Mahogany is currently a graduate student at Clemson University, entering the last year of her master’s program. She began her Moseley Architects internship in 2022 at our office in her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. Equipped with curiosity, a love of design, and the drive to make a difference, she has been able to apply and grow her skills across multiple sectors within the firm.
Why did you choose to study architecture?
I went to an arts school where I had the privilege of being a visual arts major from 6th to 12th grade. It was there that I discovered my love for architecture. I found that I was able to combine artistry with functionality, allowing me to blend my passion for design with my desire to make a tangible impact on the world around me.
What building typologies are you most interested in?
As I’ve been working with Moseley, I’ve found myself being most interested in K-12 and higher education. I do someday see myself working with residential, hospitality, sports, or retail studios.
Is this the first time you’ve done an internship?
No, I’ve been interning since the summer of 2021, and I’ve been with Moseley since the fall semester of 2022.
How did you learn about the internship?
I learned about the internship program with Moseley through Clemson’s School of Architecture and its Fluid Campus here in Charleston. While I’ve had the opportunity to come home and study at the Clemson Architecture Center in Charleston (CAC.C), I’ve been able to take my experiences and what I’ve been learning here in the office and apply them to my studies as one of my courses.
If you had to describe your Moseley intern experience thus far using three words, what would they be?
Informative, flexible, and supportive.
What are some of the assignments you’ve been given?
So far, I’ve been given the opportunity to do a range of assignments that have been anything from design options, modeling projects from as-builts, to helping teams develop full drawing sets for submittals.
What assignment have you enjoyed the most so far?
So far, as an assignment, I’ve enjoyed modeling and doing graphics that may need to go with a project. Overall, I enjoy watching or listening to how a project develops. As I’ve been able to observe how other non-architects work, I am beginning to understand what parts of the project apply to the scope of work for the architect.
Have you encountered any challenges during your internship?
The biggest challenge has been trying to apply codes and regulations to real projects. I had not yet been challenged to design with many restrictions, but rather to design with unlimited creativity and with just enough application of systems and construction. Within the last year, I’ve been introduced to how architecture, construction, and structure truly work. Throughout my internship, I’ve been learning to apply the laws, codes, and regulations that call for compliance while meeting the wants and needs of the client.
How has the actual experience differed from your expectations of it?
I would have to say that the constant application of law, code, regulation, and standard has been the most noticeable factor in my experience. While this was expected because I am looking to be a licensed architect, I’m realizing why architecture is referred to as a practicing profession. There’s so much to learn that patience is required with myself to be able to grasp and apply the given knowledge. The great thing is that I work alongside great people that have directed me to the information needed.
Have you worked on any projects outside the civic sector?
Yes, when I’m not helping with the civic sector I’m working on one of the K-12 renovation projects. Another that I am helping with is the renovation of security systems.
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)?
Yes, all the projects I have helped with have required me to collaborate with engineers, interior designers, or a combination of the two.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned or the best advice you’ve received during the internship so far?
If you’re unsure or don’t know, asking is best. It opens conversations to make me better and more knowledgeable while potentially introducing me to a plethora of ways, techniques, styles, or laws that can be applied to not only current work, but what I may be doing in the future.
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