Summer 2026 Internship Portfolio
Vive Exterior Design
During the summer of 2026, I had the opportunity to intern as a Design Intern at Vive Exterior Design. This experience allowed me to combine my passion for landscape design, technology, photography, and marketing while working alongside an incredibly talented and supportive team. Throughout the internship, I was trusted with meaningful projects, encouraged to learn new software, meet with clients, and contribute to both residential and commercial projects. This internship strengthened both my technical and creative skills while giving me valuable real-world experience.
Landscape Design
One of my primary responsibilities was creating two-dimensional landscape designs using AutoCAD. I learned how to:
Import plot plans and base drawings
Build accurate 2D scale drawings
Design residential and commercial landscapes
Create layouts that balanced aesthetics, functionality, and client needs
Revise plans based on client feedback and project requirements
These projects gave me experience in turning ideas into professional construction-ready plans.
3D Visualization
Using Uvision, I transformed 2D plans into realistic 3D renderings that allowed clients to visualize their future outdoor spaces before construction began.
This process taught me how to:
Model landscapes in three dimensions
Apply realistic materials and plantings
Create immersive client presentations
Help clients better understand design concepts
Project Example A
Residential Landscape Visualization
Designed a custom residential outdoor living space from concept through visualization. Created the 2D landscape plan, selected plant material, and produced a photorealistic 3D rendering to communicate the design to the client.
Created in Uvision
Project Example B
Residential Luxury Backyard
Developed a realistic 3D visualization from two different approved landscape designs created by the Vive Exterior Design team. My responsibilities included building the 3D model, selecting plant material, applying materials and textures, and creating renderings that helped the client visualize the completed project.
Created in Uvision
Concept Design
I also created hand-rendered concept drawings using Procreate by sketching directly over photographs of clients' properties.
These quick concept illustrations helped communicate design ideas early in the design process and gave clients an easy way to visualize potential transformations before detailed plans were created.
Marketing & Brand Development
Beyond design, I had the opportunity to contribute to Vive Exterior Design's marketing efforts.
Projects included:
Designing a magazine advertisement
Creating marketing graphics
Developing promotional materials
Assisting with branding initiatives
Learning how design and marketing work together to communicate a company's value
Photography & Content Creation
One of my favorite parts of the internship was documenting projects through photography and videography.
I photographed:
Residential landscape installations
Outdoor living spaces
Construction progress
Drone aerial imagery
Marketing content for social media and promotional use
I edited photos using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to create polished, professional images that reflected the company's high-quality work.
Estimating & Project Planning
During my internship, I was introduced to LMN, where I learned the fundamentals of landscape estimating and pricing.
I gained experience with:
Building estimates
Understanding project costs
Learning how pricing supports the design-build process
Seeing how design decisions impact budgets
Social Media Marketing
I also gained experience managing digital marketing by using GoHighLevel to schedule and organize social media content.
This allowed me to learn:
Content planning
Social media scheduling
Brand consistency
Marketing strategy
Digital communication
Professional Development
Throughout the summer I had opportunities to:
Meet with clients
Present design ideas
Receive design critiques
Collaborate with designers and project managers
Improve communication and problem-solving skills
Learn new software independently
Work on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
Software & Technical Skills
During my internship I gained experience using:
AutoCAD
Uvision
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Lightroom
Procreate
LMN
GoHighLevel
Canva
This internship challenged me to grow both professionally and personally. Every day presented opportunities to learn something new, whether it was mastering a new software program, improving a design, collaborating with the team, or meeting with clients.
The culture at Vive Exterior Design made this experience especially meaningful. From day one, the team trusted me with real responsibilities while providing the support and encouragement needed to continue learning. They created an environment where questions were welcomed, creativity was encouraged, and growth was a priority.
I leave this internship with stronger technical skills, greater confidence as a designer, a deeper understanding of the landscape design-build industry, and an even greater passion for creating outdoor spaces that improve the way people live.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Vive Exterior Design for investing in me throughout the summer. The knowledge, mentorship, and friendships I gained will continue to influence my career long after this internship ends.
A special thank you to Ryan Coyle (Founder & President), Leslie Whikehart (Director of Design & Sales), and Jaden Martin (Marketing Manager). Thank you for trusting me with the vision of Vive Exterior Design and allowing me to play a meaningful role in bringing it to life. I am incredibly grateful for your mentorship, guidance, and the countless opportunities you gave me to learn, create, and grow. Your investment in me has shaped my confidence as a designer, marketer, and professional, and I will always be thankful for the impact each of you has had on my journey.
- Ruby Kivett