Inspiring the Next Generation Through Summer Mentoring

This summer, FK Architecture had the privilege of hosting two students for a hands-on job shadow and mentoring experience. These opportunities open doors for upper-level high school and college students to gain a clearer view of the architectural and interior design professions, while also allowing our team to share knowledge and learn from fresh perspectives.

“Mentorship is an essential part of how we see the future of our profession,” said Ken Linehan, AIA, Managing Principal and Owner at FK Architecture. “We learn as much from students as they learn from us, and that exchange keeps our culture of collaboration, curiosity, and innovation alive.”

Our 2025 summer students explored different paths within the architecture, engineering, and interior design fields, gaining not only practical insights but also a sense of how their skills and interests might align with the industry.

Auburn University student Lian Montgomery, an Orlando native and interior design major, spent time with FK’s Interiors team. Guided by Interior Design Manager Jesy Acosta, Lian experienced the full range of interior design practice, from exploring project phases and fabric selections to attending an Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meeting. Her time in the FK Design Studio provided a window into the creative collaboration that drives our work and the client-focused approach that defines our projects.

We also welcomed Lucan O’Brien, a rising senior at West Orange High School, for a one-day shadowing experience. As Lucan considers college options and potential career directions, his introduction to the AEC industry helped highlight his strengths and interests. Under the mentorship of Project Manager Dominick Lorusso, AIA, he attended a client meeting and gained exposure to the organizational and problem-solving side of architecture.

“Lucan had the opportunity to shadow several team members and experience the diverse aspects of our practice,” said Dominick Lorusso. “He spent time with Jesy Acosta to gain hands-on exposure in interior design, learned about landscape architecture and site planning while shadowing Shawn Reed, and worked alongside Project Designer, Jose Atencio, to design and render for a project. This immersive experience not only gave Lucan a feel for the wide range of work FK offers clients but also helped shape his future career path. While Lucan originally entered the internship considering civil engineering, by the end of his time with us, Lucan felt inspired to pursue a future in architecture.”

At FK Architecture, these experiences remind us that mentorship is a two-way exchange. By investing in students, we help them navigate the start of their professional journeys, while their curiosity, energy, and fresh ideas strengthen and inspire our own practice. We look forward to staying connected with Lian and Lucan as they continue to explore their futures in design.