Students spend years learning the fundamentals of architecture, engineering, and interior design through systems, materials, and design principles.
But many lessons that shape a career happen outside the classroom: walking through active job sites, working with experienced professionals, listening to clients, and seeing how drawings become spaces people use every day.
For seven summer interns based in three TSP office locations, that hands-on experience has been the focus of their time with the firm.
Across disciplines, they are contributing to projects and gaining a deeper understanding of day-to-day design work.
Visiting the job site
“My favorite experience has been the opportunity to go on site with the engineers and learn firsthand what they do for projects,” said Emma Ferreira, a mechanical engineering intern and student at Grand Canyon University.
“Recently, I’ve also been learning to run different calculations that I can implement when sizing ductwork and hydronic piping for projects.”
Some projects are meaningful because of the technical challenges they present, and others stand out from a personal connection.
For Gracen Tupps, both came together on South Dakota State University’s Binnewies Hall renovation project.
Tupps, a mechanical engineering intern, lived in the residence hall during his first year at SDSU.
This summer, he contributed to efforts that helped the team better understand existing hydronic systems at Binnewies Hall.
“Since this was my freshman-year dorm, it has been rewarding to be a part of the process,” he said.
“Beyond strengthening my technical skills, drafting these systems has given me a better understanding of how components work together to provide comfortable building conditions.”
Architecture intern Kaitlin Renken found project coordination to be one of the biggest lessons of the summer.
While working on renovation projects, she saw firsthand how architects, engineers, and others come together to solve complex challenges.
“Working on renovation projects has shown me how architects and engineers communicate constantly to make sure every decision supports the others,” Renken said. “It’s been exciting to see how everyone works together to solve problems and keep projects moving forward.”
Renken said those experiences have reinforced one of the reasons she was drawn to architecture.
“I love that this profession gives you the chance to learn about so many different fields,” she said. “It’s exciting to understand how other people use spaces and what matters to them, then work together to create buildings that serve those needs.”
People-focused design
Ella Zinter, an architecture intern studying at the University of Cincinnati, has discovered that every successful project begins with understanding a client’s unique needs.
“No two projects are alike,” she says, noting the importance of communication throughout the design process.
“Whether it is a new build, a renovation, an expansion, or a quick study to submit for storm shelter funding, it is important to be flexible in order to best meet the needs of each client.”
From left: Maddie Pretzer and Ella Zinter.
Interior Architecture Intern Maddie Pretzer, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, gained valuable experience working with TSP team members.
Guided by these mentors, she has attended site visits, project meetings, and lunch-and-learn sessions to deepen her understanding of the profession.
“My favorite experiences have been the lunch-and-learn sessions because they give me an opportunity to connect with other interior designers while learning about new products and materials from manufacturer representatives,” she said.
“I enjoy being able to see and touch emerging materials in person instead of just seeing it on a website.”
Kallie Walstad, an interior architecture intern, will complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts online through Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design this fall. She emphasized the importance of learning from experienced team members.
Through owner meetings, site visits and working alongside the team, Walstad gained insight into how projects develop from early ideas into finished spaces.
From left: Kallie Walstad and TSP Architectural Graduate Bailey Wanner.
“What I enjoy most about working at TSP is the collaborative culture,” she said.
“It is a privilege to be surrounded by knowledgeable and supportive teammates who encourage my growth, invest in my learning, and help me maximize my understanding of the design profession.”
Looking ahead
Of TSP’s seven summer interns, six begin their senior year of college this fall, while Renken has started the accelerated master’s in architecture program at SDSU.
As he starts his senior year at SDSU, Electrical Engineering Intern Michael Anderson said his experience at TSP expanded his view of what a career could look like.
Originally expecting to pursue a career with a power company, Anderson discovered new opportunities through his work with TSP’s electrical team.
Beyond gaining experience with industry tools and design software, he found value in learning from a team that encouraged questions and growth.
“This internship has shown me how good, hard work can be done while still having a welcoming environment that can teach you new things,” Anderson said.
For these seven interns, the classroom has provided the foundation.
Their experience this summer showed them what the profession looks like in practice: working with mentors, applying their knowledge, and contributing to projects that will serve communities for years to come.
