As a Landscape Design Intern at Schmidt Design Group this summer, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work with a company devoted to positive change through sustainable design. During my time here, I had the chance to hone my skills in rendering site plans with Adobe Photoshop, drafting base plans in AutoCAD, and creating 3D models using SketchUp. These hands-on experiences have equipped me with valuable tools for my future as a landscape architect.

Beyond the technical training, I was thrilled to contribute to the company by researching the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence in the Landscape Architecture profession. I presented my findings to the team at the end of my internship, and I am excited to see how AI could potentially reshape sustainable design practices.

As I wrap up my summer internship, I look forward to incorporating these newfound skills and insights into my professional practice. This experience has solidified my passion for creating innovative and sustainable landscapes, and I can’t wait to make a positive impact in the field of landscape architecture.

Lex Benes is a 2^nd year graduate student at UC Berkeley who joined Schmidt Design Group in June 2023.  His interest in landscape architecture began in childhood, but it was a trip to Solana Succulents and the undersea succulent garden at the San Diego Botanic Garden in 2014 that cemented his interest in the profession.  When not studying or deep in the trenches of AutoCAD, Lex enjoys playing Indonesian gamelan music and training Brazilian jiu jitsu.