Spring Shadow Studio

The spring break externship program was developed through a partnership between Hampton University's Department of Architecture, AIA Coastal Virginia, VANOMA, and six local architecture firms. This immersive, week-long experience was designed to give budding designers early exposure to real-world design practice, with three of the students assigned to Hanbury for a deep dive into the firm's day-to-day operations.

Originally conceived by Hanbury's current IPAL student, Ariana McCoy, who attends Hampton University, the idea for a spring externship emerged from her desire to help underclassmen gain firsthand experience before advancing into upper-level studios. Fellow IPAL student Nelanie Anderson, also from Hampton University, served as a key member of the program's development. Their collaborative efforts, in close coordination with local architects and professional organizations, culminated in a robust itinerary that combined site visits, workshops, and real project challenges.

From the outset, the program emphasized collaborative learning and active participation. Mornings typically began with “Shadow Time,” allowing externs to sit in on firm-wide meetings, observe various project teams in action, and learn how architects tackle creative problem-solving. Externs then rotated through a variety of workshops led by experienced practitioners. Topics ranged from exploring emerging technology, such as artificial intelligence, to developing foundational design skills, including field sketching with Hanbury’s Wes Page and effective portfolio presentation.

A central highlight was the Design Challenge, which spanned the entire week. Externs were tasked with imagining design interventions for a local site, exploring issues of community engagement, sustainability, and contextual design. Each afternoon, they refined their proposals by translating ideas into drawings, mock-ups, and presentation boards under the guidance of firm mentors. In addition, group site tours and hard-hat visits provided a behind-the-scenes look at projects under construction, offering a tangible perspective on the impact architecture can have in local communities.

As the first edition of the Spring Shadow Studio, this week was an amalgamation of early professional exposure and meaningful collaboration among Hampton University, local design firms, and dedicated mentors. Plans are already in motion to broaden the program next year, continuing to cultivate a new generation of emerging professionals ready to make immediate, impactful contributions to the field.

A big thank you to each of the externs, partner firms, and organizations for an inspiring, purposeful week!

Hanbury Team Members: Jeffrey Butts, Ariana McCoy, Nelanie Anderson

Partners: Livas Group Architects, Tymoff + Moss Architects, Burgess & Niple, Work Program Architects, VIA Design Architects, AIA Coastal Virginia, VANOMA, Hampton University