find a job where I could learn what I needed, and see what sort of architecture I would like to
practice. I have an interest in working or a co-op position at Disney Imagineering, so I thought that
commercial architecture would be a perfect start for me especially because RSL has completed
projects at Kings Island and other Cedar Fair parks.
So far, the idea has paid off. After completing my first year, I knew I was in the right major for
sure. During this internship, I have enjoyed learning about the different types of projects a firm might
work on. I do think I would like to work on more creative projects, but I have really benefitted
learning how to complete elevations, sections, partitions and more within architectural plans. I do
enjoy commercial architecture, and will focus on those firms during my co-op search.
I believe that this internship will make my professional future more successful. I am more
comfortable when speaking to adults, and will not be so nervous in interview. I believe it will make

me more desirable to co-op employers, as I already have skills that arent typically learned until co-op
sessions.
3

Initiative, Independence and Creativity

This summer was technically my last truly free summer, and it is shorter than a typical school
break due to the semester conversion this fall. I know many of my peers that work part-time, and
some that are taking the summer off to really enjoy the time away from school. As an incoming
sophomore, I was not required to work or even look for internships. However, I sought out this
internship to give my summer some structure, while also learning the CAD software I need to know
for studio in the fall. When my dads friend mentioned knowing Mr. Ladrick, he offered to give us his
contact information. I jumped on the chance to get an internship. I was asked to come in for an
interview, and to prepare a portfolio. I spoke to my professor, Vincent Sansalone, about how to
prepare a portfolio. He gave me some pointers, and I put together a selection of my best work. The
interview was my first, and so I wanted to be well prepared for anything. Im glad I pursued this
internship over the summer. I have already had some priceless experiences, and Ive met some very
nice people.
4

Reflection & Dissemination

Because the work I am completing at this time is for several different companies, I doubt that I
will be allowed to keep any examples of my work. In that case, I hope to write a reflection on my
entire experience with the internship. I want to elaborate on the entire process, from the interview to
my final day. I will write about the type of work I have done and what Ive learned. I will talk about
my growth as a person, and how I related to my coworkers. I will speak about how even learning
euchre with my boss and coworkers has boosted my confidence (Im still not very good, but I now
have faith in my decisions to call suits and trump plays). I intend to upload this reflection to my eportfolio, as well as my issuu.com profile.
5

Advisor (list the persons name, title, and contact information)

My advisor through all this was my employer, Mr. Ladrick. His contact information follows:
Mr. Stan Ladrick
President
RSL Commercial Architecture
Email: info@rslarch.com
Website: www.rslarch.com
6

Budget

As this has been an unpaid internship, I would like to apply for an honors grant. The internship is
part-time, but I have not been able to work another paid position this summer due to the shortened
summer term and the hours I was working.
I worked three days a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. My hours have been 8:30am to
5 pm, with an hour for lunch. I work about 24 hours a week, and the position is unpaid.
I estimated that, had the internship been a paid position, I would have earned roughly $1500
dollars. Therefore, I believe that a reasonable request for an honors grant would be in the range of
$500 to $700. This amount would allow me to pay for my required studio tour to Chicago this fall. Of

course, any value you may consider for this proposal would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for
your consideration of my request.