Meet Our 2024 Summer Interns
Today marks only three weeks left with our amazing batch of summer interns. Over these past few months, they have brought fresh perspectives, boundless creativity, and a remarkable passion for design to our team.
We wanted to highlight each of their skills, interests, and personalities, and we already know that you will be as excited about them as we have been all summer long.
Join us as we introduce these talented individuals who have truly made a difference at EskewDumezRipple.
Destiny Graves, an Architectural Intern from Geismar, Louisiana, is pursuing a 5-Year B.ARCH at Louisiana State University. She chose to work with EskewDumezRipple this summer to gain well-rounded experiences in the architecture field.
"With EDR being a more intimate firm, yet very accomplished, they provide the opportunity for flexibility, diversity, and unique collaborations in their work," Destiny explains. "These things are vital as I approach graduation. I wanted to find my niche and dive deep into all that it entails."
So far, Destiny has embraced this opportunity, working across multiple design sectors and even discovering a new interest in Business Development and Marketing.
One highlight of her internship has been working on the LSU’s new Library Learning Commons. "As a current LSU student and soon-to-be alum, it feels great to be a part of the team that transforms the campus with such an important building. The current location of the Library isn't functional or inviting for students, so to be able to give that to future Tigers gives me a lot of pride and joy while doing my work!"
Destiny is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., wearing Crimson and Cream as her “power, passion, and love colors. “
Reflecting on her journey, she shares the best piece of advice she ever received: "Choose a career that you are happy to wake up every morning and go to. The most rewarding feeling in the world is using your talent to make a difference in other people's lives while also making a difference in your own."
Tracy Jones, a New Orleans native and Graduate Student at the Tulane School of Architecture, is pursuing an M. Arch 3.5 degree. As an Architectural Intern at EskewDumezRipple, Tracy chose the firm for its dedication to both design excellence and community engagement.
"I wanted to work with a firm that was dedicated to both design excellence as well as community engagement and improvement," he shares.
One of the projects Tracy is particularly excited about is the Governor Nicholls Street Wharf Site Model. This opportunity allows him to blend a passion for innovative design with a commitment to enhancing the community.
Tracy lives by the motto, "You can’t get anywhere in life without taking risks," embodying a fearless approach to both personal and professional growth. This summer, he has embraced the challenges and opportunities at EDR, contributing to projects that make a meaningful impact.
Betsy Feirn, a Senior at the University of Alabama, is pursuing a BS in Interior Design. Hailing from New Orleans, LA, Betsy is an Interior Design Intern at EskewDumezRipple. She chose to intern at EDR because of our design philosophy of "we build places for people."
"Their passion for curating spaces that shape how people experience their environment is something I really admire," she explains. "The studio’s reputation for innovative and thoughtful design solutions provides an exciting opportunity for me to contribute to high-impact projects. I also appreciate that I can work on projects in the city that I have grown up in and loved for as long as I can remember!"
She draws inspiration from designer Kati Curtis, who incorporates bright colors and bold patterns flawlessly. "It's something I truly admire and hope I can one day achieve," Betsy shares. To keep her energized throughout the day, Betsy loves an ice-cold Diet Coke, saying she can't live without it.
Betsy's enthusiasm for design and her connection to New Orleans drive her to create spaces that positively impact the community she loves.
McKenzie McDavid, an Architectural Intern from Greenville, Mississippi, is in her third year of the M.ARCH program at Louisiana State University. She chose to work with EskewDumezRipple because of their impressive portfolio, commitment to developmental learning, and diverse staff who use their experiences, expertise, and passions to enhance design through EDR’s dedication to “building places for people.”
The best piece of advice McKenzie has ever received is, "When you’re in your own lane, there is no traffic."
This quote is important to her as it reminds her to stay focused on her goals and be comfortable in her journey, using any challenges as motivation to continue being the best version of herself.
Through her service in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, McKenzie has “embraced the values of love, fidelity, womanliness, and the abundance of life.” These principles have inspired her to develop a fondness for Salmon Pink, “a color that embodies these ideals.”
One of the projects she is particularly excited to work on is the Loyola Mercy Dormitory. "My interest in learning environments stems from the desire to develop spaces that truly serve students, with their personal living spaces being a top priority because this is where they spend most of their time," she explains.