University of Miami School of Architecture

Inside the Internship: 2026 U-SoA Summer Series
Meet Shreya Gopeesingh

1. Where are you interning this summer?
I am interning at Americaribe, a Miami-based general contractor with projects throughout the U.S. and Caribbean.

2. What attracted you to this opportunity?
This opportunity gives me a different perspective on architecture. It exposes me to what it takes to turn drawings from conceptual spaces into a built reality. It has helped me understand the coordination that it takes to make these projects happen.

3. What project or task has excited you most so far?
I am currently working under Americaribe’s Design Manager, Mario Garcia, on a Hyatt Centric in the Cayman Islands. I am also working with Maria Luisa, who I am pictured with, on schools in St. Thomas and St. Croix meant to serve children from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8.

4. How has U-SoA prepared you for this experience?
U-SoA has prepared me by allowing me to think critically about design and adapt to different environments. It has also made me familiar with construction drawings, which I use on a daily basis. Most importantly, studio has taught me the value of collaboration and communication with others.

5. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
My biggest lesson is how much thought goes into making a building. There is not one inch that has not been thought of, from the finishes of wood to the number of pillows on a chair. Every single detail has been thought about and reviewed, from the distances between pinch points to the landscape plan for planters. It has shown me how much care goes into each project and how many people are involved in construction, including architects, interior designers, consultants, clients, engineers, and estimators. Moreover, it has shown me how much they rely on each other.

6. What advice would you give other students looking for internships?
Don’t be discouraged by rejection or slow responses. Keep persisting.

7. One word to describe your summer experience.
Transformational.

Inside the Internship: 2026 U-SoA Summer Series
Meet Frankie Ottimo.

Where are you interning this summer?
I am interning at SKA Architecture, Planning & Interior Design in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

What attracted you to this opportunity?
I was drawn to SKA’s diverse portfolio and the opportunity to gain hands on experience working on high-end residential projects alongside a collaborative team.

What project or task has excited you most so far?
I’ve enjoyed assisting with construction documents and site planning, especially seeing how design concepts evolve into real-world projects.

How has U-SoA prepared you for this experience?
U-SoA has given me a strong foundation in design thinking, technical drawing, and software skills, while also teaching me how to communicate ideas effectively and work through complex design challenges.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that successful projects rely not only on good design, but also on coordination, attention to detail, and collaboration between many different disciplines.

What advice would you give other students looking for internships?
Be proactive, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to reach out to firms. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow as a designer.

One word to describe your summer experience.
Transformative.

Part time Lecturer Victor Santana with his Architecture of Miami class for the last time at Miami Beach. Celebrating 20 years teaching at the U! Congratulations!

UM Grand Tour led by Prof. Frank Martinez >> first stop, Athens🇬🇷

The segment provides an inside look at how the school prepares the next generation of architects and designers to address the complexities of the modern built environment. The feature explores the commitment to innovation, historical preservation, and the vital role that thoughtful design plays in creating resilient and thriving communities. By highlighting the intersection of academic expertise and practical application, the segment illustrates how the U-SoA contributes to the broader landscape of the industry while fostering professional growth and development. As global demand for sustainable and equitable urban solutions continues to evolve, educational platforms are essential for providing clarity on the impact of architectural design. The feature highlights how U-SoA is navigating these changes to better serve its students and the community at large. By spotlighting the U-SoA, Now We Know! sheds light on the essential systems and creative processes that shape the world around us. The series remains dedicated to uncovering the innovation behind everyday structures, encouraging curiosity and understanding with every episode. 💡🙌 View more >> arc.miami.edu/nwn

Great Cities Design Studio for MARCH I students are in Mexico City exploring and analyzing the city with Profs. Germane Barnes and Patirki Hernandez Astigarraga. 🇲🇽

UM Grand Tour’s First Destination — Athens!

From studio critiques to commencement day — celebrating the graduates of the University of Miami School of Architecture as they take the next step in shaping the built environment. Joined by Dean Rodolphe el-Khoury and MRED+U professor Mark Troen, we honor the creativity, dedication, and vision of the Class of 2026.

U-SoA graduates with Associate Dean Ana Regalado 🧡💚

A semester captured in models, sketches, trace paper, and moments we’ll carry long after studio closes. 🥺