The people at Huntsman truly care about training the next generation of designers and architects. No question is too basic, and no detail is too insignificant for them. If there is something you want to know more about, just ask! As a student feeling overwhelmed by all the things that I still needed to learn about the day-to-day practice of interior design, this experience was immensely helpful for me. I love that I was able to go on many construction site tours, attend meetings, and feel like a valued part of a team, even as an intern. My mentors also gave me the opportunity to choose from a list of experiences that I wanted to have during my internship - i.e., shadowing a general contractor for a day. The interns worked together on a project throughout the semester and went on a company sponsored outing. The people here are warm, caring, and outgoing. I loved my experience with Huntsman so much that I came back after school as a Junior Designer, and I have now worked here for 1 year!
What I wish was different
Advice
Be open to learning from all sorts of projects, no matter how mundane the tasks may seem.
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One person found this helpful
Intern
June - August 2018 • San Francisco, CA
What I liked
I loved the dynamics of the firm. Teams consisted of both young and more experienced designers, both giving their skills to a project and learning from one another. I was trusted to do meaningful work and they made me feel like I was truly a part of the team, not an under-qualified intern. They have great admin staff and traditions around the office, keeping things moving smoothly and fun with snacks, homemade jams, and after-hours activities!
What I wish was different
I wish I could've been exposed a bit more to the architectural side of the office, as I was mostly working with interiors teams modeling light fixtures and furniture (still great experience).
Advice
Huntsman is a predominantly interior and renovation centered firm, so don't expect to gain serious experience in building construction. But if you are interested in interiors and the renovation and reimagination of existing spaces, Huntsman is the spot!
