Meet the 2025 KSS Interns

We're thrilled to have welcomed six amazing interns to our team this summer. Thank you for your hard work and contributions. We can't wait to see your future accomplishments.

Kareen Chen
University of Pennsylvania, Master of Architecture
Class of 2025

When you’re not interning at KSS, what do you like to do? Cook, exercise, and visit nice restaurants. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Taiwan. I'm from there and I miss it a lot.

Which project that you've worked on at KSS stands out to you? The Blue Highway initiative research. It was the first project I worked on and it was a completely new concept to me. The process involved a dynamic learning loop—researching, analyzing, creating content, and then learning more based on feedback. The most rewarding part was discussing our findings with people who have deeper experience in the field. Those conversations accelerated my learning and pushed the research forward in meaningful ways.

Caroline Dorian
University of Arkansas, Bachelor of Architecture
Class of 2027

Why did you choose to intern at KSS? I initially searched for opportunities in Philadelphia because I have family there. After exploring different firms, KSS stood out because of its involvement in Amy Gutmann Hall. One of my professors talked about that project, so I immediately recognized it.

Which project that you've worked on at KSS stands out to you? I created a map showcasing the firm's industrial projects. I focused on just a single segment, and even that limited view revealed the vastness of KSS's work.

What’s something that has challenged you in your work at KSS? Adjusting to a more collaborative review process. I was accustomed to being the final judge of my work, so it took time to adapt to incorporating multiple perspectives and feedback. I’ve come to value how this approach strengthens the final outcome and encourages creative growth.

Teeshane Shah
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Architecture
Class of 2026

What office snack gets you through the day? Queso PopCorners. If you can’t find a bag, there’s a good chance I finished them all!

Why did you choose to return to intern at KSS? I wanted to return for another summer because of how much I grew during my first internship. Last year, I got hands-on experience with real projects and learned so much from a team that values collaboration and growth. 

What has been the most enjoyable part of your experience at KSS? One of my favorite experiences has been going on site visits. I had the opportunity to do a survey for two sites — it was my first time and I really enjoyed being out in the field, taking measurements, and making as-built plans. It showed me how crucial it is for architects to understand the physical space first-hand, so designs can truly fit the site and function well in the real world.

Zayna Sheikh
Columbia University, Master of Architecture
Class of 2027

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I’ve always wanted to fall off the grid and go through the Himalayas and join a monastery. 

Why did you choose to intern at KSS? The first project I ever encountered from KSS was the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University. I thought, “I want to go there!” That initial impression stuck with me because it spoke to the firm’s ability to create engaging architecture. It made me want to be part of a team capable of designing spaces that spark that kind of excitement.

Which project that you've worked on at KSS stands out to you? I was involved in an initiative to explore and potentially integrate AI software and tools into the firm’s workflows. I tested a range of visualization platforms, including D5 and Veras, on upcoming projects such as Trenton Elementary School and Haven Charter School, and even revisited older projects like the Riepe Center. This work was especially exciting as it gave me the freedom to experiment and strengthen skills in visualization and storytelling, while also contributing to the firm’s broader goal of leveraging AI to its advantage.

Mehak Srivastava
Syracuse University, Bachelor of Architecture
Class of 2027

When you’re not at KSS, what do you like to do? Take classes at a poetry studio and work on sculptural projects. 

Which project that you've worked on at KSS stands out to you? Working on the Princeton Kiosk Design Competition was memorable for its rethinking of small urban interventions and their renewal as catalysts for the greater community.

What is a lesson you learned at school that you were able to share in your KSS experience? I was able to share how leaving space for ambiguity complements precise work, especially in competitions, and the role of visualization in bringing narrative to life.

Lucia Tian
Princeton University, Master of Architecture
Class of 2027

When you’re not at KSS, what do you like to do? Play volleyball, attend clothing swaps, dabble in video games, and try plant-based restaurants. 

Why did you choose to intern at KSS? I'm passionate about architecture's potential to improve people's daily lives. I've worked at many smaller architecture practices, but I wanted to intern at a firm that works on larger and higher impact projects. It is also nice to contribute to the built environment of my home state of New Jersey.

What is a lesson you learned at school that you were able to apply to your KSS experience? Stay flexible and receptive to critique, even when it means letting go of a design I am personally invested in. Working with demanding professors taught me to iterate quickly and adapt to new directions. This ability proved especially valuable during my internship where project goals often changed in response to feedback from managers or clients. Because I had developed a practice of responding constructively to critique, I was able to pivot and continue contributing to the team’s progress.