Are you curious about the dynamic world of interior design and architecture? Join us as we step into the shoes of Andrew Keys, a talented interior design intern and architect-in-the-making at our firm right here in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In this “Day in the Life” blog, we’ll peel back the curtain and give you an exclusive glimpse into Andrew’s typical workday and his experience in the industry thus far.

The Everyday Adventure of Architecture

The start to Andrew’s day can look different, depending on projects and whether he’s needed on-site or in the office. However, like most people these days, he usually starts by checking emails, so he can stay connected with colleagues and clients on the design projects he’s involved in and help set the stage for a productive day!

A typical day in Andrew’s role continues with a broad spectrum of tasks. From crafting intricate site plan proposals and hand-picking interior finishes, to flexing his graphic design skills for marketing templates, Andrew’s days vary from independent work to creative collaboration with other members of our team.

Then to Now: How Andrew’s Evolved in This Role

Drawing from his interior architecture education and pursuit of his Master’s in Architecture, Andrew entered his internship with a solid working knowledge of the industry, but he’s the first to admit he still has a lot to learn, and he does just that every day.

At an architectural firm, interns get the best teacher of all: Experience! In a relatively short time, Andrew and the team at George Armour Ewart, Architect have experienced several successes together, as well as the occasional challenge…

Recently, he’s noticed personal improvement in his ability to confidently manage multiple projects and deadlines at the same time — something that may seem minuscule to career architects but can be difficult for many people who are new to the industry. Of course, he says he couldn’t have accomplished this without the great team of mentors by his side!

A Multifaceted Role to Learn Multiple Skills

In his role at the firm and in his studies, Andrew works hard to achieve his goal of becoming a licensed architect. Until then, you can find him soaking up knowledge and expertise around the office, eagerly awaiting the day he sees his first project evolve from concept to reality.

“Being an intern, I get to put my skills to work in a lot of different facets of projects, which is fantastic, but being able to fully see a project through from start to finish will be rewarding. I know seeing a client’s excitement over a finished design will be well worth the work every time.”

EOD Advice from Andrew Keys, Interior Design Intern

When asked about advice for those aspiring to start or advance a career with an East Tennessee architecture firm like GAEA, Andrew emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. He encourages newcomers to see projects through, even when challenges arise.

Andrew’s commitment to continuing education is clear as he stresses that the architecture field is ever-changing and requires lifelong learning:

“Perseverance is key in design, see the work through even when it gets tough. When you find yourself learning something new every day, it can dramatically affect the work you produce.”

Life & Work in Knoxville, Tennessee

Whether he spent the day reviewing proposals, working on graphics, or doing something completely new to him, he typically finishes up by checking his emails again and talking with the team.

When he’s not at the firm, Andrew enjoys Knoxville life and connecting with others in the community. While he’s always up for disc golf with friends, he also joined a wiffle ball summer league and has been able to meet a lot of new people, too!