Exterior Decor Internship

Shape the Future of Outdoor Living Spaces

Overview of Exterior Decor

Exterior Decor is the art and science of creating captivating outdoor environments that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. This dynamic field encompasses landscape design, outdoor lighting, decorative elements, material selection, and climate-adaptive solutions to craft inviting spaces for both residential and commercial properties.

🌿 Landscape Design

Master the principles of spatial planning, plant selection, hardscaping, and sustainable design to create harmonious outdoor environments.

💡 Lighting Design

Learn to illuminate outdoor spaces with strategic lighting that enhances safety, ambiance, and architectural features.

🏗️ Material Knowledge

Understand diverse materials from natural stone to synthetic composites, their properties, durability, and aesthetic applications.

🌤️ Climate Considerations

Develop expertise in designing for various climates, understanding weather patterns, and selecting appropriate plant species and materials.

Why Exterior Decor Matters

As urbanization increases and outdoor living becomes more valued, the demand for skilled exterior decor professionals continues to grow. These specialists create spaces that:

Enhance property value and curb appeal;
Provide functional outdoor living areas for entertainment and relaxation;
Integrate sustainable practices and native ecosystems;

Create commercial spaces that attract customers and enhance brand identity;
Contribute to urban greening and environmental sustainability.

Internship Program Overview

Our Exterior Decor Internship Program is designed to transform passionate students and recent graduates into industry-ready professionals. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and comprehensive training, interns gain practical skills in designing, implementing, and managing exterior decor projects.

Program Structure
Duration: 6-12 months
• Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Foundation training in design principles, software tools, and material knowledge;
• Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Project participation, client interaction, and supervised design work;
• Phase 3 (Months 7-12): Advanced projects, specialization track, and portfolio development.

Key Learning Objectives

• Design Proficiency: Master landscape and lighting design software including AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Lumion
• Technical Skills: Learn installation techniques, project management, and quality control
• Client Relations: Develop consultation skills, presentation abilities, and customer service excellence
• Business Acumen: Understand budgeting, vendor relations, and project timelines
• Sustainability: Implement eco-friendly practices and LEED certification principles

Program Modules

Module 1: Fundamentals of Exterior Design

History and evolution of landscape architecture;
Design principles: balance, proportion, rhythm, and unity;
Site analysis and assessment techniques;
Understanding soil types, drainage, and topography;
Introduction to design software and hand-sketching.

Module 2: Landscape Architecture & Plant Science

Plant identification, selection, and maintenance;
Hardscape elements: patios, walkways, retaining walls;
Water features: fountains, ponds, and irrigation systems;
Sustainable landscaping and xeriscaping principles;
Native plant ecosystems and biodiversity.

Module 3: Outdoor Lighting Design

Lighting fundamentals: lumens, color temperature, beam angles;
Pathway, accent, and ambient lighting strategies;
Solar vs. electrical lighting systems;
Smart lighting integration and automation;
Safety codes and energy efficiency standards.

Module 4: Materials & Construction

Natural materials: stone, wood, gravel, and aggregates;
Synthetic materials: composite decking, artificial turf, pavers;
Material durability, maintenance requirements, and lifecycle costs;
Construction techniques and installation best practices;
Weatherproofing and climate-specific considerations.

Module 5: Climate-Adaptive Design

Designing for tropical, temperate, arid, and cold climates;
Wind patterns, sun exposure, and microclimate creation;
Drought-resistant and flood-tolerant landscaping;
Seasonal color planning and year-round interest;
Climate change resilience in outdoor design.

Module 6: Commercial vs. Residential Projects

Residential landscape design: gardens, courtyards, rooftops;
Commercial applications: retail centers, office complexes, hospitality;
Public spaces: parks, plazas, streetscapes;
Scale considerations and budget management;
Permitting, regulations, and compliance.

Module 7: Technology & Innovation

3D modeling and virtual reality presentations;
Drone technology for site surveys;
Smart irrigation and environmental sensors;
Green roofs and vertical gardens;
Emerging trends in outdoor living technology.

Module 8: Project Management & Client Relations

Client consultation and needs assessment;
Proposal development and presentation skills;
Project scheduling and milestone management
Vendor coordination and quality control;
Post-installation maintenance and customer service.

Benefits and Outcomes

Professional Development

🎨 Portfolio Building

Create a comprehensive portfolio with real client projects, conceptual designs, and before/after transformations.

🏆 Industry Certifications

Opportunity to pursue certifications in landscape design, lighting design, and sustainable practices.

🤝 Networking

Connect with industry professionals, suppliers, contractors, and potential employers.

💼 Job Placement

Up to 85% of interns receive full-time job offers upon successful completion of the program.

Skill Development Outcomes

Technical Mastery: Proficiency in industry-standard design software and construction techniques;
Creative Confidence: Ability to conceptualize and execute innovative outdoor designs;
Business Skills: Understanding of project budgets, timelines, and client management;

Problem-Solving: Capability to address site challenges, climate constraints, and client needs;
Sustainability Expertise: Knowledge of eco-friendly practices and green certification processes.

Types of Internships in Exterior Decor

1. Residential Landscape Design Internship

Focus: Designing private gardens, patios, outdoor kitchens, and entertainment spaces for homeowners.
Key Activities: Client consultations, site measurements, plant selection, hardscape design, and installation supervision.

2. Commercial Landscape Architecture Internship

Focus: Large-scale projects for businesses, municipalities, and institutions.
Key Activities: Master planning, environmental impact studies, public space design, and contractor coordination.

3. Outdoor Lighting Design Internship

Focus: Specialized focus on illuminating outdoor environments for aesthetics and functionality.
Key Activities: Lighting calculations, fixture selection, electrical coordination, and smart lighting integration.

4. Sustainable Landscape Design Internship

Focus: Eco-friendly design practices, native plantings, and water conservation.
Key Activities: Rain garden design, permaculture planning, LEED documentation, and green infrastructure.

5. Hardscape & Construction Internship

Focus: Outdoor structures, patios, retaining walls, and installation techniques.
Key Activities: Material selection, structural planning, hands-on construction, and quality assurance.

6. Garden Design & Horticulture Internship

Focus: Botanical gardens, specialty gardens, and plant-focused designs.
Key Activities: Plant curation, seasonal planting plans, garden maintenance, and horticultural research.

7. Urban Design & Streetscape Internship

Focus: Public parks, plazas, streetscapes, and community green spaces.
Key Activities: Urban planning integration, accessibility design, public engagement, and sustainability.

8. Hospitality & Resort Landscape Internship

Focus: Hotels, resorts, and luxury properties requiring high-end outdoor experiences.
Key Activities: Themed environments, tropical landscapes, pool areas, and guest experience design.

Career Opportunities

Landscape Designer: Create residential and commercial landscape plans, working directly with clients to transform outdoor spaces.
Garden Designer: Specialize in plant-focused designs for private estates, botanical institutions, and specialty gardens.
Principal Designer/Firm Owner: Establish your own landscape design firm and build a client portfolio.
Product Developer: Design outdoor furniture, lighting, or decorative elements for manufacturers.

Outdoor Lighting Specialist: Design and install sophisticated lighting systems for residential, commercial, and public properties.
Hardscape Specialist: Focus on outdoor construction elements including patios, walls, outdoor kitchens, and structures.
Urban Planner: Work with municipalities on large-scale public space design and green infrastructure.
Educator/Consultant: Teach design principles or provide expert consulting services

Landscape Architect: Lead large-scale projects with architectural integration, requiring state licensure and advanced education.
Sustainability Consultant: Advise on eco-friendly design practices, LEED certification, and environmental stewardship.
Resort Design Director: Lead outdoor design for hospitality and luxury properties worldwide.

Leading Companies in Exterior Decor

Vietnam

Saigon Landscape Design
VN Outdoor Solutions

Hanoi Garden Studio
Mekong Landscape Group

Green Viet Landscape
Lotus Garden Design

Urban Garden Vietnam
Tropical Design Studio

Asia-Pacific Region

Sekisui House (Japan)
Tract Consultants (Australia)
Grant Associates (Singapore)

Belt Collins (Singapore)
Urbis (New Zealand)
Shma Company (Thailand)

Cicada Landscape (Thailand)
P Landscape (Malaysia)
Greenology (India)

Sansiri Landscape (Thailand)
ICN Design (Singapore)
Morph Design Company (India)

Europe

SekiLUZ (Germany)
Martha Schwartz Partners (UK)
Salvia Landscape (Spain)

Tom Stuart-Smith Studio (UK)
Piet Oudolf Studio (Netherlands)
Buro Happold (UK)

Gustafson Guthrie Nichol (UK)
Atelier Le Balto (France)
Studio Vulkan (Switzerland)

West 8 (Netherlands)
Gillespies (UK)
MADE Associates (Italy)

North America

OLIN (USA)
PWP Landscape Architecture (USA)

James Corner Field Operations (USA)
Design Workshop (USA)

SWA Group (USA)
Kuma Landscape (Canada)
Sasaki (USA)

Hargreaves Jones (USA)
Janet Rosenberg Studio (Canada)

Middle East

Cracknell (UAE)
Green Palm (Saudi Arabia)

Design Scape (UAE)
Desert Group (UAE)

Milestone Landscape (UAE)
WaterScapes (UAE)

Leading Startups & Innovative Companies

Yardzen (USA – Online Design)
Farmbot (Australia – Automated Gardening)

Edyn (USA – Smart Garden System)
Tilly (USA – Design Platform)

PlantNet (France – Plant Tech)
Horti (USA – Smart Planters)

Eden (UK – Smart Gardens))
Growupp (Singapore – Urban Farming)

Apply for Exterior Decor Internship

Full Name

Date of Birth

Phone Number

Address

Share a 2-3 minute video introducing yourself

Portfolio (Behance/Dribbble/Blog)/ LinkedIn Profile URL

URL Link to your CV

Educational Background

University/Institution

Program/Major

Years Attended

GPA

Honors, Awards & Competition Achievements

Extracurricular Activities

Professional Skills

Describe your knowledge of landscape design principles and any relevant coursework or projects

Share your experience or interest in outdoor lighting design

What is your understanding of outdoor materials (stone, wood, composites, etc.) and their applications?

How do you approach designing for different climates and environmental conditions?

List your proficiency with design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, etc.)

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