Celebrating the 2022 Summer Student Cohort

Cher Pombuena

Las Vegas | Play | Interior Design 
University of Nevada-Las Vegas

"It was refreshing to be in such a supportive and inclusive work culture. I appreciated all the efforts that went in to setting up presentations for the cohort and getting to listen in to conversations from the regenerative design team and business practice, to engaging in neurodiversity and Pride month discussions.

Before coming in to [the summer], I always thought being in a competitive environment was normal in the design industry, and that sometimes these can be toxic. But at Cuningham, I’ve learned that healthy, creative cultures can exist."

Amari Zhang

Culver City | Heal | Architecture 
University of Southern CA 

"I’m very grateful for everyone who has helped and inspired me this summer. I felt very accomplished digging into the more technical side of architecture — for example, understanding occupancy loads and being taught how roof drainage worked."

Emerald Man

San Diego | Heal | Architecture 
Syracuse University

“The San Diego office built a workplace of involvement and sharing. Working in the office with all the activities and direct participation in the group allowed me to fully engage in the team spirit, sharing the work and learning from each other.”

Thanks to my supervisor who guided me through the project. From understanding project proposal to application of techniques, my knowledge of architecture theories was transferred into a series of practical skills that I can implement in real life practice.”

Tyron Alford - NOMA Fellow

San Diego | Work | Architecture
North Carolina State University

"As a NOMA Foundation Fellow located in North Carolina, I thought my distance would prevent me from a great experience, but Cuningham provided comfort in working remotely and welcomed me into the offices of Minneapolis and San Diego. Working from three states was a 10 out of 10!

We are taught a plethora of information in school, but working in a professional environment can be a bit more intimidating. Luckily, I was surrounded by supportive experts who valued my growth. I refined my skills in Revit and Enscape, while furthering my knowledge on carbon neutrality." 

Keely Perkins

Denver | Live | Interior Design 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 

"Initially, I thought I wouldn’t be trusted with any project task that required a lot responsibility and I would be completely forgotten about to twiddle my thumbs. But this was not the case. In reality, we all participated in project work, feasibility studies, lots of redlines, and engaged in site visits all over the state!"

Rebeca Rivera

Phoenix | Heal | Architecture 
Arizona State University 

"Overall, I learned that having questions and asking for help is really encouraged. As an intern, you sort of think that everyone else is an expert, but we are all in a constant state of learning.

I learned more about the steps I needed to take to become a licensed architect. I’ve had a dream of becoming an architect since a very young age, but never had a realistic idea of what that looked like until now. Over the past few months, I’ve gotten to see a glimpse of what the day-to-day life of an architect is like and I’ve learned that its really a team effort to bring a project to life."

Christopher Leberecht

Minneapolis | Grow | Landscape Architecture 
University of Minnesota

"One thing that I was hoping to get that I don’t usually get in school was the element of collaboration on projects — that was a great experience to have."

Halle Weinmann

Minneapolis | Grow | Interior Design
University of Wisconsin Stout

"[Before the summer] I was not sure as much about professional practice and communicating with clients, so it was a little nerve-wracking at first to jump into a client presentation. But after doing it and learning how to go about those things professionally, it really helped my skills and made me more confident."