Garvin Design Group Welcomes Five Summer Interns

Garvin Design Group Welcomes Five Summer Interns
 
COLUMBIA, SC – Garvin Design Group (GDG) recently welcomed five summer interns to its studio.  Emma Grace Connelly, Wendy Favila, Jessica Gray, Nicole Kuehner, and Crissa Thomason will complete internships in architecture and interior design.
 
Originally from Pomaria, SC, Emma Grace Connelly is a recent graduate of Clemson University, earning her Bachelor’s in Architecture in May 2025 and will return to this fall to pursue her Master of Architecture. Bringing experience from Clemson Planning and Design and the School of Architecture Craft + Computation Labs, Emma Grace is eager to expand her skills in BIM and the design-to-construction process. Outside of architecture, she is an avid reader and writer, currently serving as an Assistant Editor at the South Carolina Review.
 
Wendy Favila returns to Garvin Design Group after she recently completed her third year of undergraduate studies at Clemson University’s School of Architecture. In addition to her major in Architecture, Wendy is pursuing a minor in Construction Science & Management and is active in Clemson’s Integrated Path to Architecture Licensure (IPAL) program. She completed an internship with Clemson’s University Planning department in the fall 2024 semester and spent the spring 2025 semester in Charleston with Clemson’s IPAL program. Outside the studio, Wendy is an integral part of her family’s business, Los Chicanos Food Truck. She spearheads the food truck’s marketing efforts and assists behind the counter as needed.
 
A native of Lexington, SC, Jessica Gray recently completed her first year in Clemson University’s Master of Architecture’s MARCH 2program, where she also earned her undergraduate degree summa cum laude in Architecture with a minor in Business Management. Jessica also studied abroad in Genoa, Italy, gaining a global perspective on design through travel across major European cities. Jessica plans to pursue licensure in South Carolina after graduating in 2026. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting handmade gifts for friends, spending time with her cat, Nova, cheering on the Tigers at Clemson football games, relaxing at the lake, and reading outdoors.
 
Originally from Barnwell, SC, Crissa Thomason is headed into her senior year at Clemson, pursuing a major in Architecture with a minor in PRTM: Travel and Tourism. She recently returned from a study abroad semester in Genoa, Italy, where she enjoyed being immersed in a different culture and way of life. One of her most memorable experiences was walking through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, where history from thousands of years ago came to life. She is especially excited to be involved in adaptive reuse work this summer, as she loves the challenge of transforming existing buildings into something new. Outside of the studio, she enjoys hiking, baking, and cheering on the Tigers at Clemson football games.
 
Hailing from Buffalo, NY, Nicole Kuehner is currently entering her final year at Kent State where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design with a minor in Business Management. In addition to her academic work, she competes in cross country and track & field for the university and is active in student organizations including IDSC and Campus Cru. Nicole is passionate about design in higher education, athletic, and hospitality environments, and is eager to grow her technical skills and gain real-world insight into the design process. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing the guitar, running, hiking, and playing board games.
 
“We are lucky to have such a full house this summer,” said Scott Garvin, President of Garvin Design Group. “Every intern brings something new and special to our team, and that’s especially true of this year’s group. We can’t wait to help them get started in the profession.”
 
About Garvin Design Group: Celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year, Garvin Design Group offers comprehensive planning and design services for various project types and sizes.  From master planning and programming to interior up-fits and new construction, Garvin Design Group strives to provide client-driven design solutions throughout South Carolina. The firm of 24 people has completed more than $1 billion worth of projects since its founding in 2003. GDG’s contributions to the community and the profession earned it the American Institute of Architects – South Carolina’s (AIA SC) 2019 Firm Award, the Columbia Chamber’s 2020 Small Business of the Year Award, Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s 2023 and 2024 Best Commercial Architect, and recognition as a 2021 - 2023 Top 3 Best in Business Award from SC Business Monthly. For more information, visit www.garvindesigngroup.com. ###