I will be graduating in May this year with a Masters in Architecture and a minor in Construction Management, from Roger Williams University. I am currently working on my thesis involving urban agriculture and sustainable practices within the urban environment.
As you examine my qualifications, I ask you to note the following:
1. Over the past 6 years I have spent summers and winter breaks working at Behan Bros., Inc. General Contractors, in various capacities, as both a laborer and apprentice carpenter, on new construction, renovations and historic restorations for both commercial projects and high-end custom homes. Through this experience, I have gained valuable and practical in-the-field knowledge that I can apply now and in the future as a professional architect.
2. I have worked as an intern at Newport Collaborative Architects in Newport, RI, in the roles of drafting support, construction administration and special research projects.
3. I have worked as an intern at Spring Street Studio in Newport, RI, where my primary responsibilities were to create as-built drawings.
4. I am a team player, having earned the respect of my peers in team sports through hard work, determination and commitment.
I am confident these experiences will help me to be successful as I complete my education and embark on my professional career.
Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI, US, Facilities Management Intern
- Facilities Management, Photographing ongoing construction projects on campus, Conducting surveys for estimating use, Signage
The Boathouse - Newport Harbor Corporation, Tiverton, RI, US, Bartender / Server
Camera / O'Neill Consulting Engineers, Portsmouth, RI, US, Intern
- Structural Engineering Firm
- Redlining and Fixing Shop Drawings
- Familiarizing Firm with Revit Structure through research and contacting revit specialists
- Traveling to sites to see ongoing construction
From Mike Camera, P.E.: "I first met Cayton while he was beginning an internship at a local architecture firm. I was called onto a renovation project for a large historic home in Newport, RI to provide structural engineering guidance while Cayton was preparing as-built architectural drawings. I was immediately impressed with his ability to communicate and confidently relay pertinent project requirements. I soon grew to know Cayton as a diligent, purpose driven intern.
Months later, Cayton approached me to inquire about the possibility of interning for my firm, a structural engineering consulting firm. I asked him why he would want to intern for a structural engineer rather than an architect. His answer was simple and to the point; he wanted to add breadth to his scholastic architecture background. After signing on, Cayton adapted quite quickly from architectural student / intern to structural intern. He was attentive, focused, and was not afraid to ask questions.
In my opinion, Cayton Scherf would be a strong addition to any firm looking for a young, emerging architect. He is also honest, hardworking, and very easy to get along with."
spring street STUDIO, Newport, RI, US, Intern Architect
From Melissa Hutchinson, AIA: "I had the pleasure of working with Cayton during the six week winter intersession in early 2012. I am the sole proprietor of a small practice in Newport, Rl and share office space with another local architect, Greg Yalanis, AlA. I am also an Adjunct Faculty member at the Roger Williams University School of Art, Architecture and Historic Preservation, teaching an Architectural Design Core Studio. Although I did not have the opportunity to have Cayton as a student, I have known him for the past five years while he has attended RWU. We also worked together at my previous firm, Newport Collaborative Architects, while I was a Senior Associate and Cayton was a summer intern. Not only was Cayton a useful and productive intern, but he was a pleasure to have in the office. While employed at Spring Street Studio, Cayton worked on two specific single family residential projects, helping me to pull together Construction Documents. He is proficient with AutoCAD and Revit, and was able to take the projects on as his own. He was responsible for as-built-drawings, designing the building sections and elevations. One of the projects was an ADA renovation for an injured veteran. Cayton was able to make the design compliant with the specifications of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services. It is apparent to me that Cayton is a hard worker who is very eager to learn and takes constructive criticism well. He demonstrates motivation to tackle even those tasks that he was unfamiliar with. He also asked appropriate questions and showed growth in his knowledge in the short period that he was working here. I believe that his construction experience was also invaluable in his understanding of how buildings come together."
Behan Bros Inc., Middletown, RI, US, Laborer / Carpenter / Assistant Project Manager
- New construction, renovation projects, rehabilitation projects located in RI area including Newport's historical district
- Worked on small and large scale residential projects and developments as well as commercial projects
From Michael Behan, President: "He began as a construction laborer, working on various projects from high-end, luxury homes to commercial buildings, and has learned many aspects of the various building trades, including rough and finish carpentry, concrete and masonry. In his most recent projects, I have had the confidence to entrust in him the responsibilities of Assistant Project Manager, working closely with other laborers and carpenters on challenging assignments.
Without hesitation, Cayton has brought to his work that same level of strategic thinking, determination, and leadership which he showed in his athletic endeavors. He has worked hard to develop his mechanical and professional understanding of the construction industry, as well as the "workplace" in general. Cayton has developed strengths in communicating effectively with both internal and external professional staff, including owners, consulting engineers, architects, subcontractors and vendors. His ability to multi-task proved an essential asset as he was able to meet strict deadlines involving all aspects of the construction industry. Finally, and not in the least, Cayton has been a key member of our team who was always willing to offer his assistance, and had an excellent rapport with the many constituents served by our office, including staff, clients and other professional organizations.
Cayton has been a great team player and I have found him to be a reliable, productive employee with a strong work ethic, always eager to learn new facets of the construction industry."
Northeast Collaborative Architects, Newport, RI, US, Intern Architect
- Construction Administration, Site Visits, Meeting Minutes, Project Research, Updating Drawings
From John K. Grosvenor, AIA: "NCA had the pleasure of employing Cayton as both a high school student and later as a college intern during his tenure at Roger Williams University. We found him to be both an enthusiastic learner and a diligent employee working well under direction and short deadlines. He managed to get up to speed on Autocad and was beginning to get fluent on REVIT as well.
He has first hand experience of the construction industry working many summers at Behan Brothers where he has followed his father’s footsteps in construction management. His knowledge of construction details puts him ahead of many architects who typically only have vague understanding how things go together….In Cayton’s case he knows!
I would highly recommend Cayton for a position in any field related to architecture and construction. He has a passion for learning and a good aptitude for design."
Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth, RI, US, High School, General Studies
