From the Midwest to the Sunshine State: My Internship at Dix.Hite
By Kylie Perkins
As my internship at Dix.Hite comes to an end, I’ve reflected on the highlights and everything that made my experience special. Through Dix.Hite’s partnership with Purdue University, I had the opportunity to spend my fourth academic year with a team of incredibly passionate landscape architects and designers located in the lush Florida landscape.
Because the intern position is so flexible, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects while attending community events and site visits. There were also many opportunities to shadow designers, join project discussions, and attend lunch & learns. Every day in the office, I’ve had the opportunity to build my skill set and learn about the industry in a safe and supportive environment.
We took the SunRail up to Lake Mary to visit one of our local projects as part of our Town Hall series.
Being originally from Indiana, it was exciting to work with a completely new plant palette and learn the importance of stormwater management and proper shade in Florida’s landscape. I also had the privilege of experiencing some of our firm’s work firsthand, living near Reiter Park and in an apartment community featuring Dix.Hite’s landscape design.
Living and working near Reiter Park meant I could easily walk over to step away, decompress, and experience Dix.Hite’s work firsthand.
The office culture was very inviting as a young professional who moved far from home. Within the first few weeks of work, one of my coworkers lent me his bike, making getting to work easier and giving me the chance to explore more of Florida. Acts of kindness like this are a normal aspect of the office culture. And any time I had work questions or just needed a ride somewhere, someone always stepped in and made me feel like I belonged on the team.
It was so fun to get out with some of my colleagues to participate in a 10-mile bike ride through Downtown Orlando and explore the connection of trails throughout.
And Dix.Hite knows how to have fun! There was always an office event to look forward to, and the upbeat energy day to day made working fun.
Christmas Cookies in July!
It’s bittersweet to leave, but that’s only because there’s a lot to be grateful for. Working in a professional environment for the first time is daunting, so joining a team of warm and kind people was the perfect transition from the classroom to the landscape architecture world. I am leaving with a strong network of connections and a wealth of experience gained throughout my time at Dix.Hite.
