Internship!

Over the spring semester and into the summer (and, now, on into the fall semester!) I have had the privilege of being the landscape architectural intern at the University of Virginia Office of the Architect. I have greatly enjoyed the work I'm helping with here. I've assisted with small improvement projects around Grounds, coordinated materials for committees and meetings selecting artists and designers to work on larger projects, drafted designs and planting plans, created graphics, documented conditions and landscapes, and more. It's been super interesting to learn how the university functions in many ways like a small city, and how the many projects are accomplished. I've also particularly enjoyed getting to see an aspect of landscape architecture that few practitioners do: the longterm management and upkeep of such treasured, historic landscapes. Learning how the university evaluates the success of planting installations, integrates new designs with historic ones, and deals with new and ongoing issues (like periodic droughts, invasive species, or plant blights) has been invaluable. Also, I get to explore and photograph this beautiful place as a part of my work while in grad school here!