Summer Days at Hoerr Schaudt

Cecelia, Sijia, and Matthew hit the ground running in our design and siteworks studios this summer. Their curiosity and contributions made a real impact on our team and projects. We love the energy that comes with fresh perspectives! Before they wrapped up their time here, we asked them to share some reflections—here's what they said:

How did your experience at Hoerr Schaudt shape your understanding of the field?

Cecelia: My time at Hoerr Schaudt really deepened my understanding of the design process in a professional landscape architecture firm. I gained insight on how conceptual ideas are translated into diagrams that help communicate spatial and landscape visions to clients. I was also able to see the design process throughout different phases, which taught me a lot about how landscape design collaborates across disciplines; and how much effort and thought are put into every detail, from materials and species to furniture to help establish placemaking in every project.

Sijia: This summer’s work experience is different from what we’re doing at school. At Hoerr Schaudt, I got to know about the whole process of design. In practice, projects may go through lots of phases, from pre-design, schematic design, design development and construction document, etc. I used to focus only on the concept design phase, but actual projects need more comprehensive consideration. The internship improved my understanding towards design-related aspects instead of on paper.  

Matthew: My rotations through the studios at Hoerr Schaudt introduced me to the CLM (continued landscape management) and Siteworks side of the field. There were so many aspects of Landscape Architecture that these two studios introduced me to that I was fully unaware of, and it was really cool to learn about while on site.

Was there a particular skill or tool you learned that you’re excited to use in the future?

Cecelia:  I became much more proficient with AutoCAD during my time here, especially in the context of working with the Sheet Set system and using X-ref files. These workflows were very different from how I had previously used AutoCAD, but they create an extremely efficient system for the team to all be working on the same project at the same time! I also became familiar with using Bluebeam to share comments and markups, which was new to me.

Sijia: Hard technical skills are always important. Besides that, I found communication is one of the best skills we could use during work. Communicating with leaders and team members, letting them know about your ideas, considerations and process, plays an important role in collaboration. Highly efficient communication could offer comfortable partnership and trust, which is worthy of building for long term.

Matthew: I learned about punchlists and site walkthrough reports, both of which I find really satisfying to fill out. I’m looking forward to working on both when I start my career.

What surprised you most about working at Hoerr Schaudt?

Cecelia: I was most surprised by how many details are actually considered as part of a landscape architect’s design process. Going on site visits and seeing different mockups of materials for railings, paving, and other furniture was inspiring. Then, heading back to the office and sitting in on the site visit report meeting, I was really surprised by how much care our designers put into every detail from design to construction, including picking the right color and dimension for a very small railing plate. and correcting an almost unnoticeable angle on the rail. It really inspired me as a designer to see the level of care and dedication our colleagues at Hoerr Schaudt put into every project, and it made me love the profession even more!

Sijia: People are really kind and friendly in our office. I couldn’t ask a better group of people! Even starting from interview, I had a feeling that people I work with would be nice and the atmosphere is relaxing. 

Matthew: Everyone at Hoerr Schaudt was so chill and down to earth, which I wasn’t necessarily expecting because of the prestigious work that Hoerr Schaudt creates. Everyone I worked with was super welcoming and helpful, which was really nice.

Is there someone at Hoerr Schaudt who particularly inspired you? How?

Cecelia: Many of our colleagues inspired my experience here, but working with Matthew Macchietto this summer especially inspired me. As someone who oversees almost all the projects in progress, he is able to balance his creativity with technical precision in every detail. At the same time, he was very approachable and offered support and guidance whenever we needed him! He was definitely someone who motivated me the most in the office and inspired me with how the office approaches details in projects.

Sijia: I learned a lot from everyone in our office. For example, Matthew is a detail-oriented person. He reviews every element to make sure our files look both elegant and with clear logic. 

Matthew: I got to work with Yu Chen a lot over the summer, and she was great! She was so patient and willing to answer any of my questions, even when she was on deadlines. I hope that when I’m in her shoes one day I am as helpful to the summer intern as she was to me.