PMA Welcomes Hannah Rivera Back to the Firm as An Interior Designer

Welcome Back, Hannah!

PMA Architecture is thrilled to welcome Hannah Rivera to the firm as a full-time Interior Designer. Hannah returns to PMA following two separate internships with the firm that began in 2022. “I’m excited to be back at PMA to continue learning and growing within my career,” says Hannah.

Hannah grew up moving across the country due to her father’s service in the U.S. Air Force, and in 2013, her family settled in Poquoson, Virginia. “I’ve lived in Illinois, California, Texas, Virginia, Japan, and then Virginia again before my dad retired.”

After graduating from Poquoson High School, Hannah started at Virginia Tech in the fall of 2019. “I knew I wanted to attend a school that was certified in interior design. I applied to VCU, Marymount and two out of state schools, but once I toured the campus of Virginia Tech, I knew I wanted to go there.”

Hannah’s interest in interior design stemmed from watching shows on HGTV with her mom. “I thought ‘Oh, that seems so fun and cool!’ and when I learned what interior design was, I loved it even more.” She has always been interested in the creative side of interior design, because of her interest in art, writing and music. “Interior design is a balance of restriction and creative freedom. I was really drawn to interior design because I enjoy structure and creativity, so it fit well with my personality.”

Hannah was the first interior design intern hired by the firm. She had applied organically online and submitted her resume and portfolio to PMA Principal, Jeff Stodghill, and was later interviewed and offered a job as an intern. She has worked on a variety of project types including residential, government, and senior living facilities. “It was neat to see what I’d been learning about in school come to fruition in a real workplace. It was nice to see the business side of everything from interacting with clients to looking at budgets to collaborating with other designers.”

After earning her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Interior Design from Virginia Tech in May 2022, Hannah says the decision to return to PMA after graduation was simple. “I decided to return to PMA because I enjoyed everyone I worked with. People were so helpful and supportive, and I felt like I was going to be supported here.”

Hannah is currently working on guest cabin interiors for two Virginia State Parks, and a healthcare renovation project for the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board Crisis Receiving Center. “I’m excited to start working and begin my career as an interior designer with PMA.”

Photo credit: Sara Moscoso