Welcome to the Shea Design Bootcamp. An immersive, hands-on summer internship for architecture and interior design students. Over the course of 12 summer weeks, the Shea interns gain real-world experience, collaborate with industry professionals, and sharpen their skills in essential software, tools, and design practices.
Our goal is to help set the foundation for a successful career through meaningful project work, well-rounded professional development, and full exposure to the design process. While also having some fun, of course!
This summer, Architectural Intern Grace DeJong and Interior Design Intern Emma Jost dive into the Shea way of doing things. Collaborative, creative, and impactful.
Follow along as they navigate office life, explore new design processes, and contribute to real projects. But first, let’s get to know our new interns.
Meet Grace
Grace recently earned her undergraduate degree in architecture from North Dakota State University and will begin her one-year master’s program this fall.
Her creative spirit and love for design have always been a driving force, beginning long before she even knew the term “architecture.” As a kid, she often found herself admiring old buildings and drawing houses.
“I’ve probably been drawing floor plans since middle school,” she shared.
That early spark led her to Shea, where her creativity, curiosity, and fresh perspectives quickly made an impact – complemented by her stylish outfits and bubbly personality.
Her three goals for the summer were simple but meaningful:
- Have fun
- Always be open to learning new things
- Grow her professional network
Meet Emma
Emma is a current student at South Dakota State University, pursuing a degree in interior design and a minor in studio arts. This fall, Emma will return for her senior year and step into her new role as President of the IIDA Club (International Interior Design Association).
Design has always been a part of Emma’s world, from her dad working in construction to HGTV always on the TV (something she said she had a love-hate relationship with). With a keen eye and a “design mind,” she was drawn to interior design early on. And when someone from Shea reached out to her club, she knew this was something she needed to do.
Her three summer goals:
- Experience working on all parts of the design process
- Build up her network and make lasting connections
- Expand her knowledge and capabilities in materials selection and modeling
Getting started at Shea
The first week is all about making our newcomers feel at home. On day one of Design Bootcamp, Emma and Grace were welcomed with a personalized welcome sign, desks stocked with Shea goodies, and warm introductions to the entire team. (Even if they only remembered half the names at first. They got there eventually.)
To welcome interns in true Shea style, the team took them to lunch at a Shea-designed restaurant on their first day. Barrio was the chosen spot. It’s a perfect way for them to see our work in person, learn the history of a project, and get to know some coworkers better. Plus, they get a free lunch!
Emma, starting her first internship, felt the first-day nerves. But the friendly culture quickly eased them.
“It’s fun, collaborative, and integrated. Everyone is so willing to help,” she said
Putting in the work
12 weeks can go by fast, so our interns dive in right away. Each intern was paired with a mentor — a go-to person for questions, guidance, and encouragement throughout the summer, ensuring they’re not just observing, but actively participating from the start. During the summer, Emma and Grace contributed to multiple projects, participated in client meetings, and expanded their skill set in their respective fields.
For Grace, an easy check-off-the-list goal was to learn new things. She modeled custom furniture for a hotel, bar, and even a golf simulator, explored value engineering solutions, and picked up new documentation techniques and site verification skills.
Site visits became a highlight for Grace. Stepping into active project spaces to take measurements, assist with punch lists, and experience the transition from drawing to reality was her favorite. And she did it all in style. Think of metallic ballet flats at a construction site.
On the interior design side, Emma quickly began to expand her skills and knowledge across the design process. That’s one goal to check off the list!
From day one, she has jumped into everything from material selection to client interactions to documentation. While working on modeling furniture and selecting materials for airport bars and restaurants, she’s also setting up meetings with product representatives. You might also find her organizing the materials library; it’s never looked better.
A stand-out moment for Emma was when her work was personally complimented by a high-profile client who said they were impressed with her flooring change. A rewarding compliment that highlights her eye for detail and thoughtful decision-making.
She also attended a local intern showroom event where she built relationships with reps and other young professionals, helping her continue her goal of expanding her network within the industry.
Wrapping up the summer
The summer was filled with hard work, new experiences, and lasting memories. And what calls for a better way to end the internship than with a proper graduation party and office spirit week? Bringing our team together to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and efforts is essential.
Emma leaves with sharpened people skills, technical knowledge, and a deeper understanding of the design process – all things she hoped to accomplish. When asked how she would describe her summer in three words, she said: Invigorating. Meaningful. Rewarding.
Her most significant achievement was the overall connections with industry professionals. “My LinkedIn connections doubled!” She joked.
Grace described her summer as gratifying, valuable, and joyful. Seeing her name on a drawing set was one of the most rewarding parts of summer, demonstrating her growth and accomplishments she made along the way. Grace also completed all three goals: to have fun, always learn new things, and expand her connections.
She jumped into unfamiliar tasks and projects, but now, after the immense support and collaboration, she feels confident in her abilities to do them again without guidance.
“The people make the place. Here, the people and everyone’s passion made me want to come to work every day,” she said.
Interns left to right: Shea (Marketing), Karina (Interiors), Emma (Interiors), Grace (Architecture)
Advice to future interns
- Don’t be afraid of anyone or to ask questions.
- Be confident in your abilities.
- Just because you do something different doesn’t mean it’s bad.
- Take advantage of the opportunities given to you.
- Ask questions.
- You are here for a reason.
Written by the marketing intern.
