Intern Spotlight: Andrew Ikomi

Andrew Ikomi is MKSD’s summer intern.   Andrew started working with us in mid-May after completing his 3^rd year of school. He quickly was given tasks to work on and he rolled up his sleeves and started working. He’s been gaining lots of experience with floor plans, Enscape™ renderings, and Revit™ as well as assisting with surveys and attending site visits. We asked him to answer a few questions to get to know him a little better. We are thrilled to have Andrew as a summer intern and look forward to his growth as an architectural designer over the summer!

Give us a quick rundown of your LinkedIn/resume.

I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in architecture at Thomas Jefferson University after receiving my Associates of Applied Science in Architecture at Northampton Community College. I aspire to utilize my passion for architecture to address social issues, including sustainability, lack of representation, affordable housing, and more.

What brought you to the Lehigh Valley, or why did you decide to stay?

Firstly, I live in the Lehigh Valley. Secondly, I like to get away from the rowdy city life sometimes and the Lehigh Valley felt like the best escape from that.

Where are you going to college and what is/was your favorite class?

I currently go to Thomas Jefferson University. I am going into my 4^th year of the Architecture program. My favorite class will have to be design studio. That is one of the only academic outlets I can use to show my creativity. Also, I love presenting my ideas and defending them.

Who is your favorite architect/designer and why?

I do not have a steady favorite, but at the moment my favorite is Francis Kere, the Burkinabe-German architect. I just learned about him last semester and was inspired by his techniques. These include him tying in local materials, cultural elements, sustainable decisions and community participation into the design and construction of his architecture.

What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

I grew up thinking about a lot of professions, but the most prominent was had to do with me being a scientist. I had the image of myself mixing chemicals in a dark lab with my white coat on and goggles. This was solely a result of me watching Dexter’s Laboratory all the time.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I am an afrobeat dancer, a videographer and video editor, and a graphic designer. I also play soccer sometimes. I recently started learning how to cook this summer which makes that my most recent hobby.

What is the last tv show you binge watched?

The last show I binge watched was on Hulu. It was called, “The Last Man on Earth”. Now I am binge watching another one called, “You’re the Worst”.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

I did not receive this directly, but it is the best I remember. “If you say you tried your best, but you have no evidence to prove it, then you didn’t try your best”.

What keeps you motivated and/or inspired?

I am motivated/inspired by seeing my peers achieving their goals. Seeing that tells me that its possible. This works best when the peer is a friend of mine.

What are you most excited about as an intern at MKSD?

I am excited about the opportunities that could be opened up from interning here. So far, I have been exposed to a ton of valuable information and lessons that I believe will benefit me as I go further into my journey. I came in eager to learn seeing as this is my first internship, and I will be leaving ready to use what I have learned at MKSD elsewhere.