The Gossman Group

During my senior year at Texas A&M University I completed an internship with the Gossman Group - a boutique firm focused on architecture, urban planning, historic preservation, and strategic planning based in Cincinnati, Ohio. As an intern I was focused on their project in Downtown Abilene and spent a majority of my time as their sole employee in the state of Texas.

While on this project I worked on the Downtown Abilene Master Plan - including creating GIS maps and an online 3D model of the Downtown area. As an intern I was in charge of setting up stakeholder meetings, managing logistics, conducting research, and creating research databases. Also, I worked on the Request for Proposal for a new Downtown Hotel - which will break ground in 2019.

One of my largest tasks was planning and hosting a Public Charrette in October of 2016. This was the first large scale open meeting Abilene had held. This meeting was an opportunity for citizens to come and not only hear about the project but get the opportunity to join in the design process through a variety of exercises. I was in charge of every aspect of the event - including conducting the marketing. The event was a huge success with over 300 people in attendance.

The Downtown Abilene project was a partnership with the Abilene Chamber of Commerce - which I had an office with in the heart of Downtown. This relationship allowed me to understand the role a Chamber of Commerce can play in the advancement of the economy and social growth. I also had the opportunity to work closely with the City of Abilene and see the partnership between the city and Chamber.