1. Ted Jose ‘08 Architectural Studies Integrative Project Internship at Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC

2. Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC Michael McKinley and Associates is a small firm in Stonington, Connecticut. The firm specializes in coastal residential architecture. During the Fall of 2007 I worked as an intern and an office assistant.

3. What kind of work do they do? The firm specializes in residential architecture that is sensitive to the coastline and the history of New England villages. It is a full-service design firm providing permitting, architectural design, and interior design, including lighting, color, and furniture selection. Basically, the firm designs every aspect of a house, working with the client every step of the way.

4. Profile Michael McKinley established the firm in 1988 after working in several Boston and New York firms. He is licensed in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Florida. Michael and his wife, Kathy Calnen, are the only two full-time people and there are three other part-time employees. The atmosphere of the firm is relaxed and personal, a perfect place to learn and ask questions.

5. My Position as an Intern As an intern I was assigned many different jobs at the firm. I was asked to answer the phones and act as an office assistant, but I also took part in some of the firm’s projects. I researched materials, techniques, and planting plans. I also worked with Adobe Illustrator and visited some of their projects. I went into the office two days a week for four hours a day, and my day usually consisted of picking up where I left off the day before with research and phone calls.

6. Grove Cottages Project One of my projects was to research landscaping techniques, specifically xeriscaping, for a housing development called Grove Cottages in Vero Beach, Florida. My tasks included making phone calls, researching planting plans and developing ideas for the site. I also researched the landscaping codes in Florida to find out what could and could not be changed on site.

7. Skills Learned At Michael McKinley’s firm I grew more accustomed to a small office atmosphere. I improved my research and phone skills. I was able to observe and interact with clients, and I acquired skills in Adobe Illustrator. I got an inside look at how a small firm operates, and as an intern I was able to do many different things. I was given projects and then allowed to complete them on my own, learning and solving problems every step of the way. These challenges helped prepare me for the future.

8. Recommendation I would recommend Michael McKinley and Associates to Connecticut College students seeking experience in a small firm specializing in residential architecture and interiors. It was a great place to work closely alongside architects and designers. The firm has a very relaxed atmosphere and everybody was willing to help and answer questions. It was a great place to experience a professional office, to learn, and to grow.

9. Contact  Kathy Calnen  phone: (860) 535-4532  email: kathy@michaelmckinleyandassociates.com kathy@michaelmckinleyandassociates.com  For more information on the firm and their projects visit: www.CoastalHomeArchitects.com  Kathy Calnen  phone: (860) 535-4532  email: kathy@michaelmckinleyandassociates.com kathy@michaelmckinleyandassociates.com  For more information on the firm and their projects visit: www.CoastalHomeArchitects.com