As the summer comes to a close, we reflect on the valuable contributions of our talented interns, Olivia Pires and Leyla Godfrey. Over the past few months, they have immersed themselves in our projects, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the team. Here, we share some of their insights and experiences from their time with us.
BNKC Summer Interns L: Leyla Godfrey and R: Olivia Pires, who are both pursuing their Masters of Architecture at U of T.
Olivia Pires – Continuing the Journey
Olivia, a recent graduate from the Daniels Faculty at the University of Toronto, is about to embark on her Master of Architecture degree. We are delighted that she will be staying on with us in a part-time role while she continues her studies. With a diverse background that includes designing a mobile library in Morocco and exploring architectural solutions for aging populations, Olivia has a unique perspective on community-focused design.
“What I enjoy most about architecture is how creativity and problem-solving come together to design spaces that enhance people’s experiences,” Olivia shares. During her internship, she played a key role in a condo project on Kingston Road, from concept development to the design development and zoning submission phases. “Seeing a project evolve from an idea to a detailed design has been incredibly rewarding, especially knowing it will positively impact the community in Scarborough.”
Olivia’s time at BNKC has allowed her to refine her design skills, understand the complexities of zoning bylaws, and contribute to both project organization and marketing materials. Her ongoing role will enable her to continue gaining practical experience while pursuing her academic goals.
School Project – Olivia Pires
Leyla Godfrey – Bridging Creativity and Technical Skill
Leyla, a Master of Architecture student at the University of Toronto, joined BNKC to deepen her professional experience. Coming from a background in film and photo production, she transitioned to architecture to engage more directly with the built environment.
“What I love most about architecture is how many different ways of thinking and skills are involved,” says Leyla. Her internship involved tasks such as developing the façade for a condo project and working on the redesign of our website. She particularly valued her work on a church renovation project, where she delved into building regulations for the first time. “It was exciting to engage with the Ontario Building Code and see how it impacts design decisions.”
Leyla embraced the challenges of mastering Revit and learning coding for the website, finding these to be among the most rewarding parts of her experience. “I’m grateful for the new skills I’ve gained, and I feel more prepared for the next steps in my studies and career.”
School Project – Leyla Godfrey
Looking Ahead
Olivia and Leyla’s experiences at BNKC have equipped them with skills and insights that will be invaluable in their future careers. Olivia is looking forward to exploring healthcare-focused design further in her studies while contributing part-time to our projects. Leyla is excited to continue her education and hopes to gain international experience after graduation.
Farewell lunch with the BNKC team
We are grateful to both Olivia and Leyla for their dedication and contributions. Leyla, we wish you the best in your academic pursuits and future career. Olivia, we are thrilled to have you continue with us and look forward to seeing your continued growth.
We’re always on the look out for talent. If you’d like to join the BNKC team, check out our current opportunities here.