Our Dr. Charles Fountain Internship Program provides a highly select group of students the opportunity to experience Design Workshop’s projects and collaborative work culture. This ten-week paid internship program prepares students from underrepresented groups to become leaders in landscape architecture and planning. In this time, we provide you with practical professional experience, training and development in both technical design skills and business acumen, and a mentor. We welcome students of all majors to apply.

The opportunity to exchange ideas with people from diverse backgrounds fosters firm and individual growth, strengthens a project process and outcomes, and creates a global community in the workplace. Established in 2004, the Dr. Charles Fountain Internship was created to provide opportunities for students of color, who are often underrepresented in the fields of landscape architecture and planning, to gain experience in a studio environment. Students will divide their time between a range of projects, including a signature Dr. Charles Fountain team project. Dr. Charles Fountain was Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture and founder of the Landscape Architecture Program at North Carolina A&T. 

What’s in it for you: Along with multiple technical skill-building opportunities, you will gain exposure to professional work processes, including interacting with clients/stakeholders. Work will include project research, site visits, sketching, computer production, design reviews, marketing proposal assistance, presentation practice and skill building.

What we’re looking for: Students with exceptional graphic, AutoCAD, analysis, and digital production skills with proficiency in Adobe Suite and 3-D modeling (3-D Max and/or SketchUp). A positive attitude, an open mind and a collaborative approach are a must.

Who can apply:

Characteristics of a Dr. Charles Fountain Program Candidate:

• Current student at U.S. or North American university
• Identifies as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Indigenous/Native American/Alaska Native
• Strong academic performance
• Problem solver and analytical thinker
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to spend the summer in one of our studio locations across the US
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the Unites States and be able to relocate for the internship.

Application Process: To apply, please post a cover letter, short essay, resume and portfolio through our online employment application.

A complete application includes all four documents in one pdf under 10 mb. 

Essay Instructions:

In approximately one page, please provide a brief biography highlighting your background key achievements, and any passions or interests that define your personal or professional journey.

Prompts:

What are your strengths? What challenges are you facing in life and school? How would this internship opportunity help you?

The application deadline is February 2, 2025 at 11:59pm MT.  This in-person program includes a team-based project in addition to studio assignments. Due to the nature of the collaborative project, the internship dates must include June 2-August 8.  Please note that we will not be offering remote internships. If there is a financial need, assistance to participate is available.

Other Information About This Internship:

This program includes a team kickoff at the project location during the first week. You'll be traveling away from your designated home studio on these dates: June 3-6, 2025.
Design Workshop will make travel arrangements for attendees and will pay/reimburse expenses required to attend the project kickoff meeting. Additional financial assistance is available upon request.

The pay for this position is $22-25 per hour, based on experience. This position is not benefits eligible. 

Design Workshop is an EEO employer.