At HDG Architects, we believe that investing in the next generation of architects is an important part of building a stronger profession. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Maya Ripley to our team as our 2026 Summer Intern.
Maya earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Pittsburgh in 2025 and recently completed her first year in the Master of Architecture program at the University of Michigan. She’s on track to graduate in May 2027 and plans to begin her career as an Architectural Designer, with the long-term goal of becoming a licensed Project Architect.
Throughout the summer, Maya is experiencing what it’s like to be part of a full-service architectural firm. She is working alongside our architects and project teams, attending project meetings, construction meetings, coordination meetings, and committee meetings while gaining firsthand exposure to every stage of the design and construction process.
Her experience extends beyond the office as well. Maya is participating in site visits, building walkthroughs, and construction observations, assisting with field reports, and seeing how design decisions come to life in the field. She is also expanding her technical skills by learning Revit, creating renderings and visualizations in Twinmotion, and participating in other professional developmental opportunities. These experiences are providing valuable insight into the collaboration between architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and clients that is essential to every successful project.
In addition to contributing to active projects, Maya is taking on a unique self-guided design challenge: developing a conceptual renovation and addition for HDG’s own office building. The project gives her the opportunity to explore programming, space planning, conceptual design, and presentation graphics while applying the knowledge she’s gained in the classroom to a real-world scenario.
Outside of architecture, Maya enjoys expressing her creativity through painting and playing guitar, and she loves the friendly competition of trivia nights with friends and family. We’re thrilled to have Maya as part of the HDG team this summer and look forward to watching her continue to learn, grow, and make an impact. Welcome to HDG, Maya!
