Every year PBK offers a summer internship program to college students pursuing a career in the architectural industry. The summer internship focuses on the process of moving through the architectural phases: schematic design (SD), design development (DD), construction documents (CD) and construction administration (CA). PBK Intern Ben from the University of Houston shared “something important I learned is that going from SD to CA isn’t exactly a linear process. Typically, in school we fast track through these processes, but I feel like that takes out some of the most important steps.” 

The interns spend the summer learning to create construction drawings through Revit. “During the first month as an intern at PBK, I gained so much experience in Revit and AutoCAD,” says Ashlon, PBK intern from Texas A&M University.  “When I first started the internship, I didn’t have that much experience using the programs but working on multiple projects has made me proficient in both.” 

As the summer progresses the interns participate in site walks, reviewing drawings and materials, and ensuring their designs are coming to life.  

While the interns are busy learning core architectural skills and working on numerous projects, they are also building soft skills and receiving advice from the architects on their teams. Logan, PBK intern from Texas A&M University says, “there are a lot of good opportunities to learn whether we are in the office, at a job site, or just a team lunch.” 

PBK’s internship program helps guide students towards their future careers as architects by giving them hands on experience in the industry. Stephanie, a PBK Intern from the University of Houston shared, “architecture school teaches you more about conceptual design rather than real life situations and issues and how to navigate them. I also learned there are various paths you can take once you graduate with your architecture degree. The internship has helped me narrow down which path I want to take after graduation.” 

Q&A with the PBK Interns: 

What’s one thing that you’ve learned through your internship with PBK? 

“Something important that I learned is that going from SD to CA isn’t exactly a linear process. Typically, in school we fast track through these processes, but I feel like that takes out some of the most important steps. Being a part of this internship program allowed me to see the challenges of the design process but also the very real details of them.” - Ben Gonzales, University of Houston

What made you interested in architecture? 

“It goes all the way back to when I was a kid. My mom used to drive us around various neighborhoods just to look at and appreciate the architecture. The interest continued to grow as I got older. I started combining my interests of art and architecture which eventually led me to pursue a degree in architecture.” - Stephanie Yanez, University of Houston

What's something that you’ve learned at PBK that you think is going to help you in your future career? 

“I think one thing that is super important that you don’t get in your college experience is being around clients. I have learned that the client is the most important part of any project. PBK values their clients' wants and needs and will do anything for them. It’s been impactful listening and participating in client meetings. I am learning what client service truly is and how important it is to go the extra mile for them.” - Ashlon Richburg, Texas A&M University

What is it like to go on site tours? 

“I have been on two site tours. One was in the construction phase (Alief ISD Early Childhood Center), and it was really interesting to walk around and see the different elements as they were being constructed. Some of the areas were more complete than others so we were able to see the progression of the construction process. The second, a big elective school (Alief ISD Center for Advance Careers), was a completed project. It was cool to hear the principal talk about how the students get to interact with the building and how the building itself helps their education by being a stimulating environment.” - Logan Morris, Texas A&M University

As a firm passionate about designing schools, we support ACE’s mission in striving to create better futures for students. ACE Mentor Program began in 1994 as an after-school program to attract and teach students about career paths in architecture, construction, and engineering.  

ACE is the construction industry’s fastest growing high school mentor program serving more than 10,000 students annually. This past school year was full of incredible events and activities at ACE Houston, the local affiliate of the national ACE organization. ACE Houston students and mentors attended jobsite tours, one being Bellaire High School, a PBK project. They participated in the AIA Gingerbread Build Off and built benches to donate to local charities for “Build It Forward.”    

PBK Partner and National Innovation Leader Melissa Turnbaugh serves on the executive board for ACE Houston. This year she sat on the panel of judges in the student’s project presentation. The students were tasked with designing a pavilion through a request-for-proposal (RFP) process. The students learned how to follow given specifications of what their customer wants and the evaluation criteria on which they would be judged. The top three design teams presented their designs at the end of year showcase. At the showcase, eight graduating students were awarded $29,500 total in ACE Houston scholarships.   

PBK is proud to sponsor ACE Houston as the program continues to build the next generation of architects.  

American School University features Principal Emilee Keith and Associate Principal Joaquin Abrego in its latest issue. Emilee and Joaquin provide their recommendations on how to avoid pitfalls when specifying furniture for schools and universities.

Specifying furniture can be complex and overwhelming for education institutions. Facility planners have finite resources when they decide how to outfit their facilities with furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE), so it is important to choose wisely as they carry out the furniture procurement processes.

With schools and universities nationwide allocating millions of dollars, interior designers need to avoid the pitfalls and oversights that may arise when they specify furniture. This means not only choosing the right pieces for an educational space, but also preparing the space so that potential problems can be anticipated and the FFE fits seamlessly into the space.

Continue reading "Room To Move" on pages 26-29 in American School & University.

Each year, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) hosts a fashion show for its members to participate in a design challenge. This year’s fashion show was inspired by a variety of music genres. The PBK team received the challenge to design a look inspired by Electronic Dance Music (EDM).

In a crowd of thousands, it’s important to stand out in eye-catching ways. The EDM inspired design combined the practical needs of dancing for long hours along with theatrical aspects of self-expression. The majority of the garment, including the train, was composed of carpet yarn knit together, specifically selected for the vibrancy and depth of color. The white holographic looking tile was used along the bodice of the garment. The tile was selected to reflect and refract the stage like for a rave like effect and to overload the senses.

The team put in work after hours and on the weekends to create the spectacular runway ready garment. The garment couldn’t have been made possible without J&J Flooring supplying the carpet yarn and Concept Surfaces supplying the tile.

Congratulations to the team on receiving Most Philanthropic! PBK is proud to participate and sponsor this one-of-a-kind event.

https://vimeo.com/706153915

PBK celebrates Women in Construction Week with a goal to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. PBK is proud of its forward-thinking women in construction. This year, we are highlighting some of the women who play a vital role in creating environments that maximize opportunities to elevate the human experience.   

Hannah Hayes joined PBK in 2014 and is currently Director of Construction Services. In her role, she oversees and manages the firm’s specialized on-site quality control team. Hannah brings more than 13 years of construction experience and holds a state of Florida general contractor license. She is passionate about construction compliance and documentation, and her favorite projects are constructing elementary schools.  

What does a day at work look like for the Director of Construction Services?  

There are two sides to being the Director of Construction Services – one where I check-in with clients and help my teamwork through any issues on their job sites. And the other, where I wake up at 2 a.m. for a concrete pour and my phone rings so many times during the day I can’t remember who I am supposed to call back. It’s a lot of putting out fires and solving problems, which is fun as long as the problems are solvable! 

What makes you excited about going to work?  

Definitely concrete pours. I enjoy the process and all the excitement leading up to the first pour. It’s the first event on-site that will be visible and remain part of the building forever.  

 What interested you in construction? Has it always been an interest?  

My dad renovated houses when I was growing up and I often tagged along with him to the work sites offering unsolicited opinions on all the missing potential. I was very opinionated from a young age.  

In high school, I was an accounting intern for a construction company which only furthered my interest in the industry. Even though I’d spend a lot of my time around the industry, I’d never physically built anything with a hammer and nail like the stereotypical construction worker.  

 What do you love about working at PBK?  

PBK provides me with a wide variety of opportunities in the field. I work on large-scale projects with varying circumstances and unique finishes that most people in construction do not have the opportunity to work on projects of that size and magnitude.  

What advice do you have for any young women thinking about pursuing a career in construction? What is something you wish you knew right out of college?  

Don’t be afraid of the industry. After I graduated college, I was overwhelmed and wasn’t sure that I knew enough about construction because I didn’t have the experience of physically building something myself. I took a position where I knew my strong organizational skills would be valued. I learned more about the industry and how to handle situations in the field, which is where I ultimately wanted to be, so I worked my way up the ladder. Women shouldn't be afraid to do the same – getting into a company and working your way up is an excellent way to learn and advance when you’re ready, know your trade and feeling confident.  

While construction is stereotypically a male dominated industry, Hannah is not the only woman on her team. Grecia Jimenez joined PBK Construction Services in 2017 as a Field Team Admin and Project Coordinator. Currently, she serves as a Construction Services Manager where she works on-site full time as a liaison between the client and contractors. Grecia’s favorite projects to work on are also elementary schools, because of the thoughtful learning spaces and the excitement of the young students. 

What does a day at work look like working in construction?  

Every day is full of surprises! I can have a set schedule where I’m visiting different job sites, checking work progress and making sure work is being done, as it should. Other days, I have a plan for the day, which completely changes, and I end up in an entirely different direction than when I started. The construction industry is a different animal.   

What makes you excited about going to work?   

Concrete pours. I dread the early mornings and long days, but at the same time it’s such a rush. There are so many people on- site for concrete pours even though they take place so early in the morning.  

What interested you in construction? Has it always been an interest?  

I was always interested in architecture. I received my degree in architecture from the University of Texas at San Antonio and my first job was as an admin for a general contractor. A superintendent took me under his wing and showed me how much fun working in the field can be, which pushed me towards construction. Most men would probably think “this isn’t for you,” but that superintendent saw my interest in construction and knew I could handle it. Being a woman working in a male dominated industry is empowering. 

What do you love about working at PBK?  

I love seeing my coworkers' designs come to life. It’s really rewarding to help their designs go from paper to real life. The teamwork at PBK is incredible. We have a great community.  

What advice do you have for any young women thinking about pursuing a career in construction? What is something you wish you knew right out of college?  

There’s so much I wish I knew after college, but I’m happy with the path I chose that landed me where I am today. I started in architecture and ended up in construction. You can really do anything you want, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.   

PBK is proud to celebrate Hayes and Jimenez as women in construction. They represent role models within our firm and strive to share their own experiences with the younger talent. The firm supports our employees as they flourish and encourages each one to take an entrepreneurial attitude when molding their unique talents with their futures.

Building Design Magazine recently released it's 2022 World Architecture 100 results with PBK ranking as the #1 architect in the Education sector. Additionally, PBK jumped to the #5 ranking in the Sports sector and #47 on the WA100 overall list. The WA100 market sector rankings are based on fee income from 2021 while the overall list is based on firm size. WA100 is Building Design’s annual survey of the world’s largest architectural practices. Congratulations to the entire PBK team for all of your hard work and dedication that made this achievement possible!

For the full Education market sector rankings, follow this link.

For the full Sports market sector rankings, follow this link.

For the full WA100 rankings, follow this link.