This summer has been a blast as we welcomed six new members to our team! Of those six, our 2025 summer interns recently completed their architecture and interior design internships and took the time to sit down to share what a day in the life of a TURNERBATSON student intern really looks like. Whether they were participating in project site visits, meeting with reps from various furniture or textile companies, or playing very intense games of pickle ball, they shared memories that were made during their time at our firm.

Here’s a snapshot of their feedback:

1. Explain the day in the life of a student intern.

“As an interior design intern, my mornings always start with seeing everyone’s smiling faces and checking my email. I also typically sit in on morning design meetings or team staff meetings. I spend a lot of my time helping the design team with their current projects. I help the team do Revit markups, pick out materials, make mood boards, and create 3d perspectives. On days where we go to a job site, we usually all get lunch out together, which are my favorite days.

If we are out on a job site, I sit in on meetings, take notes and photos, and help the team punch through the building. On a day where I am in the office, I will typically continue design revisions or organize the material library.” – Ava Graham, Summer Interior Design Intern

2. Is this internship what you thought it would be?

“I was very eager to return to TURNERBATSON because all of my expectations were exceeded last summer — and this summer did not fall short of that! The influence that this team has had on me has shaped me into a better student and person!” – Faith Troutt, Returning Student Intern

3. Why are student internships important?

They allow the future generation of designers to gain knowledge from professionals, broaden their skill sets, and create connections. Student internships provide real-life work experience and a glimpse into the future post-grad.” – Mary-Kirk Dillard, Summer Architectural Intern

4. If you could give students a piece of advice as they prepare for internships, what would that be?

“I would encourage students to get to know the people you work with! Talking with people in all different stages of life is super inspiring, teaches you so much, and makes work so much more fun!” – Elaina Wyatt, Summer Architectural Intern

5. What is the best piece of advice you’ve gained from a mentor in architecture/interior design?

“One of the best pieces of advice I have received from a mentor in Design was that design is not just about what looks good. It is about how it works for your clients. That really shifted my perspective. It reminded me to always consider the clients when picking out materials — thinking about the functionality and the context of a space, not just its aesthetic. Whether it is the flow of a room, the natural light, or how someone feels when they enter a space, thoughtful design solves problems and tells a story. That advice continues to shape how I approach each project.” – Ava Graham, Summer Interior Design Intern

 6. Tell us a little-known fact about architecture or interior design:

“Although Architecture is known to be a highly creative and design-driven field, an architect is truly a jack of all trades. Not only is there a design element to the process, the architect must be well versed on structure and construction as well as have problem solving and critical thinking skills. Also, communicating with the contractor and engineers is key to making a project run smooth. For an architect, there are a lot of moving components when working on a project, and most people would not realize that!” – Mary-Kirk Dillard, Summer Architectural Intern

7. What is the most important thing that you have learned throughout your internships?

“The most important thing I have learned during my internship this summer is how valuable communication and collaboration are in the design process. In school, we often work independently, but in the real world, design is a team effort. Being able to share ideas, take feedback, and work with clients, contractors, and teammates is just as important as the creative part. It taught me that great design comes from working together.”  – Ava Graham, Summer Interior Design Intern

8. Tell us what you find humor in during your day?

“This team really just makes this place FUN! I can always count on a joke from Bob, Hal’s improv of ‘Happy Birthday,’ or an intense card game with the ladies to leave me with a good laugh!” – Faith Troutt, Returning Student Intern

9. Tell us about the friendships you have created with the other interns:

“I have created great friendships with the other interns this summer! I’ve loved getting to know everyone inside and outside of the office. It’s been so fun to watch each other grow and get closer throughout the summer playing pickleball and going to dinner!” – Elaina Wyatt, Summer Architectural Intern