Maureen discovered architecture through her love of STEM and her drive to create meaningful change in communities around the world. This ambitious Morgan State University sophomore has spent the past year at Moseley transforming from a student with purely academic experience into a confident intern who tackles complex multifamily projects and has set her sights on licensure and community-focused leadership.
What drew you to architecture and the IPAL program at Morgan State University?
What drew me to architecture was that I have always been a STEM kid, and I wanted to get into a field that not only helps communities but also takes initiative to make an impact on different areas of the world. The IPAL program at Morgan State was a great first step for me as a sophomore in college. I am very ambitious and goal-driven, so pursuing an internship at a young age while still in school is not only helpful for my future, but it helps me adapt to the world of architecture while working toward my licensure.
What made you choose Moseley for your internship and what were your initial expectations?
What made me choose Moseley was the environment. Everyone was willing to help, and knowing that I was there to learn from others was a great opportunity as an intern. My initial expectation was honestly that I would be doing things similar to university work, but I quickly learned that there is much more to the profession than just design, and that there is always a role to play.
You’ve been with Moseley for over a year now. How has your role evolved since you first started?
When I first started, I barely had any knowledge of how architecture works professionally in a firm, since this was my first internship. I only had experience as a university student. Now that it’s been over a year at Moseley, I can say that I’ve learned so much and gained many useful skills that I still use both in the office and at university.
What types of projects have you worked on and which has been most exciting or challenging for you?
I’ve mainly worked in multifamily. The most exciting project for me was Sojourner Place, one of my first projects. Everyone was great to work with, and going on the site visit was a truly valuable experience. The most challenging project was probably Barcroft, which was also one of my first projects. It was a bit difficult to understand certain aspects as a beginning intern.
Can you walk me through a typical day or week in your internship?
A typical day in my internship usually involves working in Revit or Bluebeam, with occasional meetings and check-ins.
What skills have you developed at Moseley that you didn’t expect to gain?
I’ve developed a lot more Revit skills and learned how to adapt to using Bluebeam.
How would you describe the mentorship and support you’ve received from the team?
The mentorship has been great. Everyone checks in on me and has always encouraged me to reach out if I need help. They are always there when needed.
What has surprised you most about working in a professional architecture and engineering firm?
What surprised me the most is that not everyone is an architect, there are also construction administrators and engineers. When I get the chance, I ask them questions about their fields, which is valuable information to gain.
How has Moseley’s culture helped you grow both professionally and personally?
Moseley’s culture has helped me professionally by teaching me skills in different software and allowing me to hear how various projects are progressing during meetings. It has helped me personally because I’ve met very nice and kind people who love to laugh, especially during different office activities.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time here thus far?
The most valuable lesson has been that asking questions is not a weakness, it’s how you grow. The more I ask, the more I understand, and that has accelerated my learning.
How has this internship influenced your career goals or perspective on architecture?
It’s reinforced that I want to pursue licensure and eventually lead projects that impact communities. Being immersed in real projects has helped me see how architecture is both design and technical.
What advice would you give to other students considering an internship at Moseley?
Be open to learning and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Moseley is a place where you’re encouraged to grow, but it’s up to you to take initiative.
You’re staying at Moseley to intern for another year. What are you most excited about for the upcoming year?
I’m excited to take on more complex tasks and deepen my understanding of different aspects of the architecture world.
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