WDG Architecture continues to invest in the next generation of designers through its long-running Internship–Scholarship program, Where Design Grows, a charitable initiative that blends financial support with hands-on professional experience.
Established in 2018 by University of Maryland alumni, Bob Keane, AIA, who now serve as Student Living practice leader within WDG’s Washington, DC office, the program was created to open doors for graduate students pursuing careers in architecture. In 2022, the internship program extended to Hampton University to foster and promote relationships with underrepresented demographic groups and provide employment opportunities for third- and fourth-year students.
Now approaching a decade of impact, these initiative reflects the firm’s broader commitment to community engagement, mentorship, and education. The experience offers direct exposure to WDG’s collaborative, principal-led design process that one emphasizes innovation, environmental responsibility, and thoughtful integration of client goals with design excellence.
The Internship–Scholarship program is a natural extension of WDG’s core values, particularly its focus on stewardship, learning, and community. By creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with real-world projects, ranging from mixed-use developments to higher education and urban planning, the firm is helping to shape a more inclusive and prepared design workforce.
