Alex has been working at Zerr Berg Architects as an architectural intern since 2022. With a curious mind, Alex enjoys troubleshooting potential design obstacles and finding creative solutions. He is currently pursing his Masters of Architecture at NDSU and looks forward to graduation in 2025 and the next step in his career. Alex enjoys biking, camping, playing board games, and spending time with his family outside of work and school.
What interested you in pursuing architecture, and why did you want to intern here?
Architecture is the perfect blend of science and art. Architecture will be my second career; I originally had a career in environmental science and ultimately felt I lacked a good creative outlet. Architecture allows for creativity within the realm of science in a context that humanity can interact with daily. I wanted to intern here because ZBA is kind of the complete package when it comes to a full-service firm. Their partnership with Gehrtz Construction Services and the addition of an interior design team allows them to offer employees a full, comprehensive view of the complete design and build process. I feel that I can really grow and hone my craft here and gain experience in areas that I otherwise might be missing out on.
What have been the most exciting and challenging aspects of your internship so far?
I’ve been given the reigns a few times to showcase my own design eye on projects. It’s been exciting to know that, while small, a part of me will live on in these buildings and I take that professional responsibility humbly and with great heart.
Familiarizing myself with the firm’s technology and how they use it has been challenging. In school, we’re taught the basics of a lot of well-used programs like Revit, but each firm in the professional world uses programs differently so adapting to that has been a welcome challenge.
What volunteer or professional programs are you involved with?
Currently, I have been most active in the NDSU chapter of National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAs) which aims to make design fields more diverse and welcoming to everyone. I helped run a summer camp called ‘Project Pipeline’ with a goal to get more middle school aged students interested in design from a young age.
