Designing a Future: Insights of an Architectural Student’s Internship
Architecture combines creativity and problem-solving, making it an attractive career for individuals strong in mathematics, strategy, and art. For D.A. Crowell, a recent high school graduate, she recognized her strengths early on, and the opportunity to explore an architectural career came during her high school education, including a hands-on internship in her final semester at Parkhill’s historic Abilene Office, “The Minter House.”
“This internship has solidified my desire to pursue architecture,” D.A. said. “I’ve learned that the day-to-day work is a blend of creativity and technical problem-solving, and that the culture at Parkhill is collaborative, friendly, and supportive. The relationships and values I’ve experienced here make me excited for the future—and grateful to be part of a firm that truly builds community in every sense.”
Designing a Valuable Internship
Parkhill has partnered with Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas for the past two years to create a semester-long program for work-based learning opportunities. The goal is to give students experiences that help them clearly define their professional aspirations.
“The most exciting aspect for me is witnessing students like D.A. engage in work-based learning opportunities that enable them to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations,” said Lindsey Kern, a Work-Based Learning Specialist. “This type of experience helps them gain a clear understanding of the careers they are interested in and reinforces their choice of the right career pathway.”
While driving to ATEMS High School, D.A. noticed a Parkhill construction sign at the Texas State Technical College’s Abilene campus, not knowing one day she would find herself there. After considering several internship options, she chose Parkhill to explore her potential career path under the guidance of design technologist Salomon Alcantar; architect Jesse Bernard, AIA; and Director of Design Brandon Young, AIA.
Jesse said he prioritizes three elements in an internship experience—enjoyment, productivity, and education.
“We’re not looking for them to just do busy work, even if it’s fun busy work,” he said. “We’re not having them play games or build Lego models just because it’s fun. It needs to be valuable for us as a firm.”
D.A.’s semester-long project involved developing a 3D model of the Abilene Christian University Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC). She learned about design software and components of architecture, while also developing skills 3D printing. The model’s components can be pulled apart to show the project clients.
“Parkhill’s mission is ‘Building Community,’ and over the past six months, I’ve seen what that really means. It’s not just about constructing buildings that foster community; it’s about creating spaces that encourage collaboration and connection.”
d.a. crowell
Insightful Experiences and Exciting Opportunities
D.A.’s internship program began in January 2025 and ended two weeks following her high school graduation. During a typical day, she would arrive at the office in the afternoon, grab a snack, and work on modeling projects. On certain days, she had the unique opportunity for site visits, including a tour of the ACU SERC project that she had modeled.
“I had the opportunity to model the entire facility and then tour it with Brandon,” D.A. said. “It was surreal to walk through a space I’d already recreated digitally, knowing exactly where everything was. Touring the salt reactor room, which isn’t open to the general public, was a unique behind-the-scenes experience.
“I’ve also visited the new TSTC building as part of a class. At the time, it was just the structural ‘bones,’ but seeing the plans and hearing about the construction process from Brandon was fascinating, especially for engineering students interested in the technical side of building design.”
Building Community: More Than Buildings
The goal of any Parkhill internship program is to give valuable insight into the industry, immerse student interns into company culture, and create opportunities for their future careers. Building the industry of tomorrow starts with the impact mentors can make today.
“Parkhill’s mission is ‘Building Community,’ and over the past six months, I’ve seen what that really means.,” D.A. said. “It’s not just about constructing buildings that foster community; it’s about creating spaces that encourage collaboration and connection. I witnessed this firsthand at the 100-year birthday ‘Minter House’ celebration, where a room once used for dinners now hosts productive meetings. The company’s commitment to volunteering and caring for people—like Mr. Jimmy Tittle, who remained a valued presence in the office—shows that Parkhill’s values go beyond business.”
The company’s commitment to volunteering and caring for people shows that Parkhill’s values go beyond business.”
D.A. plans on attending Texas Tech University starting in Fall 2025. She is a recipient of the Terry Foundation Scholarship, which generously supports first-time college students as they continue their education.
“This is just a really big deal,” she said. “And aside from money, you’re also connected to all of these people who got this scholarship before you. It’s just really amazing that I’m able to do this. And I would like to say it’s partially Parkhill and the internship that helped me get here.”