Intern Experience: Ella Strzempek

We have been pleased to have not one but two interns at Pashek+MTR this year! A 2025 Penn State graduate with a degree in landscape architecture, intern Ella Strezempek has been a great help to our designers and planners over the past few months. We sat down with Ella to find out how her internship was going so far.

Kara:        We try to have our interns work on a variety of projects and activities at Pashek +MTR. What kinds of things have you been involved in so far?

Ella:  So far this summer, I have had the chance to work on a wide range of projects at Pashek + MTR, which has been one of the best parts of the internship. I recently graduated from Penn State with a degree in Landscape Architecture, and since there are so many different routes and niches within the field, getting to test them out here post-grad has been so helpful. One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on has been the Parks Master Plan for McCandless Township, working with Pashek+MTR’s Recreation Planner Heather Cuyler. I grew up in McCandless, so it means a lot to me to help plan for the same parks and neighborhoods that first got me interested in landscape architecture. I have gotten involved with public engagement and putting together concept maps, tapping into my creative side and my people side, further seeing how design ideas connect directly with the community. I have also spent time working on the North Park Latodami Nature Center project, which is basically right in my backyard. I have been hiking and exploring on this site since I was a kid, so it’s super exciting to be part of the team restoring and reimagining the site. The work ranges from marketing and branding to mapping and trail planning, and it has been great to collaborate with Allegheny County again after having worked for them in the past in various roles, including as a landscape architecture intern. Overall, it has been so valuable to work on projects that not only are interesting but also personally meaningful to me and my connection to the Pittsburgh area.

Kara:  Has anything surprised you or been different than what you expected?

Ella: I was surprised by how quickly I got to jump into real projects that have a direct impact on communities. Coming straight from school, where projects are not always tied to real outcomes, it feels so different to see the work we are doing here actually move forward and make a difference.

Kara:   What are the aspects of the job that you find most interesting and rewarding?

Ella:  One of the aspects I find most interesting and rewarding is the community involvement side of work. It is incredible to see how people’s input directly shapes the projects we work on, from design ideas to the final layout of the space. Being able to talk to the community members, hear their experiences, and see their needs reflected in our plans really brings work to life. It is so fulfilling knowing that the space created will be used and enjoyed by people in their everyday lives.

Kara: Lastly, what do you see yourself doing five years from now?

Ella:  Career wise, I see myself working for a firm where I can continue to grow as a landscape architect while contributing to meaningful community-centered projects. Personally, I hope to have continued to check off places from my travel bucket list, including Asia, and bring the inspiration I gain into my perspectives and approaches to work and life.