Real Talk on Internships, Part 2: Landing Your First Internship

Panelists

Yakuh Askew, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP
Founding Principal, Y.A. studio
AIASF Board President

 Yakuh Askew is the founder and principal of Y.A. studio, a San Francisco based architectural practice. At Y.A. studio, he has built a design team that excels in the design of restaurants, offices and both single-family and multi-family residences; however, he takes particular pride in his work on over 1200 permanently affordable residential units within San Francisco. Diversity, equity, sustainability and social responsibility are key focuses professionally and personally. Yakuh was previously a member of the San Francisco Arts Commission and a member of the Civic Design Review Committee.

https://www.beyondthebuilt.com/yakuh-askew

Seth Berling
Vice President & Director of Preconstruction, GCI General Contractors
AIASF Board Public Director

Overseeing GCI's Preconstruction department and National work, Seth Berling is an expert in building repositioning and renovation. His hands-on approach brings new life to existing spaces delivering value from the very first conversation.

“Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.” These words from the legendary Coach Wooden remind him to keep past successes (and failures) in context. What can we do with the experience and skillset we have now? The answer is: a lot more than we think possible. He believes that construction is one of the few remaining industries where honesty, hard work, and perseverance still directly pay off.

A calming and approachable presence in our San Francisco office, Seth finds his peace on the river, continuing the fly-fishing traditions his dad instilled in him at a young age.

Julie Jackson, AIA LEED AP
Founding Principal, Jackson Liles Architecture
AIASF Board Treasurer

Julie Jackson, AIA, LEED AP, is the Co-Founder and Principal of Jackson Liles Architecture (JLA), a San Francisco–based practice dedicated to creating thoughtful, resilient, and community-serving architecture. With nearly three decades of experience, she has led projects across the country ranging from early education and nonprofit facilities to adaptive-reuse, industrial, commercial, and residential work, shaping environments that help people and mission-driven organizations thrive.
Julie brings a collaborative, people-first approach to every project, rooted in the belief that design can strengthen communities and expand opportunity. Her leadership extends beyond practice: she is the founder of the AIA San Francisco’s Women in Architecture knowledge community, served for several years as the leader of the AIASF Small Firms Committee, and has mentored more than 35 aspiring architects through JLA’s internship and early-career program. She also serves as Assistant Treasurer on the AIASF Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the Center for Architecture + Design. She has been a licensed architect in California since 1997 and is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of designers and community leaders.
Beyond her professional achievements, Julie is a mom to 2 young adults and a former 4 term PTA President in San Francisco public schools. Her advocacy for children & families permeates her work, adding a layer of passion and purpose to the projects she leads at JLA.

California Licensed Architect, 1997~present 

Randall Thompson
Preconstruction Executive, Nibbi Brothers General Contractors
AIASF Board Public Director

Randall Thompson is the Preconstruction Executive of NibbiPrefab at Nibbi Brothers General Contractors. From preconstruction through project delivery, NibbiPrefab works directly with clients, design teams, modular manufacturers, and Nibbi operations staff to ensure the successful design, procurement, and construction of its modular projects.

With over 20 years of construction industry experience, Randall excels at merging modern methods of construction with tried-and-true practices. His leadership at NibbiPrefab further demonstrates his dedication to advancing the construction sector through innovations in industrialized construction.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. 

Jim Zack, FAIA
Owner / Managing Principal, Zack de Vito 

Jim has an irrepressible interest in how buildings are designed and detailed. Licensed as both an architect and contractor, he brings a wealth of knowledge, deep commitment and emphasis on craft to lead Zack | de Vito’s practice of architecture and design build. Hands-on experience and a love of making is evident in Jim’s attention to exquisite detailing and intuitive sense for what materials can do.

He learned to build before he learned to design, tinkering and working with metal, wood and motorcycles, then working as a journeyman carpenter and contractor in Carmel, California—designing and building his first residential projects by age 23.

Deeply respected, Jim’s body of work spans a diverse range of project types—all with a focus on modern principles. He is also an accomplished furniture designer and maker, with a number of custom furniture pieces in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) permanent collection. Jim received both a Bachelors and Masters degree in architecture from UC Berkeley, before founding the firm in 1995.

Elevated into the AIA College of Fellows in 2025, Jim joins a prestigious group of architects who have demonstrated outstanding work and lasting impact on the field of architecture.

Student Moderators 

The Real Talk series is a platform for the student members on the AIASF board to strengthen the connection between schools and firms. Students determine the topic, prepare questions, and moderate the event. The 2026 AIASF student board membersare:

Francene Gabrielle (Cheena) Bendicion, BA in Architecture, University of San Francisco 

Esteban Carrasco, Assoc. AIA, BS in Architecture, San Francisco State 

Ethan Garcia, B.Arch, California College of the Arts

Jeffrey Luc, B.Arch, Academy of Art University

Katherine Matsaylo, College of Marin

Julian Rayford, BA in Architecture, UC Berkeley

William Tun, Associate of Science in Architecture, City College of San Francisco