Via Design’s
Summer Interns 2026

House exterior with wood siding, front porch, rocking chairs, and lush greenery in daylight.

Thank You to Our 2026 Summer Interns

This summer, Via Design welcomed a group of interns who brought curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to jump in wherever they were needed. From supporting architectural projects and technology initiatives to organizing our materials library, archiving project records, and assisting with day-to-day studio operations, each played a role in keeping our studio moving.

Along the way, our interns gained firsthand experience in the architecture and interior design industry, learning more about the many people, processes, and details that contribute to a project. Through hands-on experience and time spent alongside our team, they had opportunities to build new skills, explore potential career paths, and see how a collaborative design firm operates.

As we look back on the summer, we're grateful for everything they contributed and the energy they brought to Via. Before they wrapped up their time with us, we asked our 2026 summer interns to share a little about what they learned, what surprised them, and what inspires them.

Meet Our Summer Interns

Parker Teunis (Architectural Intern)

Where are you currently studying, and what are you pursuing?

“I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Lawrence Technological University. After graduating in 2027, I plan to continue for one additional year to earn my Master of Architecture degree.”

What first sparked your interest in architecture?

“Daniel Edward Teunis (reader note: this is his dad). I've always enjoyed technical and math-related subjects, but I also wanted a career that would allow me to be creative. Architecture combines both interests while giving me opportunities to solve complex problems, think creatively, and see ideas become reality.”

What are you hoping to learn during your time at Via Design?

“I enjoy collaborating with a team throughout the entire design and construction process. Being part of a project from start to finish allows me to see everything that goes into creating and delivering the final product. It is rewarding to contribute to each stage of the process and watch an idea develop into a completed project.”

What has been your favorite part of working with the Via team so far?

“My favorite part of working with the team has been the positive and enjoyable atmosphere in the office. Everyone is welcoming and creates a great environment to work in. I have also enjoyed the variety of experiences and responsibilities I have been involved in, from design work in the office to site visits in the field. The opportunity to participate in different aspects of a project has made the experience both engaging and rewarding.”

Lucy House (Summer Intern)

What interested you about working at Via Design?

“The positive environment has kept me working here, also since my dad has worked at Via for a long time it feels like it has been a part of my life for a long time, so it has always felt welcoming.”

What has surprised you most about the design industry so far?

“The number of revisions before the final product is made. I always thought it was one and done, but there are many small changes and steps that go into making the finished design.”

What inspires you most about your parent's role at Via?

“My dad helps everyone with their computer problems and more and does it all while cracking a few jokes. He tries to help the best he can to make work a better place.”

Isla Walters (Summer Intern)

What interested you about working at Via Design?

"I was interested in how the industry worked and how much there is to do in all the projects."

What are you most excited to learn this summer?

"I am excited to work another year in a creative atmosphere with lots of different parts to it."

What has surprised you most about the design industry so far?

"I was surprised by how many paint colors there are in all of the sample books."

Livy Walters (Summer Intern)

What interested you about working at Via Design?

"I was interested in learning about how the design world works."

What has surprised you most about the design industry so far?

“I’ve been organizing and looking through different colored paints, and I was surprised by how many paint samples there are in one room.”

Willow Walters (Summer Intern)

What has surprised you most about the design industry so far?

“How long some projects last! 5 years?! And how much record-keeping designers have to do for projects.”

If you could design, create, or improve anything, what would it be?

"It would be nice to have a robot that could assemble all of the archiving boxes and bags for projects."

Joysan Funk (Summer Intern)

What are you most excited to learn this summer?

"I'm excited to learn about the materials library and how it's organized and used by employees to plan projects."

If you could design, create, or improve anything, what would it be?

"I would design homes for my cousins and grandparents that are closer to my house so I could see them more often. I would also create a garden bed that is big enough for all of my flowers."

What inspires you most about your parent's role at Via?

"The part of my dad's role here at Via that inspires me the most is his creative vision and his opportunity to bring his ideas to life in different homes and buildings!”

Jovie Miedema (Summer Intern)

What has surprised you most about the design industry so far?

"The thing that has surprised me the most about the design industry so far is how much work you actually have to do on a computer."

If you could design, create, or improve anything, what would it be?

"If I could design anything, I would want to design an outdoor pool area."

Liam VanderLaan (Summer Intern)

What inspires you most about your mom’s role at Via?

“How long she's been here and carved out a place for herself in the company. I see people ask her for advice and her expertise all the time, and it's really interesting to see how important she is here.”

If you could design, create, or improve anything, what would it be?

“I'd love to design a watch. I have become very interested in the intricacies of watchmaking and the precision in both the mechanics and the aesthetics.”

What are you most excited to learn this summer?

“I'm most excited to learn how the very little things come together in designing a home: things like silverware, doormats, outlets, etc. that can be easy to get the cheapest or easiest one, but when designed properly really make a home look like work was put into its design.”

Large lakeside house surrounded by trees at sunset with lit windows, beach chairs, and a fire pit.

Looking Back on Summer

Our summer interns made meaningful contributions throughout the studio, from organizing and maintaining our extensive materials library to assisting with project archiving and office organization, supporting technology initiatives, and helping our team stay organized behind the scenes.

Internships also give students an opportunity to experience the many roles and disciplines that contribute to the work of a design firm. We hope their time at Via gave them a chance to build new skills, ask questions, discover new interests, and gain a better understanding of architecture, interior design, technology, and the work that supports each project.

Thank you to Sadie, Parker, Lucy, Isla, Livy, Willow, Joysan, Jovie, and Liam for spending part of your summer with us and for everything you contributed along the way. We enjoyed having you as part of the Via team and look forward to seeing where your interests and experiences take you next.