August 4, 2026
Last week, our Summer 2026 interns wrapped up their final presentation, concluding a summer-long project that challenged them to plan, design, and market a mixed-use residential community in Metro Nashville through an integrated, multidisciplinary process. The assignment was intentionally structured to mirror CSDG's collaborative approach, bringing together civil engineering, landscape architecture, and marketing to demonstrate how each discipline contributes to creating developments that are technically sound, thoughtfully designed, and responsive to both client goals and market demand.
Throughout the project, the interns experienced firsthand how each discipline informs the others. Much like CSDG's design process, success depended on communication, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt as new ideas and challenges emerged. Rather than working independently, the four interns continuously shared ideas, evaluated tradeoffs, and refined the project together to create a cohesive vision for the community.
Civil engineering interns Kavin Lewis and Trinity Finnell established the technical framework for the development by evaluating site constraints and creating overall infrastructure strategies to support the community. Their work included conceptual grading, stormwater management strategies, utility coordination, roadway layout, site circulation, and other civil engineering considerations that contribute to a functional and resilient development. As their concepts evolved, they also worked to ensure the project aligned with Metro Nashville development standards, giving them valuable experience balancing engineering best practices with real-world regulatory requirements.
Building upon that technical foundation, landscape architecture intern Sierra Degnan transformed the site into a place where people would want to live, gathering spaces that encourage connection, and amenity areas designed to enhance the resident experience. Her conceptual plans emphasized planting strategies, pedestrian connectivity, and placemaking while also incorporating Metro Nashville landscape and streetscape standards. Throughout the design process, Sierra relied on market research developed by marketing intern Cameron Monaco to help inform amenity selections and ensure the proposed community reflected current multifamily trends and resident preferences.
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While the design was taking shape, Cameron worked alongside the team to analyze competing developments, identify target demographics, and evaluate the amenities and experiences most desired by today's residents. Those insights helped guide key design decisions throughout the project, ensuring the community was positioned to meet market expectations. Once the development concept was complete, Cameron shifted focus to telling the project's story, creating a post-project marketing campaign that outlined branding and messaging strategies, social media recommendations, business development opportunities, and methods for measuring campaign success. The campaign also demonstrated how thoughtful project storytelling can support future pursuits, strengthen client relationships, and extend a project's value well beyond construction.
Their final presentation demonstrated how technical planning, thoughtful design, and strategic marketing work together to create successful developments. Along the way, the interns responded to feedback, worked through design challenges, and made collaborative decisions that strengthened the project as a whole while gaining a deeper appreciation for how each discipline contributes to the final product.
The summer experience extended well beyond the intern project. Each intern also worked alongside CSDG professionals on active projects within their respective departments, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to real client work. This provided valuable exposure to the firm's day-to-day operations while allowing them to apply what they were learning in a professional setting.
Here is what two of our interns shared about their experience:
“I would like to thank everyone at CSDG for making this such a great experience. As my first experience in a professional workplace, I did not know what to expect, but I was blown away by the people and the environment. I am very happy that I had the opportunity to intern here.”
“Working at CSDG showed me how essential collaboration is in this industry. Learning to work alongside my peers and seeing how our different perspectives contributed to the project gave me valuable firsthand experience. I’m grateful to CSDG for everything I had the opportunity to learn and experience this summer.”
The final presentation marked the culmination of a summer filled with hands-on learning, professional growth, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. By experiencing every stage of the development process, the interns gained a broader understanding of how successful communities are planned, designed, and brought to market.
We appreciate the creativity, curiosity, and dedication Kavin, Trinity, Sierra, and Cameron brought to CSDG this summer and look forward to following their continued success.
CSDG is a planning, civil engineering, and landscape architecture firm that delivers resilient design solutions across diverse project types. Backed by decades of experience and trusted relationships with municipalities, contractors, and stakeholders, we help clients navigate complexity with confidence. Our integrated team combines strategy, creativity, and local expertise to protect client vision, improve efficiency, and design experiences that balance community needs with an evolving environment. Learn more at www.csdgtn.com.
