Checking in with Architectural Intern, Riley
We’re checking in on our architecture intern, Riley!
She is heading back Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning, University of Michigan for her final year in her masters program.
1. First off, tell us a little about yourself. Where do you go to school? What are you majoring in? What year are you?
I am a graduate student at University of Michigan, going for my M.Arch. This upcoming school year will be my final / thesis year, which is crazy to say and also very exciting.
2. What made you decide to get into architecture?
I’ve always held an aptitude for anything related to art and creation. Whether it was ceramics, illustration, painting, even metal working, I found myself loving the process just as much as the end result sometimes. Then I took into account my enjoyment of AP math and physics in high school, and architecture seemed like the obvious compromise of logic and design. It’s a decision that I am happier with every passing year.
3. What kinds of things do you like doing in your free time?
My free time is rare in this season of life, but I enjoy finding artistic outlets outside of school and work. I find that working on other factions of design keeps me fresh in architectural design. My current favorite is stained glass. With lots of little cuts on my fingers, I’ve been making some cool things! Outside of that I enjoy coffee and window shopping with friends, going up north with my family, and reading for hours at the beach.
4. How did you hear about MMA? What made you decide to apply for an internship with us?
I actually saw a lecture from MMA principal Ben Franceschi at Ferris State University (my undergrad) years ago, and that followed a firm tour through AIAS like a year later and I was sold. I’ve always enjoyed MMA’s attention to detail, and seeing their process literally on the wall excited me. Though it’d been like three years after that, I saw Evan and Emily at the UMich career fair, had a great conversation, and I had to apply. I knew it was a long shot with a summer study abroad also planned, but the team’s flexibility makes this firm even better in my eyes. I’m excited to be at a firm that has such a hands-on approach to design and pride for their work.
5. Tell us a little about what you’ve done this summer?
A lot of my work here at MMA was focused on support of larger projects. This included studies and research for an exciting new workplace project. I was also very lucky to sit in on design meetings with big clients, which I thought was wonderful to experience the design process with a client in real time . I definitely got some code work in, which is always a plus when there’s not as much exposure throughout school. I was also a big fan of all of the site visits! It has been an absolute pleasure to see so many stages of a project in person and in production combined.
6. What has been your favorite thing you’ve worked on at MMA?
Actually, a confidential project has been my favorite opportunity I’ve had at MMA. I wish I was here longer to see how everything comes together, but sitting in on a design meeting with the client was such a memorable experience. I was privileged enough to be trusted to make one of the sketches presented to the client, and even though that contribution has been small, I was distinctly proud of how it turned out.
As another memorable moment, I was able to join the team for their long site visit and charrette day at a camp project up north. It was quite the experience to get a taste of designing in the field as conditions were made apparent! Then following up later, I was able to contribute to the programmatic layout of one of the pieces of the project, which was met with genuine consideration and guided one of the options for the floor plan! I don’t know how to describe the feeling of having your voice heard and implemented for the first time in a professional design setting, but it is a memory that will stick with me for years to come.
7. What school project are you most proud of?
My most recent graduate studio project, hands down, is my favorite. I was lucky enough to work with an awesome couple of women, where we collaborated and created a mini staple within a bigger community that harbored the mission of Mama Shu’s Avalon Village in Highland Park, near Detroit, MI. The project ended with such playfulness, consideration for the residents, and added to the masterplan of what the real-life ‘clients’ already allotted for. The project itself was a collection of 5 mass-timber multifamily structures that also provided community space, a small food market, green space, and adaptable dwelling to whomever inhabits the space. There were a ton of small considerations that made the project feel plausible and fit right in with the energy of its neighborhood.
8. What’s one thing you want to do this summer before heading back to school?
As summer comes to an end, I just want one more day with my friends to celebrate such a good summer. I already have some movies and a beach day planned to make this happen! I’m ready for the summer to be wrapped up with some fun!
9. What are you most looking forward to this upcoming school year?
My thesis project has been on my mind all summer. I have some pretty solid ideas of what to research and what I want my final project to become, and I’m excited to reach out to some professionals and professors for additional guidance. I think I can do something really meaningful with my time this year.
