Intern Perspectives: Inside RDG’s Collaborative Culture
In the first of a three-part series, RDG’s 2024 interns share their transformative experiences, from diving into hands-on project work to becoming a part of the company culture.
Each summer, RDG Planning & Design opens its doors to a new group of summer interns who work alongside professionals in various disciplines and across multiple markets, learning directly from seasoned practitioners. This year, RDG welcomed 15 interns from across the nation to join the teams in Des Moines, Denver, Iowa City, Omaha and St. Louis, where they've been immersing themselves in the company's mission, working to create meaningful environments together.
Throughout their internships, these aspiring professionals have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, gaining hands-on experience and contributing their fresh perspectives. As our 2024 intern class makes their way back to their respective universities, we’ve asked them to reflect on their time at the firm. In this three-part series, a few have offered to share their insights on what it was like to work at RDG this summer, the skills they've developed along the way and the values and community spirit that made RDG a unique place to grow and innovate.
Isaac Alvarado | University of Nebraska-Lincoln, '24 | Architecture
Was there anything that surprised you about RDG?
How welcoming each person was to me from day one. RDG preaches how they put people first. That really comes across in the day-to-day work environment as well as awesome office events such as the office Olympics or RDG Spirit Week, where you're able just to have fun with everyone!
From working on construction documents, designing iterations of a building in schematic design or even creating physical models of RDG projects, I was able to help at each stage and have an impact on each project.
What excited you about your internship at RDG?
For me, it was getting into projects at multiple stages of the design process, from working on construction documents, designing iterations of a building in schematic design or even creating physical models of RDG projects, I was able to help at each stage and have an impact on each project.
What advice would you give to yourself going into this internship again or to others seeking an internship in the future?
Be open and honest with the firm and mentor you are working with about what you want to get out of the internship and what you're best at doing. For me, I wanted to get into as many parts and stages of the design process as possible, so I made sure to communicate that with my mentor Corey Theile. Doing this allowed me to use my internship to see what my strengths are and what I most like doing in the field.
Jamie Cahill | University of Tennessee - Knoxville, '25 | Architecture
What was one learning objective or goal you had for yourself during this internship? Did you accomplish it?
A goal I had for myself during this internship was to be open to new experiences. I had never had an internship before this summer, so I wanted to embrace RDG and absorb as much knowledge and skill as possible in one summer. I have far exceeded this goal; I have learned so much about myself and my skills through my interactions with everyone at RDG, and I am going back to school energized and excited to graduate.
Being able to compare experiences and perspectives from outside of my home state has been invaluable, especially as I go into my last year of school.
What excited you about your internship at RDG?
I was most excited to experience working a professional job within the architecture field in a completely new place. After living in Tennessee my whole life, it has been an amazing summer in terms of opening my eyes to what a national architecture firm can genuinely accomplish, even in a short time. Being able to compare experiences and perspectives from outside of my home state has been invaluable, especially as I go into my last year of school. RDG has allowed me to be involved in every part of the process and worked as hard as possible to ensure I felt included in all aspects of working at a firm.
What advice would you give to yourself going into this internship again or to others seeking an internship in the future?
My advice to others looking for an internship is to keep an open mind and take a chance. I found RDG by chance while researching internships outside of Tennessee and applied as a shot in the dark. I had no connections in Nebraska or even the Midwest, and I went into the interview with a completely open mind. I immediately felt that something about RDG was different from other firms I was applying to and decided then and there that I wanted to take a chance and go outside of my comfort zone. And I am so glad I did!
Adam Cory | University of Kansas, '25 | Architecture
How would you describe RDG's company culture?
RDG's company culture is awesome. I have really loved how focused the company is on the culture. As a summer intern, it can be scary to come into a company sometimes, but everyone did such a good job making me feel welcome and excited to go to work every day.
As a summer intern, it can be scary to come into a company sometimes, but everyone did such a good job making me feel welcome and excited to go to work every day.
What excited you about your internship at RDG?
I was excited to have the chance to work at a bigger firm and on a new project type. While working with the Senior Living group, I gained beneficial experience on how architecture can greatly impact the daily users of a space.
What advice would you give to yourself going into this internship again or to others seeking an internship in the future?
I would tell myself not to be afraid to ask others questions or ask for help when there is something I don't quite understand. Throughout the summer, everyone was eager to help, which helped me learn so much and have such a meaningful summer internship experience.
Lejla Kapo | Kirkwood Community College, '25 |Architecture
What excited you about your internship at RDG?
I was excited about implementing what I learned at school into the real world. Seeing more of the process for commercial building was especially exciting because of my limited experience with that building type.
I was excited about implementing what I learned at school into the real world.
Beyond the actual internship, what other perks or learning opportunities did you gain from being at RDG?
I gained a lot of professional manners. Comfortably and professionally communicating using email, Zoom or phone calls are essential skills. It may seem simple and easy, but it takes a bit of practice when you're just stepping into the professional world.
What advice would you give to yourself going into this internship again or to others seeking an internship in the future?
Be more comfortable asking questions, no matter how simple a task or job might seem.