Intern Reflections: A Summer of Collaboration, Curiosity and Growth

In part two of our summer internship reflection series, members of RDG’s 2025 intern class share how their experiences — whether within a studio, out in the field or connecting over shared lunches — helped them grow as designers and collaborators. 

A common thread runs through their reflections: the value of learning from others, stepping outside comfort zones and contributing to work that makes a difference. Their stories showcase the supportive, inclusive culture at RDG and the diverse projects that made their summer both inspiring and impactful.

Isaac Alvarado | University of Nebraska-Lincoln, ’26 | Architecture

What first drew you to RDG for your internship?

I was told how great the people here were and how they treat you more like a person than just a worker. I also decided to come back, due to how well I bonded with all the people at RDG.

What is one thing you learned at RDG that you didn’t expect?

All the different types of products that we use on a day-to-day basis. Whether through our bi-weekly lunch and learns…or CURiO, a group in the firm whose goal is to highlight products, materials, processes and other design elements that spark curiosity, creativity and innovation. [Through these experiences], I was able to explore different projects and then give the information to the firm to post about it to the rest of RDG.

In what ways did you collaborate with others across studios or disciplines?

I was called on to work with a couple of interior designers in RDG’s Collective Studio to curate renders for a tech office. In that I was able to see how they pick different furniture sets, colors and finishes to create great design, and how to work with an outside design firm to create these spaces.

Avi Clancy | University of Wisconsin Madison, ’26 | Landscape Architecture

If you could go back to the beginning of the summer, what advice would you give yourself or to other future interns?

Some advice I would give myself or future interns would be to ask a lot of questions and to take the opportunity to work on a lot of different projects. Working at RDG has given me the chance to learn more about the AEC field in general, but also to explore what specific kinds of projects interest me most.

What has been the most memorable project or experience you’ve had or completed so far?

The most memorable experience I’ve had at RDG so far is helping to do a community engagement event in Rapid City, South Dakota. It was something I had never gotten the chance to do in school, and it taught me a lot about interacting with the public about their needs and wants. Beyond this, it felt very rewarding to be a part of an event that will lead to positive change for the community.

What new skills did you develop this summer?

Over my summer at RDG, one of the skills I developed most is graphic communication. Working here has helped me to push my boundaries and to see things from different perspectives to ensure clarity for clients, the public, etc. This is a valuable skill that I will continue to build upon in school and throughout my career.

Miraz Reza Islam Khan | North Carolina State, ’26 | Architecture

What first drew you to RDG for your internship?

I was drawn to RDG because of its interdisciplinary approach to design and its commitment to collaboration across fields. RDG’s motto — Create. Meaning. Together. — deeply resonated with my own design philosophy. The opportunity to learn from a team of diverse experts and to be part of a practice that values purposeful, collective creativity made this internship especially compelling.

What surprised you about RDG’s company culture?

I was pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly different studios within RDG collaborate. I got to see firsthand how “Create. Meaning. Together.” isn’t just a motto, it’s something that plays out daily. The culture fosters open communication, knowledge-sharing and genuine respect for diverse perspectives, creating an environment where collaboration truly thrives.

In what ways did you collaborate with others across studios or disciplines?

I had the opportunity to work on several projects and learn from experienced architects and designers on solving various issues, including programmatic distribution, materiality, architectural details and graphical expression, to convey the story behind a project. Although I was part of the College & University Studio, I also collaborated with the Senior Living Studio and the Experiential Graphic Design team on multiple projects. These cross-disciplinary interactions were incredibly enriching and significantly expanded my understanding of architectural practice.

Danielle MacAlpine | University of Wisconsin Platteville, ‘26 | Civil Engineering

If you could go back to the beginning of the summer, what advice would you give yourself or to other future interns?

I would encourage future interns to ask questions, especially to understand the reasoning behind each task. While learning technical skills is important, they become much more valuable when you understand how, when and why to apply them.

What first drew you to RDG for your internship?

I was initially drawn to RDG because of its focus on water resources engineering. I had a general interest in environmental engineering and wanted to explore what water resources work entailed. I returned for a second summer because I discovered that I really enjoy this field, and the team at RDG was incredibly welcoming and supportive — they genuinely wanted to help me learn and grow.

What surprised you about RDG’s company culture?

The company culture at RDG genuinely surprised me with how collaborative and respectful it is. From day one, I noticed a strong sense of mutual respect among team members, which creates an incredibly friendly and positive atmosphere. Even when people disagree, it never feels personal. It's always RDG versus the problem. Everyone works together to find solutions, and that shared mindset really sets the tone for a supportive and productive environment.

Sidney Mallory | University of Alabama ’26 | Communications

What first drew you to RDG for your internship?

What first drew me to RDG for my internship was the “Create Meaning Together” motto. This felt like the right environment to grow my skills while working on a team and projects that mean something. The emphasis on storytelling, both visually and through words, aligned perfectly with what I wanted to learn and contribute.

If you could go back to the beginning of the summer, what advice would you give yourself or to other future interns?

If I could go back to the beginning of the summer to give myself or an incoming intern advice, it would be don’t be afraid to ask questions early and often — this team genuinely wants you to succeed, and the more questions you ask, the more knowledge you gain. Also, be open to trying things outside your comfort zone, because some of the most rewarding projects and assignments are the ones you didn’t expect.

What surprised you about RDG’s company culture?

This was my first time working in an office setting, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised by how involved we interns were in day-to-day work. From sitting in on meetings to contributing to real projects, I always felt like a valued part of the team. Everyone here takes the time to explain, include and listen, which made the transition into a professional environment both exciting and comfortable.