Inside the Design Process: A Student Internship Experience

What does it take to transform a space from concept to completion? At Black Birch Homes, a well-known and award-winning local design company, that process happens every day—and for one North Polk High School senior, it has become a hands-on learning experience.

Through a semester-long internship, Mya Bond has been working alongside the Black Birch Homes team, stepping into the day-to-day environment of residential interior design and observing how projects develop from initial ideas to finished spaces.

Inside the Experience 

Much of the experience has centered on observing the design process in real time, watching professionals make decisions, collaborate, and bring projects forward from concept to completion. 

“So far, my internship with Black Birch Homes has been very beneficial,” Mya said. “I get to observe Jill and Caroline, owners and designers, working and ask questions about the design choices they make. It has been fun to see their creative process for different projects, and how projects come together in the end.”

The role has included a mix of observation and support work within the studio, including taking notes during projects and helping prepare items in the shop for open house events. “Sitting back and observing has actually allowed me to learn quite a bit about the design field,” shared Mya. “I also help out by putting price tags on items in the shop so they are ready for open house events.”

The experience has also provided exposure to the tools and software used in the industry, helping build an understanding of the technical side of design work.

What’s Ahead

Looking ahead, Mya plans to study Interior Design at Iowa State University after graduating from North Polk High School. The internship has helped reinforce that direction by connecting classroom learning with real-world application.”

“This internship has given me insight into what an actual career in the design field could look like, and has reaffirmed that this is a career and lifestyle that I think I could really enjoy,” Mya said.

For students considering their next steps, Mya encourages exploring opportunities beyond the classroom when possible. 

“If students have an opening in their schedule and do not know what to do, I would highly recommend trying to find local opportunities that are in a field of interest to them,” Mya said. “Loading up on college credits is helpful, but so is real-world experience that internships can provide.”

The experience highlights how internships like this give students a closer look at real careers by stepping into professional environments while still in high school.