In our Louisville office, we had a Landscape Architecture intern join us for 6 months in the Spring and Summer this year. She was a joy to have, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for her.
Elizabeth Breedlove, Landscape Architecture Intern: Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture at Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning (CAP).
We asked her to share her reflections on her time with REA:
What’s been your favorite experience during this internship?
- My favorite experience during this internship has been collaborating with a welcoming and talented team on real-world projects. I especially enjoyed the moments when I was encouraged to share my ideas while working on projects and saw those ideas being implemented during my time at REA. It gave me a sense of real impact.
What skill or knowledge have you gained from this experience?
- I've improved my problem-solving skills, especially when working with clients for a project. I’ve been able to analyze what people want to see and use that to create designs. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of how the firm approaches client solutions and project management, which will be incredibly valuable in my future career.
What notable project(s) have you worked on during your internship?
- One of the most notable projects I worked on during my internship was the Lincoln Park redesign. I was responsible for rendering visualizations of the park updates, which gave me hands-on experience translating design concepts into visuals that the community could understand and get excited about. I also helped draft and mail out community notification letters, which made me feel more connected to the public-facing side of the project.
- What made this project even more meaningful is that it's located in Zionsville — a place I visit often with my family and friends. Knowing that my visuals are helping shape a space I personally enjoy makes the project especially rewarding. I'm excited to see the designs come to life in a place that means something to me.
Tell us about your capstone project. How will you benefit from this project? How will the firm benefit from this research?
- My capstone project focused on using biomimicry to create a site design that promoted a stronger sense of community in Kokomo, IN. This project helped me build up research about a topic I am passionate about, and allowed me to work on my presentation skills, as well as the ability to translate data into real insights. REA can benefit from this research by using the findings to identify new areas for innovation within their landscape designs.
What did you enjoy about the city of Louisville?
- Louisville has a great mix of charm, culture, and hospitality. I really enjoyed exploring local restaurants, scenic parks, and the vibrant arts scene. It’s a city with a lot of character and a welcoming community, which made my stay both enjoyable and memorable.
