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GFS Junior Projects Through My Eyes: Abby Mahler '26

Junior Projects are internships and other in-the-field experiences that GFS juniors undertake during the month of January. In companies, organizations, labs, and institutions across Philadelphia (and, sometimes, around the world!), our juniors are able to explore their career interests and passions while gaining valuable skills and connecting with mentors and industry leaders. 

Learn what Abby Mahler ’26 is doing and learning at her Junior Project at ROHE Creative, a North Philadelphia-based interior design studio that specializes in hospitality spaces. 

 

For my Junior Project, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at ROHE Creative. They specialize in creating concept-driven hospitality spaces, such as bars, restaurants, and hotels. On my first day when I walked into the studio, everyone was so friendly and I immediately felt welcomed. It was awesome to get to spend so much time in this workplace with the ROHE Creative team. I am so grateful for this unique experience that GFS offers to eleventh graders. I have learned so much about interior design and architecture, as well as myself.

 

Most Wednesdays, the ROHE team will meet with representatives from various companies to discuss the possibility of collaborating on ROHE Creative’s current or future projects. This meeting is called a “Lunch and Learn” and it can happen either virtually or in person. A key part of these meetings is that the company that’s pitching will provide lunch for the ROHE team while they talk about and share some of their products. I got the opportunity to sit in during a virtual meeting with a representative from a stone and tile company, who sent some binders filled with colorful samples of their products. 

 

During the first two weeks of my Junior Project, I spent a lot of time in the materials library putting together material samples. This library features a variety of fabrics, leathers, metals, tiles, stones, and more. I enjoyed being able to experiment with different colors and textures to see what works well together. 

 

Some of the ways I have been able to assist with current projects include ordering and organizing material samples, looking online for concept images to possibly add to presentations, and filling out specification sheets for furniture pieces. These are all tasks that are significant to the schematic design process, which is typically the first stage of design. This process is meant to be a simplified way of conveying ideas for a project, such as what colors and materials may be used, what floor plans likely will look like, and what mood or story the project will express.

 

My Junior Project site is located between Fishtown and East Kensington, which is a much busier part of the city than where I live at home. A large part of my daily commute to ROHE Creative is driving on Girard Avenue and I enjoy getting to look at all of the churches, businesses, murals, and the occasional trolley car. I am especially drawn to the architectural features of these buildings because of their ability to provide the structures with so much character and their own stories. 

 

During the last week of my Junior Project, I was lucky enough to be able to visit three different spaces in Philadelphia that ROHE Creative previously designed: Darling Jack’s Tavern, Louie Louie, and Lapstone & Hammer. My favorite of the three spaces was Louie Louie, a French-inspired American restaurant located in University City. I was truly blown away by ROHE Creative’s ability to highlight each space’s unique characteristics and personalities to show that no two spaces look the same.