We asked our summer co-op students about themselves and what their experience has been like here at The Collaborative, check out below for a little information about them and what they had to say!

Evan Goodwin is a current Bowling Green State University Masters in Architecture student expected to graduate in the spring of 2025. Evan also received his Bachelors in Architecture and Environmental Design from Bowling Green State University and was a member of the class of 2023.

Kylie Esquivel just graduated from Bowling Green State University with her Bachelors Degree in Architecture and Environmental Design in May of 2024 and plans to continue her studies in the fall working to receive her Masters in Architecture from Bowling Green State University as well.

What are 3 things that you learned about the architecture industry throughout your co-op at TC that you did not previously know?

• Evan - "I’ve learned countless things about the architecture industry while working here at The Collaborative. While I understood how important collaboration is in architectural projects within a firm, I was pleasantly surprised to see the depth of collaboration with other disciplines, such as engineering, civil engineering, mechanical and electrical, and material manufacturers. Another valuable lesson I gained was how in-depth codes and regulations are. Of course, these codes are required for safety and efficiency, but I gained a much deeper understanding for the importance and logic behind these codes and regulations. Lastly, I learned how crucial it is to continue learning as a team. There are plenty of opportunities to continue learning about programs, materials, practices, and much more with the team, which further lead to the efficiency and success of The Collaborative."
• Kylie - "I learned about the different types of design phases and what each phase kind of entails. Throughout my time here I’ve worked on projects dealing with programming, design development, schematic design development, as well as construction documents. I have also learned how to do ceiling and finish plans and set up details. In school we don’t cover how to set up most of those plans or details, so it’s been a good learning experience."

What market sector have you enjoy working in the most during your time at TC?

• Evan - "I have really enjoyed working in the higher education sector while here at The Collaborative. Being a recent graduate, and currently attending for my masters degree, I have been surrounded by campus architecture for the last 5 years, so it is exciting knowing I can be a part of creating spaces for students like myself, and seeing different designs and standards universities have compared to one another."
• Kylie - "I think working in the healthcare and municipal market sector were my two favorites just because that’s what I’ve worked on most during my time here. However, working in each market sector allowed me to learn new information about the different industries that I didn’t know before."

What has/have the most meaningful experience(s) that you had throughout your time at TC?

• Evan - "Throughout my time at The Collaborative, I’ve had several meaningful experiences that have contributed to my growth and development as an architectural student. One experience in particular, is a smaller scale project that I have done a majority of the documentation and detailing for. Although it is a smaller project, I am extremely excited to be given the opportunity to put my time into something where I am (kind of) tackling the project solo, and to continue to learn, ask questions, and develop. It has helped me step out of my comfort zone and dive deeper into documenting architectural drawings."
• Kylie - "I wouldn’t be able to narrow it down to one. I think this co-op in a whole has been very meaningful and impactful to both my academic and professional pursuits. I have learned a lot through my time here."

Your favorite part of being a part of the TC team?

• Evan - "Overall, my favorite part of being a part of The Collaborative team is the collaboration. I have been able to get involved in quite a handful of projects, furthering my experiences with the different steps of a project. I have done site visits, field verifications, drawings, documentation, and much more, which have helped keep the experience exciting and keep me in a constant state of learning. Along with the collaboration with other colleagues, The Collaborative makes sure the work environment itself is enjoyable and welcoming. Everyone in the office is happy to answer any questions and guide you in the right direction, which is beneficial for a Co-Op like myself."
• Kylie - "My favorite part of being on the TC team is the fun environment. I always look forward to the whole office meetings towards the end of the month to hear about current projects going on and doing fun collaborative activities. I also enjoy lunch and learns. It’s always interesting to learn more about products or systems being used in the architecture world."

What new skills have you learned?

• Evan - "While working with The Collaborative, I’ve had the opportunity to acquire a range of new skills, as well as develop skills I already had. Skills I had before joining, such as photoshop and rendering, have been further developed through working here, and I have learned countless other skills through documentation and detailing."
• Kylie - "I have learned how to create building details, how to draw up floor plans for existing buildings, setting up sheets and drawing various types of floorplans. I also learned more about interior design from working on various interior renovation projects."

Advice for students looking for a co-op or are not sure about applying for a co-op at TC?

• Evan - "For students considering applying for a Co-Op with The Collaborative or any other architectural firm, my advice is to approach the opportunity with confidence, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Do not be afraid to ask questions, be open to opportunity, and take in as much information as you can. Be sure to aim for collaboration, and aid the team in success. Embrace the lifetime of learning! Architecture is a constantly growing and developing field, with many topics being developed to improve efficiency and effectiveness for the future, so don’t be afraid to learn!"
• Kylie - "My advice for students looking for a co-op would be to do good research on potential places to work! For me starting work in my first professional setting was really intimidating but I did a lot of research to see which place would be a good fit for me. The Collaborative stood out to me from the rest because of their welcomeness towards co-op students (and I love the design of the office). Everyone at TC was super inviting and made it easy/fun to transition into this work setting, that’s why I’m still here a year later. I would suggest doing a co-op at TC to everyone because you’ll learn and experience so many new things about the field of architecture and it’s a great environment to be in."