Spotlight on our 2026 Summer Student Interns

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

What inspired me the most to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space is being able to see the results of the work that I have done in the real world. I also like how collaborative the field is where every discipline has to work together for a project to run smoothly.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I am hoping to learn the tools electrical engineers at Clark Nexsen use every day such as Revit, AGi32, and SKM. I also want to learn the processes and communication between departments and how each discipline fits into the bigger picture so that the project can get completed efficiently.

What's a random rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?  

My niche interest that I have been getting into lately has been disc golf. In my free time, I like to find a new course and try it out. It's a fun way for me to get outside and spend time with friends.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"Mindset is everything".

To me it means your mindset towards something is a big factor on how you will perceive it. If you go into something with a good or open mindset, you are setting yourself up for a much better outcome.

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I believe my interest in architecture stems from a childhood desire to understand how things work and fixing broken things by taking them apart and putting them back together (many apologies to my father, who could never find his tools). In retrospect I think my father’s side of the family all working in the building industry as contractors, surveyors, civil engineers, carpenters, and architects played a role, though this did not dawn on me until I was well into my education. I also believe studying music played a role in my interest and approach to architecture, as both music and architecture have an underlying essence of distilling cultural values into formal ideas like rhythm, order, and hierarchy and the intangible, such as beauty, mystery, and awe. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

During my time at Clark Nexsen, I would like to grow as a designer and communicator through the collaborative design process. Of course, I would like to continue developing my tool kit of technical abilities, but I am most excited by the potential to develop the softer social skills through working with other designers, digging into core ideas, and effectively communicating them. 

What is a rabbit hole or niche interest you have gone down recently?

A pint of cinnamon ice cream and a hot black coffee. It’s a fabulous combo because ice cream is delicious and coffee is a perfect complement of hot and cold, bitter and sweet. Any guilt felt is remedied with a few extra miles tacked onto my weekly runs. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“It’s not the mountains ahead that wear you out, it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.” — Robert W. Service, sometimes attributed to Muhammad Ali  

I love this quote because it serves as a reminder to be mindful of the unintentional baggage we carry around which can keep us from fully engaging with the world and rising to the level of our ambitions. To me, it asks us to assess our inherent biases, prejudices, anger, resentment, and regrets — the things that ultimately wear us down, and letting them go frees us to do the difficult things we choose in life. 

What inspired you to study in this space?

My passion for problem-solving and my interest in learning 3D modeling inspired me to pursue engineering!

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I am hoping to become more familiar with various CAD software that is frequently used in the industry.

What is a rabbit hole or niche interest you have gone down recently?

Theme park ride systems, particularly at Disney and Universal. Some of those designs are super cool!

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." -Walt Disney.

This has been one of my favorite quotes since elementary school. This quote has always inspired me to keep pursuing new opportunities to learn and grow!

What inspired you to study in this space?

My interest in design began through making, first sparked by toy design. Through studio work and shadowing, it evolved into a deeper passion for the built environment and its impact on the human experience.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I’m interested in taking on more technical work and understanding how disciplines coordinate within an in-house A/E firm. I’d also like to learn from the Sustainability and CNCPT teams, particularly how their perspectives are integrated into design and post-occupancy evaluation.

What is a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I watched a compilation of different overnight oat recipes... it was mesmerizing.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"Half the world is on the wrong scent in the pursuit of happiness. They think it consists in having and getting, and in being served by others. It consists in giving and in serving others." -Drummond.

I deeply resonate with this quote, I truly have found the most happiness in life when I give back to my community and those who support me. 

What inspired you to study in this space?

I have always loved being creative, but I also enjoyed math. Architecture felt like a perfect combination of the two!

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I would like to learn more about the technical side of architecture and the construction process.

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I've recently become interested in all things Michael Jackson.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“Belief in the significance of architecture is premised on the notion that we are, for better or for worse, different people in different places – and on the conviction that it is architecture’s task to render vivid to us who we might ideally be.” - Alain de Botton

What inspired you to study in this space?

Studying environmental science, I was interested in exploring the connection between the built environment and its surrounding ecosystem. Architecture can be used as a tool to address environmental challenges and improve the health of the community it serves. I've seen how extreme weather events affect vulnerable communities. Resilient design offers solutions that combine sustainability, innovation, and people. In combining these, I want to explore how buildings can create healthier spaces for future generations.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

This summer, I want to learn how resilient and sustainable design principles are applied in real world projects. I'm excited to learn how the architecture and sustainability dimensions can collaborate to create spaces that are environmentally responsible and can adapt to future challenges.

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I recently started sewing clothes! I was gifted an old sewing machine and have been watching a lot of videos on how to upcycle thrifted clothes. It's been very rewarding to have a project that produces a tangible result made with my own hands.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"The most important thing each of us can know is our unique gift and how to use it in the world" by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

This quote emphasizes the value of understanding one's talents and our responsibility in applying them meaningfully. It's a good reminder that your skills are most powerful when they are directed toward the greater good. As someone interested in environmental science, my strength is understanding how environmental systems maintain our world, and I hope to apply it in creating more resilient communities. 

What inspired you to study in this space?

An experience that inspired me to pursue Fire Protection Engineering was participating in a site visit and pre-planning walkthrough of a school that was under construction. Seeing the project firsthand gave me an appreciation for how many different systems work together to create a safe and functional building. I was especially drawn to the roles of different life safety features and how those engineering decisions directly contribute to protecting the public.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

This summer, I'm hoping to apply the concepts and building codes and standards I've learned in school to real-world projects and better understand how they are used in practice.

What is a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I've been interested in Astrocartography, which is the confluence of astrology and geographical mapping. You can align your astrological sign with grid lines on a map, and it reveals the specific places in the world where you will experience different types of energy, luck, and life lessons. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now."

This proverb inspires me because it removes the idea of the "perfect time" to start taking action like learning a new language, working out, creating art, etc. It's a reminder that people often spend so much time regretting missed opportunities or wasted years that they end up delaying themselves even further. Even though the past can't be changed, starting imperfectly today is just as powerful because over time, small efforts grow into meaningful change.

What inspired you to study in this space?

I have been interested in building design since I was little, so it made sense to go into a field where I could engage in structural design on a daily basis. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I hope to familiarize myself with more structural/construction codes, learn to design structural systems that are unfamiliar to me, and gain additional insight on the logistics/planning that go into engineering and construction. 

What's a random rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I have been racing my dad's drag car for the last few years, so anything having to do with that! 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding."

Whenever I am not feeling very motivated about something or feel procrastination creeping into my life, quotes like this help me remember that taking action often leads to an increase in motivation, not the other way around. 

What inspired you to study in this space?

I have always enjoyed STEM-related subjects throughout my studies, and I also aim to help as many people as I can, even if only indirectly. Learning about Fire Protection Engineering was the perfect combination of the two things I enjoy: being able to apply STEM-related subjects to real-world problems that help ensure people's safety, which was exactly what I had always wanted to do. Although Fire Protection Engineering may be a niche, almost every building you enter has some sort of Fire Protection feature for your safety

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

Throughout my internship this Summer with Clark Nexsen, I hope to learn more about how to apply what I have learned so far to my future career. I have started to learn how to use new programs like REVIT with the help of others, and I am eager to continue to learn more of what I could do with it while building more skills in other programs!

What is a rabbit hole or niche interest that you've gone down recently?

Recently I have gotten a lot more into podcasts, learning more about random topics and deep diving into subjects I had no idea about to learn more.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"They say that the best blaze burns brightest when circumstances are at their worst" is a quote from the movie Howl's Moving Castle.

I really enjoy this quote because of how encouraging it is, although situations may be difficult you can still show how you can overcome it better than before.

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I love figuring out things fit together and the problem-solving nature of architecture as a discipline. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I am excited to learn about the collaborative design process among both architects and other disciplines and do more on-site work.

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I have become really interested in medieval history and culture and have started reading a lot of books from that time period.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"Life appears to me too short to be spent on animosity or registering wrongs" - Charlotte Bronte. I think more time should be spent moving forward than dwelling on past failures.

What inspired you to study in this space?

I took my first engineering class in my junior year and loved it, then I took a construction class my senior year and decided engineering was what I wanted to do in college. The construction and management class I took this past semester really solidified civil engineering as the major for me. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen?   

I'm hoping to learn more about bridges and structural design and hope to use this information to determine if I want to study structural engineering

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

Unfortunately, I've fallen victim to the pickleball trend and have started playing rather frequently in my free time. 

A quote that inspires you and why.    

I really like “Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” by Winston Churchill because I think it's a healthy mindset to have and helps me get through my day when I feel like I'm struggling with a task or project. 

What inspired you to study in this space?

I chose to study architecture because work that engages the creative part of my brain is most fulfilling to me. I continue to choose architecture as a career because I've grown to love its potential to address a client's immediate needs while also shaping the function and identity of the surrounding community. I'm passionate about the unique opportunity the field offers to make a meaningful, positive impact on people and places.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I'm eager to learn from the workflows and creative processes of the office. I hope to gain confidence and learn new techniques that help me to make design decisions and produce drawings more deliberately and efficiently.

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I love coffee. I enjoy trying to make all different kinds of coffee at home. I'm currently working on perfecting my cold brew ratio.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"One day at a time."

I've always had a habit of tying my self-worth to how productive I can be. Sometimes I focus too heavily on where I need to be in a project, in race training, or in my career. This serves as a reminder to stay present, appreciate the phase of the work I'm in, and take pride in what I accomplish each day instead of focusing only on what still lies ahead.

What inspired you to study in this space?

I always liked experimenting with different kinds of design and having the opportunity to work alongside individuals in different fields and figured this opportunity would be a great fit for me. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

During my past internships, I primarily worked remote so some of my opportunities were limited when it came to certain kinds of design. Now that I have the opportunity to work in an office, I have more opportunities for onsite works such as taking photographs and filming some of the events. I am hoping that I can enhance my technical skills during my stay with Clark Nexsen.

What is a rabbit hole or niche interest you have gone down recently?

In terms of niches interests I have a few, I have been reading a couple fantasy mangas. One of them is Witch Hat Atelier, it's about this girl who always dreamed of being a witch and after an incident involving forbidden magic she's taken as a witch apprentice to learn magic.   

A quote that inspires you and why.    

One quote that sticks out to me is "Imagination is more important than knowledge"-Albert Einstein.

This inspires me because a lot of times, people view intelligence as something only cerebral, logical, and often neglect the creative aspects of it. Existing knowledge is often limited so it inspires to come up with creative solutions to tasks or any other problems.

What inspired you to study in this space?

I wanted to study architecture because of my interest in art and curiosity of how buildings worked.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I hope to learn more about the professional atmosphere and gain more insight into modeling software. 

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I love collecting old vinyls!

A quote that inspires you and why.  

Carpe Diem, which translates to "seize the day," is a quote I love because I think it's important to always focus on the present moment. 

What inspired you to study in this space?

I've always been interested in how things in the built environment are designed and constructed. I enjoy designing and creating things myself, which led me to studying Civil Engineering.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I'm excited to learn more about the different engineering disciplines, how Clark Nexsen operates, and gaining experience through site-visits and projects.

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I love record players from the 70's.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"No amount of guilt can change the past, and no amount of worrying can change the future."

This quote inspires me because it reminds me to focus on the present and what I can control rather than dwelling on things that I can't.

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I've always loved being outside and taking care of the environment, which led me to the VBCPS Environmental Studies Program. There I developed a stronger passion and appreciation for the overlap between ecology and people. At the same time, I took a class on graphic communication where I learned to love the create and visual side of design work. Landscape architecture combines creativity, sustainability, and problem-solving in a way that allows me to combine everything I'm passionate about and make a real impact. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I'm hoping to strengthen my understanding of the design process and professional workflow. I also want to learn how interdisciplinary collaboration works in practice and how different professions come together to create successful, thoughtful designs.  

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

A niche interest I've gotten into recently is making sourdough bread. It started really rough, but I've begun to enjoy the process and baking loaves to give to my friends and family!

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote speaks to how small things can turn into something much larger over time. The little moments, ideas, and choices you may not think much about can end up shaping your direction, relationships, and the way things change in your life over time. 

What inspired you to study in the architecture, engineering, and design space?

I was inspired to study engineering because I have always enjoyed problem-solving and learning how things are built. My mom is a structural engineer, which helped spark my interest in structural engineering at a young age.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

I hope to learn more about structural building design and gain experience applying engineering concepts to real-world projects and software.

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I have gone down a pickleball rabbit hole and started getting really into learning the game and improving my skills. It is a fun way to stay active and competitive outside school.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful" is a quote I like because challenges help people grow and make accomplishments feel more meaningful.

What inspired you to study in this space?

I grew up in a very creative household where my parents, both architects, encouraged me to constantly make things and explore my artistic side. I was always building fairy houses, drawing, sewing doll clothes, or working on some kind of hands-on project, while also growing up around jobsites, studio spaces, and rolls of trace paper. As I got older, architecture felt like the perfect combination of all the things I loved most: creativity, problem-solving, storytelling, and making something tangible. It’s a field that has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and the more I learn about it the more I’m inspired to use it as a way to create a long-lasting effect on my surroundings. 

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

This summer, I’m excited to learn what architecture looks like outside of the studio and classroom setting and see how projects actually come to life. I’m especially interested in improving my technical skills in programs like Revit and Rhino while learning how teams collaborate in a professional environment. More than anything, I’m looking forward to learning from experienced architects, asking lots of questions, and getting a glimpse into the day-to-day life of the profession.

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

Recently, I’ve watched almost every season of Project Runway, which has completely fueled my current sewing obsession. I usually put it on while I’m sewing, so it has become a very self-perpetuating cycle. I love how creative and chaotic the show is, and it’s really inspiring to watch people bring an idea to life in just a few hours, even if it occasionally convinces me to start sewing projects, I probably don’t have time for.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

A quote I come back to a lot is, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

I think that’s especially important in creative fields where it’s easy to compare yourself to other people’s work, especially with social media. It reminds me to focus more on learning, growing, and enjoying the creative process instead of worrying about measuring up to everyone else all the time.

What inspired you to study in this space?

My passion in this field began in high school after gaining experience in engineering and architecture at the Governor's STEM Academy at Landstown High School. Eventually, I found that interior design encompassed the technical aspects of architecture that I found the most fascinating while also providing an outlet for creativity. Since then, I have been committed to designing beautiful, functional, and purposeful spaces that enhance the human experience.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

This summer, I hope to gain a deeper understanding about the business and administrative side of the interior design industry, especially aspects like client management, budgeting, and project execution. While school often emphasizes items like space planning and conceptual design, I hope to learn how to navigate and work within a professional landscape that presents everyday challenges and numerous growth opportunities. I look forward to applying my passion and skills towards various real-world projects and learning alongside talented professionals of different disciplines.

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

Since watching the biopic about Michael Jackson, I've recently gone down a rabbit hole learning new aspects about his life and legacy. While I've always been a fan of his music, I've gained a much deeper appreciation for his lifelong dedication towards revolutionizing music, as well as his global humanitarian efforts and advocacy for peace.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

A "What is done with love is done well." - Vincent van Gogh.

This quote reminds me that actions driven by passion and care hold much more value than simply executing tasks to perfection. Through this mindset, true fulfillment comes from doing what you love and doing it with purpose. It inspires me to approach every action and obstacle with careful thought and intention.

What inspired you to study in this space?

Creating things was very fulfilling to me from a young age. I appreciate architecture as an inherently generalist, interdisciplinary practice that engages the full manifold of human knowledge and experience. I hope this breadth of work will help me become a more fully formed human and contribute to stewardship of the concrete world waiting beyond our digitally simulated lives.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

The process of taking a real-world project from concept to execution.

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I am interested in Czech literature and early 2000's architectural criticism.

A quote that inspires you and why.    

"I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world. I may not complete this last one but I give myself to it" -Rainer Maria Rilke.

I am enamored by the idea of a circle that is expansive rather than self-contained. To me, these lines from Rilke reflect the creative life well lived.

What inspired you to study in this space?

I was inspired to study architecture because I’ve always wanted to be part of something that has a real, positive impact on the world, both now and in the future. What excited me is how architecture blends creativity with problem-solving, and how every project is a team effort of different ideas blending together. I also love how design feels unlimited; there’s so much freedom to explore ideas and turn them into something real. That ability to create something meaningful from your own perspective is what makes architecture so exciting to me.

What are you hoping to learn this summer at Clark Nexsen? 

This summer, I’m hoping to better understand how to apply what I’ve learned in architecture school in a real work setting. I want to learn new software, grow as a designer, and gain experience working with professionals. I’m also excited to learn more about the design process within different project teams, and how those processes can vary depending on the type of project. Overall, I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can and continuing to develop both my skills and perspective as a designer.

What's a rabbit hole or niche interest you've gone down recently?

I was gifted an embroidery kit last week, and ever since then, about 90% of my free time has been spent needlepointing…I’m officially hooked!

A quote that inspires you and why.    

“Architecture is about trying to make the world a little more like our dreams.” - Bjarke Ingels.

I really love this quote because it reminds me why I first fell in love with design. As designers, we get the chance to shape what the future looks like. It inspires me because it shows that design isn’t just about making things look good, it’s about bringing ideas and dreams to life. I like the idea that through my work, I can influence the world in my own way and help create something that reflects how I imagine the future.