505 Design at cooper carry
As an Experiential Graphic Design Intern at 505 Design, I was part of a dynamic team following the merger with Cooper Carry. My role spanned a variety of projects, from museum exhibits to corporate headquarters, where I created architectural drawings, 3D models, and graphic motifs while developing emotional narratives for exhibits. I regularly presented to clients and worked collaboratively on fabrication specifications. The hybrid nature of the role allowed me to grow through a mix of remote and in-person tasks, maintaining close communication across the studios and while traveling between offices through digital platforms.
Core Responsibilities
DETAILED DRAWING & MODELING:
Created architectural drawings, 3D models, and mockups.
ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNAGE & GRAPHICS:
Developed exhibit concepts, emotional
narratives, and graphic motifs.
COMMUNICATION:
Collaborated with clients and colleagues on presentations and fabrication specifications.
PROJECTS
OUR LEGACY MUSEUM
Phase: Schematic Design (SD) | Secondary Exposure: Programming (P)
During my time working on the Our Legacy Museum project, I engaged in the Schematic Design phase, where I focused on high-level organization and emotional storytelling. I conducted in-depth research, specifically on Rosenwald Schools, which laid the foundation for my work.
My responsibilities included creating elevation drawings, verifying field dimensions, and modeling in SketchUp. I conceptualized interactive exhibit displays, outlining narratives that would resonate with visitors. Collaborating with colleagues, I developed moodboards, typographic explorations, and material inspirations to unify the project’s look and feel. Presenting to clients and internal teams was a key part of my role, ensuring smooth coordination throughout the construction process.
PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE
SERVICE CENTER HQ
Phase: Schematic Design (SD) | Secondary Exposure: Programming (P)
For the Piedmont HealthCare Service Center HQ, I focused primarily on Schematic Design. My work involved comprehensive company research to align our design with their brand intentions. I navigated architectural drawings, collaborated on specialty graphic opportunities, and created wayfinding concepts that enhanced the user experience.
My efforts included moodboards that encapsulated the essence of the brand, exploring patterns and materials that would integrate seamlessly into the architectural framework. I contributed to elevation and perspective mockups and presented our design concepts to both internal teams and clients, emphasizing brand activation and growth.
BIRLA CARBON GLOBAL HQ
Phase: Design Development (DD) | Secondary Exposure: Design Intent (DI)
On the Birla Carbon project, my focus shifted to Design Development, where I collaborated closely with teams to refine the project’s vision. I engaged in company research and explored specialty graphic opportunities, striving to create an engaging user experience.
My responsibilities included content mapping, elevation drawing, and verifying dimensions on-site. I worked on artwork development, crafting infographics that conveyed moral narratives and historical connections. This role also involved presenting our designs and collaborating with consultants to finalize fabrication specifications.
MERIDIAN COOL SPRINGS
Phase: Schematic Design (SD)
In the Meridian Cool Springs project, I concentrated on Schematic Design. I read and interpreted architectural drawings, developing placemaking fountain concepts that highlighted the importance of visual forms and materials in user navigation and client identity. I also participated in 3D modeling, exploring sculptural elements that would enhance the environment and visitor experience. My focus was on integrating generative media concepts for engaging mood boards.
Environments
HOME:
My personal space has influenced my design aesthetic, providing inspiration and comfort.
CHARLOTTE, NC:
Smaller workspace (15 people) with a calm energy flow has challenged design process to be intentional and guided.
ATLANTA, GA:
Larger workspace (70 people) with active energy flow has pushed my design process to be exploratory and collaborative.
Self-Initiated Connections
I proactively sought out learning opportunities, including technical skill-building in Adobe and Microsoft Suites. I initiated personal growth check-ins and reports, sharing insights and progress with mentors. I participated in lunch and learns focused on interiors and fabrication, which provided valuable insights into industry standards and innovations. These sessions fostered collaboration and knowledge-sharing, enhancing my understanding of materials and design processes. Networking with construction teams and sales representatives enriched my understanding of project execution.
TAKEAWAYS
My time at 505 Design at Cooper Carry has been invaluable. I've learned to balance creativity with practicality, developed my technical skills, and fostered meaningful collaborations. I now understand the power of experiential design in creating spaces that connect with people on an emotional level. These experiences have shaped my approach to design, emphasizing storytelling, user engagement, and collaboration.
Working with many disciplines and studios has open my eyes to the unique insights and process brought to projects. The diverse knowledge strengthened both my personal growth and product quality.
