As changing global markets continue to drive regional shifts in manufacturing and distribution, cities built around large-scale logistics infrastructure are finding new ways to reconfigure their industrial landscapes. Bolstered by the promise of increased federal spending for infrastructure adaptation projects in the US, these cities are beginning to reimagine their ports as opportunities for new forms of urban development. The Port of Los Angeles, which stretches for more than 40 miles along the Pacific Coast, is the busiest container port in North America. While the port serves as a major center of economic vitality for the region, the continued operations and location of the Port places undue burden on the quality of life for adjacent communities.

For the past 50 years, SWA’s summer student program has gathered emerging designers to explore critical contemporary design questions. Many participants have become leaders within the firm and the discipline.

We invite full-time upper level undergraduate and graduate students in planning, urban design, architecture and landscape architecture to apply. Applicants must be returning to their academic program in the 2023 school year (graduated students ineligible). Selected applicants will participate in a four-week design and research studio in our Los Angeles office followed by four weeks interning in one of SWA’s eight office locations. The Summer Student Program includes a stipend and housing.

The program will be hosted fully in-person and will include site visits, lectures, discussions, and critiques. We will follow all COVID-19 health and safety protocols required by relevant health authorities during the program dates; we are closely monitoring changing conditions and will adjust our protocols as necessary. All SWA employees are fully vaccinated and proof of vaccination will be required for selected program participants.