You’ve heard all about their time with the City Semester Pittsburgh program, now catch up with some of our alums and find out what they’ve been up to since they completed the program and how City Semester has impacted their future so far.
Name: Aubrey Bloxdorf
Year Graduated: 2022
Undergraduate Degree: Landscape Architecture
City Semester Date: Summer 2021
Internship Partner: Grounded Strategies
Where You Are Now
Aubrey is currently Senior Landscape Architect Associate at Larson Design Group.
What kind of work do you do?
We work on a wide range of projects, from local public planning and design efforts to large-scale federal transportation and community development plans. I work closely with my co-planners and other disciplines to support projects along all parts of the development process.
What does your day-to-day look like?
My day-to-day can vary wildly. A normal day for me includes reviewing scope of work documents, creating templates for reports and writing, or designing and rendering landscape projects using AutoCAD and Adobe Suite. Some days, however, I get to travel for charettes or design meetings, and these have taken me anywhere from Oklahoma City to Dubai.
What is your biggest professional accomplishment so far?
My biggest professional accomplishment has been earning my Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certificate. Becoming a Registered Landscape Architect is next to check off my list.
Your Time with City Semester
What was the biggest thing you learned during your time with City Semester?
You will learn things every day on the job, be that from your manager, your coworker, or your client.
Which topic during the urban sustainability class did you enjoy learning about most?
Urban farming/food deserts.
How did your internship prepare you for where you are now?
It gave me a head start in finding employment in Pittsburgh, as Grounded Strategies was my internship placement and my first job after college. I was able to meet an incredible group of people who care deeply about their city, and it helped me create a sense of community in a new place when I moved to Pittsburgh.
What advice would you give to a new student just starting with the program?
Make connections with people as much as you can and get to know people living in the communities your company serves.
Living the Sustainable Life
When did sustainability first become important to you?
Sustainability has been important to me since I can remember learning the phrase: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” I don’t know why that line stuck in my kid brain, but it rooted itself so deeply, and I am thankful for that.
What’s your favorite sustainability hack/tip?
Getting art supplies from the Center for Creative Reuse, a.k.a. the best art thrift store in the city.
Fast Facts
Last book you read?
Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer
Favorite Penn State memory?
Hanging out “working” at the Stuckeman building with my landscape architecture buddies, and taking breaks to walk around the arboretum.
If you were a plant/flower, what would you be?
Onoclea sensibilis, sensitive fern
Best Instagram account to follow?
@sloanzonefood / @gfspeakz
Best Creamery ice cream flavor?
Teaberry Delight
Check out the rest of our Catching up with City Semester Alums series!