1. Architectural Studies Integrative Project: Internship at David Preusch Architect Westport, CT Scott McGuire ’10 Scott McGuire ’10 Summer 2009 Summer 2009

2. About The Firm David Preusch Architect is a small, but established firm, located in downtown Westport, CT. David Preusch Architect is a small, but established firm, located in downtown Westport, CT. The firm specializes in residential architecture in and around Fairfield County, but has completed projects in Florida, Vermont, and Manhattan. The firm specializes in residential architecture in and around Fairfield County, but has completed projects in Florida, Vermont, and Manhattan. Residence in Southport, CT Residence in Greenwich, CT

3. About The Firm Their work ranges from new construction, to existing homes and historic renovation. Interior architecture (kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry, millwork) and custom outbuildings are also specialties. Their work ranges from new construction, to existing homes and historic renovation. Interior architecture (kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry, millwork) and custom outbuildings are also specialties. The firm prides itself on an intimate involvement in every aspect of a project, from beginning to end. The firm prides itself on an intimate involvement in every aspect of a project, from beginning to end. Kitchen Details Private Conservatory

4. Employees and Work Environment The firm is a tight-knit group consisting of three people: David, the principal architect; Eedeet, the 2 nd architect; and David’s assistant. The firm is a tight-knit group consisting of three people: David, the principal architect; Eedeet, the 2 nd architect; and David’s assistant. The office is a relaxed, but highly productive, work environment. Builders and clients drop in frequently. The office is a relaxed, but highly productive, work environment. Builders and clients drop in frequently. Eedeet, working on a CAD drawing (autodesk)

5. My Participation I became part of their small office team, interning four days a week. I became part of their small office team, interning four days a week. The bulk of my time was spent drafting (more later), but I visited their Fairfield jobsite a few times to meet the builders, check on progress, and take pictures. I also took elevation change measurements using a laser transit, for a future, 3-tier stone patio that will conform to the landscape. The bulk of my time was spent drafting (more later), but I visited their Fairfield jobsite a few times to meet the builders, check on progress, and take pictures. I also took elevation change measurements using a laser transit, for a future, 3-tier stone patio that will conform to the landscape. Residence in Fairfield, CT, under remodel (backyard)

6. Presentation Drawings David needed presentation drawings for various past projects, all of which had pencil plans that were never digitized. David needed presentation drawings for various past projects, all of which had pencil plans that were never digitized. The only way to obtain these was to transcribe them by hand in ink on mylar. The full-size mylar was scanned, and then reduced to 8.5 x 11 size, resulting in a presentation drawing. The only way to obtain these was to transcribe them by hand in ink on mylar. The full-size mylar was scanned, and then reduced to 8.5 x 11 size, resulting in a presentation drawing. Drafting in ink can be tedious, but I enjoyed chatting and interacting with everyone as I worked. Drafting in ink can be tedious, but I enjoyed chatting and interacting with everyone as I worked. My Workspace: Drawing in progress

7. Presentation Drawings Architects like having presentation style drawings for their projects because they are smaller, simpler, and easier to interpret than full-size blueprints. They are also used when submitting designs for awards. Architects like having presentation style drawings for their projects because they are smaller, simpler, and easier to interpret than full-size blueprints. They are also used when submitting designs for awards. I used original plans, detail drawings, and pictures of completed interiors to form presentation drawings. I used original plans, detail drawings, and pictures of completed interiors to form presentation drawings. I completed 10 drawings over the course of my internship. This is a set for a residence in Redding, CT : I completed 10 drawings over the course of my internship. This is a set for a residence in Redding, CT : File storage for past projects

8. Site Plan Residence in Redding, CT

9. 1 st Floor Plan Residence in Redding, CT

10. South Elevation Residence in Redding, CT

11. Looking Back Interning in Mr. Preusch’s office was an invaluable experience. My manual drafting skills improved exponentially, and spending so much time looking at detail drawings and blueprints gave me a better understanding of spatial relationships and functional interiors. I was also able to learn a great deal about the architectural certification exams through Eedeet, who is currently in the process of getting certified. Spending time in the office, and watching David interact with different clients and builders gave me a glimpse at the high level of commitment and patience it takes to run a small architectural firm, and a small business in general. All around, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to be an architect.

12. Advice for students Contact multiple firms to see what fits you and your interests best. Contact multiple firms to see what fits you and your interests best. Really get to know the people you work with. Really get to know the people you work with. Ask lots of questions and look through design books; there is no replacement for first-hand experience in an office. Ask lots of questions and look through design books; there is no replacement for first-hand experience in an office. Absorb as much as possible. Absorb as much as possible.

13. Contact Information David Preusch Architect David Preusch Architect 156 Kings Highway North, Westport, CT 06880 156 Kings Highway North, Westport, CT 06880 phone: (203) 221-8371 phone: (203) 221-8371 e-mail: office@preuscharchitects.com e-mail: office@preuscharchitects.comoffice@preuscharchitects.com web: http://preuscharchitects.com web: http://preuscharchitects.com