Anthony Maslanka worked as an intern in Moseley’s Richmond office over the summer, contributing most of his efforts to the firm’s K-12 and civic sectors. He is entering the final year of his master’s program at the University of Virginia (UVA) to become an architect after devoting a decade to a career in education. Drawing on his teaching experience, Anthony is passionate about working with others to create impactful environments that facilitate learning and help communities thrive.
Why did you choose to study architecture?
During my time as a teacher, I enjoyed serving my community, working as a part of interdisciplinary teams, and cultivating relationships with students and their families. Architecture shares similar qualities but also allows me to engage in the creative design process with my colleagues.
What building typologies are you most interested in?
As a former teacher, I have an affinity for buildings centered around education—schools, higher education buildings, libraries, museums, and the like.
Is this the first time you’ve done an internship?
This is my first internship, and I feel fortunate to have had this experience at Moseley. The employees here are supportive, welcoming, and encouraging to newcomers to the industry. I also appreciate the firm’s dedication to its employees’ well-being and continued education.
How did you learn about the internship?
I first learned about Moseley’s internship program through a conversation with Tamara Langhorne at the UVA career fair. She shared that Moseley does a lot of K-12 work in and around Richmond, and so I was eager to be involved with a firm that has such an impact on my immediate community.
If you had to describe your Moseley intern experience using three words, what would they be?
Valuable, well-balanced, and enlightening.
What are some of the assignments you’ve been given?
I had a wide range of assignments this summer, which gave me the opportunity to see projects at different stages of development. For example, I created initial marketing plans for a municipal building, modeled a proposal for converting a police academy gym into a student lounge, measured and documented elements of an elementary school onsite, and keynoted and prepared sheets for the same school.
Additionally, the other interns and I developed proposals for a pre-school program throughout the summer. We took the project from initial space planning through design development and had periodic pinups along the way.
What assignment have you enjoyed the most?
I learned so much and something different from each of the projects I worked on, so I don’t think I could choose just one.
Did you encounter any challenges during your internship? What did you learn from them?
The greatest challenge was familiarizing myself with the firm’s typical workflows and methods of documentation. However, I quickly learned that the people at Moseley are kind and will happily spare a few minutes to help their coworkers. I always felt comfortable seeking assistance when needed.
How has the actual experience differed from your expectations of it?
I was hoping that this internship would teach me more about the day-to-day work of an architect and allow me to connect with practicing professionals. Moseley’s internship easily ticked both of these boxes. In addition, there was thoughtfully planned programming throughout the summer, which gave me a broader perspective of the architectural industry.
Have any of your assignments required you to collaborate with any non-architects involved in design (ex: engineers, interior designers, sustainability coordinators, construction contract administrators)?
Several assignments gave me the opportunity to work with people from other disciplines, particularly mechanical and electrical engineers.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned or the best advice you’ve received during the internship?
The other interns and I were told by several people that if any technical issue takes more than five minutes to resolve alone, reach out to someone about how to handle it. This advice was a great reminder that this is a collaborative industry, and we all support one another while working toward the same goals.
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