04 Jun Internship Spotlight: Anna Calderon

AOS was delighted to have Anna Calderon as an intern on our Manufactured Interior Construction (MIC) team this spring! She is currently pursuing a degree in Interior Design from LSU with a minor in Architecture History. During her internship, she worked on multiple projects, including Morris Bart, K+B Industries, and Louisiana Lottery. She also developed a couple tools for the MIC team, such as a restack template that compares conventional construction costs to DIRTT costs and a site readiness presentation to set more clear expectations and communication before field measurements and installation. Working alongside professionals, such as Rebecca Cooley, Sean Chaney and Matthew Rome, she received invaluable mentorship and feedback, shaping her design approach and refining her aesthetics. We are incredibly grateful for Anna’s contributions and are proud of the professional growth she achieved during her internship.

Learn more about her internship experience below.

How has your internship at AOS helped you grow as a designer?

“This internship has helped me grow as a designer in many ways. It taught me how to adapt to different situations, work on my problem solving skills and practice working as a team. My experiences boosted my confidence, broadened my perspective, and improved my ability to handle professional challenges effectively.”

How has your internship at AOS helped impacted your design process?

“AOS places a strong emphasis on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. This focus has encouraged me to prioritize usability, durability, practicality, and ergonomics in my design concepts. It’s really important to consider how people will interact with their surroundings and navigate through the space.”

What was one of the most valuable lessons that you learned during your internship?

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned from the MIC Team is the importance of effective communication. Clear communication with team members is crucial for optimal performance and a great client experience. Additionally, site visits are essential as they allow you to keep track of the project and keep an eye on the details, especially when you are working with multiple trades, such as architects, installers, electrical engineers, and general contractors. Once a project is completed, debriefing with your internal team is key. It’s very important to discuss the successes, lessons learned, potential improvements, and profit, so that team members can continue to learn from one another.”

What was your favorite experience(s) during the internship?

“My favorite part was seeing how connected AOS is as a team and how connected the company is to the community as a whole. I really enjoyed during the Team Development meeting how we got to interact with each other while building Lego structures. I never thought I would get that type of experience working at a corporate job. I also had a ton of fun at the IIDA Crawfish Boils, getting to meet other professional interior designers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The best though was going to AOS Appreciation Night at YLC Wednesday at the Square after work and enjoying the live music, drinks, snacks and networking. It’s the type of Wednesday (and internship) experience I won’t forget.”