Our firm’s annual summer internship program welcomes students across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Site visits, technical assignments, and networking opportunities introduce our interns to unique opportunities and challenges in their communities. Interns also participate in a theoretical group project, answering some of the biggest questions facing the AEC industry. Each group is led by an experienced staff member, who serves as a facilitator for the group. The project aims to promote problem-solving and interdisciplinary collaboration, while sharpening technical skills like research and public speaking.
From Ecusta Mill to Dewberry
This year’s project tasked students with reimagining a real-world site in a fresh, innovative way that could better serve the surrounding community. Over the course of six weeks, 10 groups prepared to present to a panel of judges, consisting of the firm’s market segment leaders and senior leadership. The winning group was then invited to present their idea at a town hall meeting led by our CEO, Donald E. Stone, Jr.
The winners of this year’s group project was the “PARKitects.” I was honored to be the facilitator of this group, which included interns Zachary Dryden, Ava Geltinger, Betsy Gifford, Maren Goodman, Addyson Hunsicker, Adam Lemieux, Ella Russell, Olivia Seely, and Abigayle Vann. Their project proposal transforms the Ecusta Mill, a paper mill in Brevard, North Carolina, into a thriving community park. The mill, which opened in 1939 producing machinery belts, was the main employer of the town. Now, 23 years after its closing, the PARKitects aim to restore the long-standing community gem. This mission was especially personal for one intern, Olivia Seely, whose grandparents met while working at the mill. During the project, Olivia visited Brevard to speak to residents about what they would want from a new development in the area. Inspired by their findings, the group focused their proposal on expanding green space, empowering the community, and improving the environment.
Classified as a superfund site by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the interns prioritized the environmental remediation of the land in their proposal. Using native plants, permeable pavements, rain gardens, and remedial wetlands, the team found a sustainable solution that could remove leftover chemicals in the soil and water. Their transformed site would feature 130 acres of park land, 46 acres of undisturbed native ecology, over 1,000 parking spaces, five miles of walking trails, and various entertainment options, including venue space for live music, educational events, farmers’ markets, and movie nights.
Interns’ Personal and Professional Development
Our intern project gives students an opportunity to use their classroom knowledge on a real-world style project, while introducing them to new perspectives on an interdisciplinary team. Field and desktop research conducted for the project exposes interns to a range of possibilities for a future career in the AEC industry. For the PARKitects, this experience included a desktop study of Brevard’s demographics and their change over time, applicable environmental regulations, sustainability and AI considerations, and researching similar and neighboring communities.
In addition to cultivating key industry skills, the project also offers interns a welcoming space to grow their leadership abilities and polish characteristics like accountability and follow-through. In weekly meetings, the PARKitects rotated leaders and note-takers, providing those interested an opportunity to practice agenda-setting, time management, and other workplace strengths.
Tips and Takeaways as a Facilitator
While this project provides a unique learning opportunity for the interns, facilitators also gain fresh perspectives. My experience as a facilitator for the last four years has taught me that my role is not only sitting in at a weekly meeting but facilitating growth for a new generation of AEC professionals. I’m a strong proponent of mentorship, and the connections I’ve made as a facilitator have carried over into strong friendships and working relationships.
Being a facilitator has strengthened my ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, while also showing the effectiveness of letting teams lead themselves. Watching the interns produce innovative ideas and work through new obstacles together has inspired my own work. I can confidently say that any intern who has participated in our summer intern project would be a great candidate for future leadership opportunities.
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