2026 Dr. Charles Fountain Internship Program

Design Workshop

Applications Closed

Posted 5 months ago

Internship

Reno, Nevada

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Interns will gain experience in project research, site analysis, and design development while participating in real-world projects. They will also engage in client interactions and support marketing efforts.

Qualifications

This internship program is designed for students with an interest in STEM-related fields or the built environment, who are on track to graduate within the next two years. Strong skills in graphics, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling are expected, along with critical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities.

Job Description

Overview

Dr. Charles Fountain, Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture and Founder of the Landscape Architecture Program at North Carolina A&T, opened doors for students historically underrepresented in landscape architecture and planning.

Design Workshop has proudly carried forward this mission through the Dr. Charles Fountain Internship Program, offering career-bound students from all backgrounds the chance to immerse themselves in a collaborative, mission-driven design studio. Our goal is to give students real access to professional practice, mentorship, and leadership pathways.

The Experience

This 10-week, paid, immersive summer internship places you directly on project teams working on real-world challenges in landscape architecture, planning, and the built environment. You’ll learn how projects move from idea to impact—while gaining the technical, creative, and professional skills that set future leaders apart.

You’ll be part of a firmwide cohort of interns, balancing hands-on studio work with participation in the Dr. Charles Fountain focus project, designed to foster leadership, collaboration, and purpose-driven design.

Through close mentorship and team-based learning, interns gain:

  • Hands-on professional design experience
  • Exposure to project management and client engagement
  • Technical and business skill development
  • Insight into careers shaping communities, cities, and landscapes

We welcome students of all majors and strongly encourage applicants from STEM-related fields who are curious about architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, planning, and the built environment.

Responsibilities

What you'll do:

As a Dr. Charles Fountain Intern, you’ll gain experience across many facets of professional practice, including:

  • Project research and site analysis
  • Site visits and field work
  • Sketching and design development
  • Digital production and visualization
  • Design reviews and presentations
  • Marketing and proposal support
  • Client and stakeholder interaction

Qualifications

What we’re looking for: 

You might be a great fit if you are someone who:

  • Is a 2025 graduate or a current student on track to graduate within the next two years from a North American university
  • Is pursuing (or interested in) a STEM-related degree or the built environment
  • Has strong skills in graphics, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling (such as Rhino, Lumion or SketchUp)
  • Is curious, collaborative, and motivated to learn
  • Thinks critically, solves problems creatively, and communicates clearly
  • Demonstrates leadership and teamwork
  • Is open to temporary relocation to one of our studio locations
  • Is available full-time, in person from June–August 2026
  • Is authorized to work and travel in the United States

Most importantly, you’re someone who wants to make a difference—and can articulate how design plays a role in that vision.

Program Dates

  • Internship: June 8 – August 14, 2026
  • Mandatory Project Kickoff Travel: June 9-12, 2026
    • Design Workshop will arrange and cover travel and related expenses
    • Additional financial assistance is available upon request

This is an in-person program; remote internships are not available.

How to Apply

Submit the following through our online employment application:

  • Cover letter (tell us why this program matters to you and how you hope to change the world)
  • Resume
  • Portfolio
  • Please combine all materials into one PDF (under 10 MB)Application Deadline: February 1, 2026, at 11:55 PM MT

    Compensation

    The pay for this position is $22-24 per hour, based on experience. This position is not benefits eligible. 

    Design Workshop is an EEO employer.

    Design Workshop

    Design Workshop is a 100% employee-owned international design studio spanning the fields of landscape architecture, urban design, planning, economics, environmental graphic design, and engagement. Since the first ‘Workshop’ in 1969, the firm continues to innovate with each generation, informed by changing economic context and the natural systems impacting our communities. A community of designers, architects, planners, researchers, and economists, we share a a deep commitment to design excellence and a holistic approach to creating places that stand the test of time. We design for people - not just today but for future generations. And in the rapidly changing world we live in, achieving a balance of resiliency and stewardship remains central to our work. We call this process DW Legacy Design®. Whether designing a private courtyard and garden, a new community within a fragile ecosystem, or transforming a brownfield site into an Innovation District, we strive to foster connections between people while creating meaningful, distinctive places. We are 100% employee-owned.

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