Intern Reflections: A Summer of Design, Discovery and Culture
As the summer comes to a close, RDG's 2025 summer interns share their experiences, professional growth and favorite moments throughout their time with the firm.
Every summer, RDG Planning & Design welcomes a new class of interns who step into our studios to collaborate with professionals across disciplines and markets, gaining insight from those who have spent years shaping the built environment.
In 2025, 13 students from universities across the country joined our teams in Des Moines, Madison, Omaha and St. Louis, diving into the work and contributing to RDG’s mission to create meaningful environments.
Over the past few months, these future professionals have tried their hand at real-world projects, collaborated across disciplines and discovered a few things about themselves in the process. As they prepare to return to campus, we invited members of our 2025 intern class to share their thoughts on what the experience has meant to them — what they’ve learned, the skills they’ve built and the moments that made their summer at RDG one to remember.
Emma Patt | Savannah College of Art and Design, ‘26 | Interior Design
What has been the most memorable project or experience you’ve had or completed so far?
The most memorable project that I’ve been a part of was a senior living project for Franciscan Ministries. I had the ability to immerse myself with many different phases of the project such as material research, Revit construction document work and editing the material legend. I sat in on some construction administration meetings with my intern guide which helped my understanding of the process.
What new skills did you develop this summer?
I previously had not had a lot of experience with Revit, so this helped to expand my knowledge in this field. I typically use AutoCAD, so it was a bit intimidating to try a software that I haven’t spent a lot of time with. I edited finish plans and input data into the user guide, a couple things I had never done with this software. I feel a lot more confident and comfortable with this software and ready to begin my senior year of college with that knowledge.
What surprised you about RDG’s company culture?
This was personally my first experience in an office setting, and I am very happy it was here! I found that this company has based its foundation on inclusiveness and positivity, which aligns well with my own ideals. I’ve been met with kindness by all other employees and have received help for anything I’ve needed. I feel that RDG fosters a great environment to create and collaborate to design spaces that improve the lives of ourselves and others.
Claire Shaw | Iowa State University, ‘26 | Architecture
If you could go back to the beginning of the summer, what advice would you give yourself or to other future interns?
To ask questions about the things that interest you. As I learned about certain projects, I found I wanted to understand more about certain topics. I reached out to the people who were knowledgeable on various topics, and they were all kind enough to meet with me and help me learn. It never hurts to be curious, and everyone at RDG is friendly and willing to answer your questions.
What has been the most memorable project or experience you’ve had or completed so far?
I’ve worked on community visioning projects most of the summer, and I’ve really enjoyed all that I’ve been able to do. I’ve gotten to meet with communities and attend design meetings that helped inform our design choices through every step. It’s been very meaningful to see the role that community input has in design and how we can best meet the needs of people.
What surprised you about RDG’s company culture?
Everyone at RDG has welcomed me since day one and is setting a great standard for company culture. They have fostered an environment that allows people to feel comfortable asking questions, collaborating with each other and just having fun.
Sophi Steffes | Iowa State University, ‘26 | Architecture
What surprised you about RDG’s company culture?
I was surprised by how approachable and genuinely collaborative everyone is. From day one, I felt comfortable asking questions and joining conversations, regardless of someone’s title or experience. There’s a strong sense of mutual respect, and it was clear that everyone is invested in helping each other grow.
What first drew you to RDG for your internship?
I was drawn to RDG because of its interdisciplinary approach with many different studios. I was looking for a place where I could learn from a variety of project types while still being part of a supportive and design-focused environment, and RDG checked all those boxes.
What new skills did you develop this summer?
This summer, I developed stronger construction document and detailing skills. I also learned how to navigate project workflows more efficiently and gained a better understanding of how teams coordinate across disciplines. Being part of design discussions helped me grow in both technical and conceptual thinking.
Asa DeWitt | University of Nebraska-Lincoln, ‘26 | Landscape Architecture
What has been the most memorable project or experience you’ve had or completed so far?
Working on the community visioning program for Emerson, Iowa, has been an exciting experience! It’s been engaging to go from open-ended master planning and community engagement to narrowing down the scope to specific landscape projects and site designs. It’s been very fulfilling to work with community members and feel the real-world impact of our work.
What new skills did you develop this summer?
I got a crash course in Land FX from my intern guide, Austin Arens and found out I have been wasting so many hours on school projects doing the same CAD work manually. I adore the planting schedule generation feature and the automation of the not-so-fun nuts and bolts of planting design. I have also learned a lot about instilling narrative into graphics and weaving together a compelling visual story through my Photoshop work with Bruce Niedermyer and my Emerson visioning work with Austin.
What surprised you about RDG’s company culture?
This might sound silly, but I have been so surprised at the food culture here at RDG. With grill Groups, lunch and learns and just general shared mealtimes, I feel that the base connection that comes from sharing food together has been prioritized and made bonding with others easier. The conversations have been engaging and inspiring and I feel like I wouldn’t have gotten to know my coworkers so well and feel as comfortable reaching out and cross-pollinating ideas without this piece of the company culture.
Allison Page | University of Nebraska-Lincoln, ’26 | Architecture
What is one thing you learned at RDG that you didn’t expect?
One thing I didn’t expect to learn was how much insight I’d gain about façade design through a task that wasn’t directly focused on it. While working on the most recent physical model, I ended up learning a lot about different façade conditions and the various architectural elements that influence them — something I hadn’t anticipated when starting the project.
What new skills did you develop this summer?
While I wouldn’t say I’ve mastered it, I’ve definitely improved my skills in physical modeling this summer. Working on real projects gave me the opportunity to practice and refine my techniques in a more applied, professional context.
If you could go back to the beginning of the summer, what advice would you give yourself or to other future interns?
My biggest piece of advice is to never be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem small or obvious. Everyone was an Intern at some point and understands what it’s like to be in your shoes. Also, don’t worry about making mistakes; they’re a natural part of the learning process, and I definitely had my fair share along the way.
Anna Miles | Boston Architectural College, ’26 | Architecture
What is one thing you learned at RDG that you didn’t expect?
Something unexpected that I have discovered through my experience at RDG is what a wide range of tasks architects are involved in throughout the life of a project. As an intern I’ve gotten a chance to experience all that goes in to making a project come to life, from the very first steps of crafting a proposal to construction administration, project completion and beyond.
What surprised you about RDG’s company culture?
Before coming to RDG, I knew I wanted to work somewhere with a “good” company culture, but I didn’t have a real understanding of what that meant. I have found RDG’s culture to be one that inspires excellence, encourages learning, invests in growth, fosters relationships and truly values every member of the team.
In what ways did you collaborate with others across studios or disciplines?
While I have gotten to work closely with designers in other disciplines on several projects, what has really stuck with me is the culture of collaboration that RDG fosters beyond project work. Whether it’s learning a new skill from someone in another field, seeing a studio show off their recent work or meeting designers from different offices, the value of creating meaning together has been clear!
Lizzy Norris | Maryville University, ’25 | Interior Design
If you could describe your internship experience in three words, what would they be and why?
Engaging, supportive and eye-opening. The reason I chose these three words is because I am constantly involved in meaningful work and not just observing; everyone here creates a welcoming environment where I am able to ask questions and learn, and I now have a much better understanding of all the details that go into every project.
What surprised you about RDG’s company culture?
There is a sense of community within RDG throughout all the employees.
What is one thing you learned at RDG that you didn’t expect?
How much design ideas evolve through collaboration and not just by one individual.