Foundations in the Field: Inside a Real-World Architecture Internship

At TBA, our internship program is designed to give students real-world experience and meaningful mentorship as they explore the architecture profession. One of our returning interns, Coy Gammage, recently sat down to reflect on his time with us so far. Now entering his second year in the program, Coy shares what sparked his interest in architecture, the projects that have shaped his growth, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

From Napkin Sketches to Blueprints

Born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana, Coy is a graduate of St. Frederick High School. His passion for architecture began early—with a little inspiration from his grandmother.

“Whenever we went out to eat, my grandmother would hand me a pen and show me how to draw elevations and isometric drawings of houses on napkins.”

Coy recently graduated from Louisiana Tech University and is now pursuing his master’s degree in architecture, the next step on his path toward licensure. He joined TBA to gain hands-on experience and see how concepts from the classroom take shape in the real world.

“I wanted to learn more about what the architecture profession is really like, and this was a great opportunity to do just that.”

Learning Through Doing

One of the highlights of Coy’s internship has been seeing his work come to life.

“The most rewarding part has been seeing the things I’ve worked on actually being built.”

A standout experience so far: contributing to the West Ouachita Football Stadium, a project that gave him a deeper appreciation for the design process from concept to construction.

In addition to project experience, Coy has learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration by sitting in on OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) meetings.

“I’ve seen how much coordination it takes to finish a project—how architects, owners, and contractors work together. I’ve also learned a lot about materials, wall types, and how buildings are really constructed.”

Skills, Mentorship, and Growth

Like many interns, Coy faced a learning curve—especially when it came to mastering Revit, an essential tool in architectural design.

“I had no experience with Revit when I started, but through tasks and mentorship, I’ve become confident using it effectively.”

He credits the support of his team for helping him grow.

“One piece of advice that stuck with me is: Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

Advice for Future Interns

As Coy continues his graduate studies and gains professional experience, he says the internship hasn’t necessarily changed his career plans—but it has given him a much clearer picture of what it takes to succeed in the field and pursue licensure.

For those just starting out, he offers this advice:

“Take it one step at a time. Don’t be afraid to try something new, and always ask questions if you’re unsure. That’s how you learn.”

At TBA, we believe internships are a valuable way to help shape the next generation of architects. We’re proud to support students like Coy as they grow their skills and find their place in the profession.