We are so excited to welcome four talented interns to our team this summer! Our interns come from a variety of backgrounds and have already made many positive contributions to our office. We asked them to answer a few questions to help us get to know them better.
Journal

Ryan Fowler
What is your educational background?
I am an undergraduate architecture student at Drexel University in Philadelphia. I just finished my third year of school and will be going into my fourth this fall, but I have been taking extra classes this summer to get ahead on my credit requirements. Our program is structured differently from most architecture schools. It is called the 2+4 program because for the first two years, we go to school full time during the day, but for the last four we get full time work in architecture and take exclusively evening classes. The full program ends up being six years long but I will have enough work experience by the end to start taking my licensing exams. It is a lot of work but I have had a great experience so far and am learning a lot between working at Northworks and going to school.
What’s something you’ve done in school that you were really proud of?
This past school year, Drexel architecture participated in an international competition to design a dental clinic in Kigali, Rwanda. Our studio focused on designing a competition entry and we would have our own internal competition with the winner’s project submitted on Drexel’s behalf. I ended up getting second place in Drexel’s competition among my 50 classmates, and was very proud of the final result. It was a great learning experience and I enjoyed seeing how my work stacked up against everyone else in the program.
Where’s your hometown?
I grew up just outside of Seattle in Issaquah, Washington. I love the Pacifc northwest and don’t mind the rain at all. Actually, when I first moved to Philadelphia I was annoyed by how sunny it was during the winter. I’m used to the overcast falls and winters we get in western Washington!
What are you most excited about for your internship experience?
I have loved working on all the projects I have had a chance to work on so far, and I’m very excited to work on more in the future. It’s nice to have an opportunity to work on projects that aren’t just in Philadelphia but are in different places across the country.
What do you like to do outside of architecture?
I don’t get a whole lot of time outside of work and school, but when I get the chance I enjoy getting out on the ice to play hockey with friends. I grew up playing ice hockey in Seattle and British Columbia, and it is the best way to stay active. I try to get out every weekend to play some pickup games at a rink just down the street from my house. I have also joined a summer league to play a bit more competitively but it was delayed due to COVID-19. Hopefully it will start up soon and we can safely get that league going.
Cat person or dog person?
Definitely a dog person. I like cats too but I prefer the energy that dogs have. My dog Annie is a six-year-old rescue and she is the sweetest, most playful dog I have ever met. My parents take care of her in Seattle but if I could bring her to Philadelphia I would!

Elaina Tsarwhas
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
What’s something you’ve done in school that you were really proud of?
My senior year I completed a minor in Textile Design were I learned a variety of fabric construction, print making and dying techniques! This was a great way to step outside of my comfort zone and explore a different design discipline
Where’s your hometown?
Lake Forest, IL
What are you most excited about for your internship experience?
I’m most excited to pursue my interest in architecture by learning from the wide array of talented individuals at Northworks. Also, being from the Chicago area, I look forward to seeing all the amazing local projects come to life.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Creative, outgoing, and thoughtful
What do you like to do outside of architecture?
Outside of architecture I love to paint, find new music, and spend time with friends and family.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I’m pretty terrified of the ocean so anytime I’m in a large body of water I count myself as being adventurous.
Cat person or dog person?
Dog person (I have a 12 year old cockapoo named Reesie who I love very much) but still I would never turn away a cat.

Chandler Stearns
What is your educational background?
I went to Saint Ignatius College Prep High School in Chicago and am now a rising junior at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. I am majoring in Communications, with a double minor in English and Entrepreneurship.
What’s something you’ve done in school that you were really proud of?
The last semester of my sophomore year (Spring 2020), which has been my most challenging semester yet with the transition to online courses, I got a 4.0 GPA.
Where’s your hometown?
My hometown is Chicago, IL, however my parents permanently moved to Jackson Hole this summer.
What are you most excited about for your internship experience?
I am most excited to expand my knowledge of all computer design programs, and possibly dip my toe into the realm of Revit.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Organized, witty, and fun-loving
What do you like to do outside of architecture?
Outside of architecture I love to write, and outside of the office I like to be active outside in any way that I can (running, hiking, etc.).
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
The summer before my freshman year of college my dad and I backpacked through Peru and hiked the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.
Cat person or dog person?
Dog person all the way!
Josh Roubin
What is your educational background?
I am currently a rising senior at the Jackson Hole Community School. I am excited to finish up my high school career!
What’s something you’ve done in school that you were really proud of?
I took an architecture course. At the end of the semester architects would come in and critique our final projects. They said a lot of great things about my project, which made me proud.
Where’s your hometown?
Although not being born in Jackson, WY I have lived here almost my whole life.
What are you most excited about for your internship experience?
I am most excited about learning how to use CAD, Sketch Up, and other design programs in an efficient way.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Tenacious, curious, and adventurous
What do you like to do outside of architecture?
I love pretty much any outdoor physical activities, especially running and hiking in the Tetons.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
The most adventurous thing I have done is going backpacking in the Wind River range with my friends for a couple of weeks.
Cat person or dog person?
I am with no question a dog person!