Checking in with Architectural Intern, Grant
We’re checking in on our architecture intern, Grant!
When the summer is over, he’ll be heading back for his second year at Taubman College at the University of Michigan.
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 an architecture major going into my sophomore year at the University of Michigan.
2. What made you decide to get into architecture?
I have always had an interest in construction and design, and I decided that I was going to be an architect when I was 8 years old. Since then, my interest and experience in architecture has only grown. 3D Modeling and working with programs today feels like returning to the toys and video games that most interested me as a kid, only now with more tools!
3. What kinds of things do you like doing in your free time?
I love painting, drawing, and working with my hands. I play trombone in the Michigan Marching band and have picked up bass guitar in recent years. I also love the automotive world and have a project car of my own, but admittedly haven’t had time to work on it much lately!
4. How did you hear about MMA? What made you decide to apply for an internship with us?
When I was a junior in high school, I job shadowed at MMA for a day under Matt S. through a random connection. Then, at U-M orientation, my family happened to sit across the table from Evan and his daughter at lunch, and after striking up conversation and finding out who he was, I realized that I had been in his office but we had never met each other! After researching the company and falling in love with their work, I found them at a career fair and applied.
5. Tell us a little about what you’ve done this summer?
This summer I have had the pleasure of being involved in many different projects in different phases, doing tasks ranging anywhere from sketching out initial designs to drawing up construction documents. Going along on site visits and spending time surrounded by professionals has given me the opportunity to learn so much about the design process, construction methods, and business practices. I have also spent a lot of time dialing in and exploring the capabilities of the new 3D printer while developing, testing, and refining a route from a Revit model to a physical 3D print.
6. What has been your favorite thing you’ve worked on at MMA?
I was fortunate enough to be able to jump into an arts council renovation project right from their first meeting, and I got to be involved in every part of the first design phase through the whole summer. I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the visioning, drawing, discussing, revising, and presenting in the project as well as working with a smaller team and getting to know them through the process. Getting to know the client, assessing their needs, and creating something that excites them for the future is a remarkable process that gave me a greater appreciation for non-profit work.
7. What school project are you most proud of?
Since I’m only one year into college, I haven’t had many projects yet, but my favorite so far was a group project in a class called Translation. First, we 3D modeled sculptures by Ken Price and then each created physical models of them from materials of opposite behaviors. Then, using those pieces as negatives taken from a cube, we created unique interior spaces and exterior facades. We then translated those digital models into physical models with new materials. The whole process was fast paced and very involved, and I learned a lot along the way. It was inspiring to see the original geometries from the Price sculptures show up in unique orientations and materials in every step.
8. What’s one thing you want to do this summer before heading back to school?
I would like to get one more beach day before going back. I haven’t gotten to spend as much time outside this summer as I usually do, and one more day in the sun would put me at peace with the impending fall and winter.
9. What are you most looking forward to this upcoming school year?
I am most looking forward to getting to know my architecture cohort better and approaching my classes through a more confident lens than my freshman year. I miss my out-of-state friends and look forward to reconnecting with them as well!
