Otak Welcomes Interns from HanmiGlobal
Through Otak’s work with numerous organizations fostering the next generation of talent in the AEC industry, we believe in uplifting and equipping young professionals looking to make an impact.
Over the last quarter, we’ve been excited to host Kyle (Jinwook) Jang and Jina Park, two interns from our parent company, HanmiGlobal (HG), who visited our Portland office to learn practical applications of their studies with our Architecture practice area.
We sat down with Kyle and Jina to talk about their time visiting Otak, what they’ve been learning with the architecture department, and some of the things they love about visiting the United States (and the Pacific Northwest in particular).
Meet Kyle
Kyle is a rising star with two degrees in Architecture to his name. He earned his Bachelors in architecture at Chinese University of Hong Kong, and quickly followed that by earning his Masters in architecture back in his home city of Seoul, South Korea.
Kyle says the most valuable things he’s learning while visiting Otak is effective management skills and a deeper understanding of global markets when it comes to building and design, something HG puts a high degree of importance on when they send interns overseas. He explains, “It’s great to get a fresh perspective on design and my work that I can bring home with me, and I’m only getting more experience with different types of building codes in working with Otak.”
When asked why he was interested in visiting Otak, he emphasized that our rich history in the PNW and “commitment to society” immediately drew him in:
“I was especially impressed with Otak’s work for social good in the community and I’m grateful to learn at a firm with such a strong dedication to sustainability.”
More than just learning to be a better designer with renderings and assembly drawings, Kyle made the point of telling us what he loves about Portland and the PNW at large. He quickly grew to appreciate Portland craft breweries, the famous 10 Barrel Brewing Co. being his favorite, and it didn’t take long for him to become a fan of the Portland Trailblazers after going to a game.
Kyle is grateful for the opportunity to learn with both HG and Otak, and is excited to take his new lived experiences with him home to Korea. We return that gratitude and know that he will immediately make an impact in the built environment.
Meet Jina
Jina visited Otak already with a Bachelors degree in architecture from Hanyang University in Seoul. With aspirations of earning her Masters when she returns home, she says Otak’s interdisciplinary practices were what she values most. She explains, “HG often wants people with experience in a variety of fields within the industry. Otak’s work seemed to fit with that, and I wanted to learn as much as I could about other practices in the industry.”
Her favorite aspect of architecture is seeing it all come together, relishing the chance to go to construction sites and see designs rise from the drawing to a real building. She also appreciates the opportunity to learn and gain a global understanding of the AEC industry:
“I really get to learn the details of the work here, and feel like I have a deeper understanding of the design process in general since coming to Otak.”
Jina also didn’t want to leave out her favorite aspects of Portland and the greater area. She quickly grew to love the famous Voodoo Donuts and AFURI Ramen & Dumpling, and says she’s spent hours wandering through Powell’s Books looking for a good read.
Building Careers with Otak and Beyond
Kyle and Jina shared a similar sentiment about Otak and the PNW, the access to nature was amazing, the people were nice from the beginning, and each of them felt deeply involved with our operations in Architecture from the very start.
Not only are we grateful to be able to host such talented young architects, but we are also emphatic in wishing each of them the best with the rest of their careers. Thank you for visiting us, Kyle and Jina!