Spotlight on our 2025 Summer Student Interns

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people, but I wasn't sure how. When I discovered interior design, I realized it was the ideal way to combine my passions. I aspire to create spaces that people not only enjoy being in but also feel a sense of belonging in. I want people to love the spaces they occupy. From a young age, I was always rearranging my bedroom, fascinated by how different layouts could change the feel of a room. This passion for creating inviting and inspiring environments drove me to pursue a career in interior design. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

This summer, I'm really looking forward to exploring the practical side of interior design, which we don't get to see in school. I want to learn all the details that go into projects, especially during the different phases. I'm excited to get hands-on experience, from helping with 3D models to selecting finishes to understanding what makes a space truly special for the people who use it. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I have watched almost every show and movie on Netflix. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"The brick walls are there for a reason. They’re not there to keep us out. They’re there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something." — Randy Pausch  

I often heard this quote while growing up, and it has always resonated with me. It's easy to give up and walk away from challenges, but if you truly want something, you will find a way. The brick walls are there to test how badly you want it. This quote has always been a great reminder to never give up and keep pushing through the challenges life throws at you. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I believe my interest in architecture stems from a childhood desire to understand how things work and fixing broken things by taking them apart and putting them back together (many apologies to my father, who could never find his tools). In retrospect I think my father’s side of the family all working in the building industry as contractors, surveyors, civil engineers, carpenters, and architects played a role, though this did not dawn on me until I was well into my education. I also believe studying music played a role in my interest and approach to architecture, as both music and architecture have an underlying essence of distilling cultural values into formal ideas like rhythm, order, and hierarchy and the intangible, such as beauty, mystery, and awe. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

During my time at Clark Nexsen, I would like to grow as a designer and communicator through the collaborative design process. Of course, I would like to continue developing my tool kit of technical abilities, but I am most excited by the potential to develop the softer social skills through working with other designers, digging into core ideas, and effectively communicating them. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

A pint of cinnamon ice cream and a hot black coffee. It’s a fabulous combo because ice cream is delicious and coffee is a perfect complement of hot and cold, bitter and sweet. Any guilt felt is remedied with a few extra miles tacked onto my weekly runs. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“It’s not the mountains ahead that wear you out, it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.” — Robert W. Service, sometimes attributed to Muhammad Ali  

I love this quote because it serves as a reminder to be mindful of the unintentional baggage we carry around which can keep us from fully engaging with the world and rising to the level of our ambitions. To me, it asks us to assess our inherent biases, prejudices, anger, resentment, and regrets — the things that ultimately wear us down, and letting them go frees us to do the difficult things we choose in life. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I have always enjoyed being outside and wandering around, whether it is hiking deep in the woods or walking around downtown in a park or busy street for some window shopping and people watching. That deep appreciation for the environment has transformed from the curiosity of looking for salamanders under rocks to wanting to design the solutions to help the environmental issues that treasured local areas are experiencing. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I am eager to learn more about the design process for urban areas and collaborate with architects, urban planners, and engineers while applying the skills of landscape architecture. I study in a rural area, so it is exciting to branch out into Virginia Beach to see how and where these larger projects happen, and the amount of time and detail it takes to put it all together. I simply just want to be a sponge and take in all that I can to be better at what I do. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I think it is so fun and relaxing to go to a new city, get deep into downtown, and just walk and see what interesting things I can find. It is even better with a friend. Although I might ache a bit by the end, time really flies by after a day of chatting, popping into interesting shops, watching some improv live music shows, running into farmers markets or other local events, grabbing some snacks I have not seen before, and sitting down at some high point to spot all the places I have been. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

I don’t have a favorite quote, but I do have a motto that I am doing my best at living by: “Follow your dinosaur.” There is a bit of a story behind it, but it boils down to the age-old message of taking the opportunities you get and not giving up on your aspirations. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I have always enjoyed problem-solving and really like the way that engineers tackle big problems together. I started studying environmental/civil engineering because of a roommate who got me to take an intro class with him. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I’m hoping to learn how to have a solid work-life balance, how professional engineers operate, and what the differences are between university and actual practice. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I have a major sweet tooth. I could mess up a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” — Winston Churchill 

This is a good reminder to remain steadfast in whatever I do, even through mistakes and failures. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I’ve always been a creative person, but my love for design started early on when I got to design floor plans in fifth grade. That turned into me taking interior design classes in high school, which solidified my passion that I took into my college studies. I enjoy being able to provide a space that others can feel at ease in and will keep them coming back. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I am hoping to learn more about the different processes that go into the design of a space and immerse myself in a more collaborative environment with other sectors. I’m also looking forward to having more hands-on experiences that will allow me to understand the different stages of design. Overall, I’m excited to work alongside an incredible team of designers! 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I am a sucker for “The Bachelor” especially when the girls fight over one guy. There is so much unnecessary drama that just keeps me wanting to watch more. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. — Wayne Gretzky.” — Michael Scott, “The Office” 

I really like this quote because, for one, it’s from one of my favorite shows of all time, “The Office.” Other than that, it’s very simple but true. If you don’t try at something, how will you ever succeed at it? 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

Learning about the impact that the built environment has on our world — from water usage to carbon emissions to human health — has alarmed and inspired me throughout my education. As the climate crisis persists, it’s essential that sustainability is considered in every design and construction project. As an emerging professional in this field, I want to better understand not only how to limit the negative impact of structures but also explore their potential to have a positive impact! 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

My summer at Clark Nexsen presents a unique opportunity to work with emerging, sustainability-centered software to track and interpret the carbon emissions of design projects. I hope to learn the ins and outs of these programs and contribute useful data to the industry through our case study. I also look forward to learning more about the pacing of a project timeline, general firm organization, and the collaboration between all the moving parts and players within any given project.  

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

A rainy afternoon, a sewing project, and RuPaul’s Drag Race playing in the background. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“No person ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and they are not the same person.” — Heraclitus 

It can be hard to accept that the world, and everyone in it, is constantly changing and evolving. This quote reminds me that while change can be intimidating and difficult, it also presents a new and exciting landscape to explore and grow as a person. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I have always been interested in drawing and art as a way to understand the environment around me. However, I was introduced to architecture through a class in high school and found it to be a unique bridge between creative and technical thinking. I saw that architecture could be a way to find purpose behind my drawings and become a way to explore the things I was interested in. Ultimately, the idea that a 2D sketch can transform into a physical project became very compelling to me. Architecture has had a profound impact on the way I see design and art in how I begin to investigate ideas or create concepts. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I am hoping to gain a full understanding of how the design process in architecture school begins to translate to the field in concept or schematic design. I am interested in growing my knowledge of various modeling software, from Revit to Rhino, and applying the skills I learn to real projects being designed. I also want to see how design choices in design development and construction administration begin to manifest in the final design of a project.

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I enjoy watching a good action or comedy movie either at home or in the movie theater. I always appreciate cleverly written scripts or thoughtfully choreographed action sequences. In addition to being entertaining, I also find action or comedy movies to be another form of design and art with a wide range of possibilities! 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." — Leonardo da Vinci 

This quote, to me, begins to encapsulate what I see as a core principle of architecture and design, where the final product is simple but begins to address complex ideas and issues. Whenever I design or create anything, I always look at this quote as a way to explore complicated ideas and express them in the final project in a simple way. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I have always been drawn to design from a young age, starting when I was a kid building with Lego and obsessed with construction equipment to more hands-on technical projects in a workshop environment. I grew up in a household with a mother who was graphic designer and art teacher and a father who was a civil engineer, so I was exposed to technical and creative worlds. Over time, I became more interested in architecture as it was a natural extension of my interests and abilities. I also took a two-semester-long drafting course at a technical school while attending high school, which solidified my decision. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I want to learn how design decisions are made in the real world, not only from a creative standpoint but also how they are influenced by clients, budgets, and regulations. I want to gain hands-on experience with design tools and workflows and learn what kind of work environment I thrive best in. I also want to get more experience collaborating and communicating with other disciplines. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

Booking late afternoon tee times and having to race daylight to finish the round. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain 

I am inspired by it because I want to experience new and greater things; I want to have a fulfilling life that I can look back on. To do that, I must continue to push myself beyond my limits and be okay with uncertainty sometimes. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?  

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an engineer. It took me some time to find my way to civil engineering, but now that I have discovered it, I can’t imagine doing anything else. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I hope to learn more detail about what civil engineers do day-to-day. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I enjoy baking, especially chocolate chip cookies. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“Treat others the way you want to be treated.”  

I think this quote can apply to so many different situations. It inspires me to always think about how my actions affect others. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I took an engineering course in high school and enjoyed the different aspects of design and production. This class allowed us to experience different aspects of engineering, such as electrical panels, workshop, and CAD design. I chose civil engineering because I liked being able to choose from multiple career paths with different aspects and not have to choose just one interest. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I’m hoping to learn more about the bridge inspection process, apply my knowledge to projects, and learn more valuable skills. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I enjoy finding new recipes and trying them, even if I end up not liking them in the end. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt 

I like this quote because there have been times when I felt like I couldn’t do something. However once I realize I can, it seems easier, and I feel much better afterwards. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

Growing up, I enjoyed designing various household projects and learning about new innovations and inventions. Since middle school, it has been my dream and goal to become an engineer. I chose to major in civil engineering because the projects can have an impressive impact on the surrounding community. I like vertical structures and bridges, and there is a large variety of work. Also, several members of my family inspired me to pursue engineering as they are engineers themselves. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

This summer, I am hoping to gain hands-on experience, whether in the office or out on a site visit. I also hope to improve my software skills through the various projects I will work on. I am excited to work alongside various professionals and learn from their skills and leadership.

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I enjoy a quiet evening to myself, reading a book on the couch with a hot cup of Harvest Blend Herbal Tea from Trader Joe’s. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin from Winnie-the-Pooh 

I think this quote is a good reminder to not underestimate your capabilities. The quote inspires me to stand firm in what I know as well as to go easy and not compare myself too much to others. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

My interest in transportation infrastructure, including roads and bridges, inspired me to study civil/transportation engineering. I have had this interest for as long as I can remember, so it is only natural that I pursue it as a career.   

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I am hoping to improve my skills in MicroStation and learn more about roadway design and construction by working on various projects and going out into the field. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I enjoy rock and metal concerts, and I like collecting vinyl.    

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” — Forrest Gump, “Forrest Gump” 

This quote is inspirational because it’s true, and if things aren’t going well at the moment, they can always get better. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to study mechanical engineering was because I have always had a strong aptitude for math and science, and engineering combines both. Growing up, I was always fascinated with how things work, from something like a small device to how the Super Bowl half-time stages got set up so fast. Mechanical engineering kind of helps me see the different facets of the profession, which is really cool to see. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I have been at Clark Nexsen for about a month, and I have already learned so much here! It has been really rewarding to apply concepts that I have learned at Mercer and be able to connect things that I have learned in the classroom and apply them to real-life applications. I am also excited to collaborate with other people and learn even more about building systems and HVAC. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

My ultimate, if not slightly unhealthy, guilty pleasure is going to Taco Bell. If you want my recommendation, I recommend getting a Crunchwrap Supreme with a side of Nacho Fries, a Baja Blast, and the Fire sauce. One of the best unhealthy meals out there. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." — Mahatma Gandi 

This quote inspires me because, at Mercer, one of the quotes we have is “Everyone majors in changing the world.” Growing up, I have always wanted to do something that can help the world out in some way. Through engineering, I am able to help through different projects and be a small change on something big that will help the world. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

For as long as I can remember, I've had an intense drive to learn about the world around me, to really understand why things are the way they are. I am fascinated with the individuals, ideas, and cultures that have constructed our built environment throughout history. I suppose I hope to be a part of that and contribute to the world in a positive way. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I'm really excited to learn about the process of taking a design from an idea to a built project. In school, we design somewhat detached from the real world, which can be great for fostering creativity, but we are never fully exposed to the true dynamics that end up determining whether a building will exist or not. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I definitely enjoy cheeseburgers too much. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"Being willing is not enough; we must do." — Leonardo da Vinci 

I am naturally a somewhat conflict-avoidant and passive individual, but this quote in recent years has encouraged me to be bolder, stand up for what I believe in, and be aggressive towards achieving my goals. Architecture is richer when everyone is confident enough to speak up and share their unique perspectives, and I love Clark Nexsen's willingness to hear people out, even interns. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

Ever since I was young, I have been a creative thinker and hands-on learner. I waited until the end of my junior year in high school to realize that architecture was the perfect career. Architecture has a unique culmination of multiple disciplines, intense organization, and creativity. Every project requires something different, and I love learning new skills to tackle every challenge. My minor in Architectural History and Heritage has allowed me to understand the importance of architecture. Learning about the past can allow architects to make informed decisions regarding our future. Environmental consciousness and social awareness are vital to the success of architecture. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I am hoping to grow my understanding of the technical side of architecture. Coming into the office, I knew nothing of the terminology or acronyms related to the field. I was ready to learn, and thankfully, everyone was willing to answer my questions. I also am excited to get more hands-on experience through going out on site visits. There is so much information to soak in on a site that is unlike anything in the office. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I love popcorn. I get plain kernels, pop them in a special container, and then season it with butter and cheese. It is delicious, and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a new snack. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

I recently heard a quote saying, “Make Mistakes Faster.” The earlier you make a mistake, the more you can learn and the easier it is to correct something. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I grew up between Coastal Mississippi and New Orleans, having moved to the latter right after Hurricane Katrina. Growing up in a place with such a strong sense of creativity and community, along with the need for resilient architecture that takes care of its people, has always been a driving force for myself and my education. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I am excited to learn more computer skills and better workflows when working in software that I am not well-versed in. I always want to learn how to digitally render. I have only ever used Photoshop or mixed media to convey this form of architectural expression. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

I enjoy just about any ‘grandma’ hobby you could throw my way. Gardening, crocheting, embroidery, and especially baking for others are some of my favorite things to do with my free time when I am not with friends! 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“If it works, it’s out of date.” — David Bowie 

There’s a beauty of exploring and testing that seems unique to humans. Take a bird’s nest; they seem to have no need to iterate. Rabbit burrows may have unique turns, but at their core, they follow the same set of rules and organization. Whether from dissatisfaction or curiosity, we strive to never quite be satisfied; there’s always something else to try, always something else to create. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I have always wanted to be a part of something that truly matters. I chose structural engineering to be able to contribute to building safe, stable structures that can withstand the test of time. As a kid, my first stop after arriving to the United States was New York City. I was amazed by the iconic structures around me like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and the rest of Manhattan’s skyline. As I got older, I became more interested in the ingenuity behind how these massive structures are designed and built, and that is what continues to inspire me to study structural engineering. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I am hoping to be mentored in a professional setting to learn what type of challenges can arise in this discipline of civil engineering and how to solve them. I would like to gain some insight on how to apply the skills I have learned from school to real-life scenarios. I also hope I get the opportunity to go out and visit job sites to see how the designs, calculations, and planning all come together out in the field. 

What is a guilty pleasure you enjoy?  

“Fixing” my car only to leave it more broken. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." — Abraham Lincoln 

The uncertainty of the future can be troubling at times. It’s only when you remember that you are mostly in control of how it can go that you start to feel more at ease, which is why this quote inspires me.