UF Landscape Architecture Students Build Connections at the 2026 UF DCP Industry Expo

Students from the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Florida recently attended the UF College of Design, Construction and Planning’s 2026 Industry Expo, where they had the opportunity to connect with professionals and explore internship and job opportunities. The Expo is a two-day, multidisciplinary event held each spring to link industry leaders with students from across the College. 

For MLA1 student McKayla Hedtke, speaking with professionals from different landscape architecture firms allowed her to feel more confident about her path in the field.  

“The DCP Industry Expo truly shifted my perspective,” said Hedtke. “As a first year MLA, I walked in unsure of where I stood and left realizing I’m far more prepared than I thought. Hearing professionals speak honestly about their projects, the challenges, pivots, and daily realities, made the field feel tangible and attainable. What stood out most was learning what makes students memorable: curiosity, initiative, intention, and passion. The event felt genuine rather than transactional, and I left feeling energized and more confident about stepping into the profession.”

  • Four people stand smiling at a conference booth for Community Solutions Group. Two women and two men wear business attire and orange lanyards, with a promotional banner and TV screen behind them in a large indoor venue.
    Donald Wishart (BLA ’89), Andrea Penuela (BLA ’17), Dolshi Patel (BLA’24) and Dr. Jules Bruck
  • Three people stand smiling at an indoor event, with booths and banners behind them. One holds an orange tote bag and folder, another wears a blue top, and the third sports a blazer and glasses.
    Anelda Blanc (BLA3) Sheeba West (MLA ’02), and Johan Bueno (BLA ’14)

This year marked the first Expo for BLA1 student Verona A. Ramirez Di Paolo, who was eager to introduce herself to industry professionals.  

“I had a great time at my first career fair and had the opportunity to connect with a variety of firms and alumni,” said Di Paolo. “The career fair really sets the stage for us to introduce ourselves as students and emerging professionals in the field. Showing up prepared made a drastic difference for me and allowed firms to see the effort and intention put into my work.”

Veronica Cartwright, another BLA1 student, learned many of the firms she spoke to were more interested in her personality and creative thinking skills rather than skills alone. 

“Going into my first career fair, I was surprised how many conversations were centered around my personal motivations and ideas rather than my tangible skills,” said Cartwright. “While possessing those skills is important and necessary, the people I spoke to were looking for candidates that think outside the box, and this experience really showed me that my own creativity is what matters the most.”

Familiar faces were also in attendance, with many alumni now working for the firms connecting with our students. Hayden Bertone (BLA ‘25) recently joined the team at Cotleur & Hearing as a Landscape Designer and gave students insights into internship opportunities and tips on how to navigate the post-graduate journey.

  • A man in a suit talks to attendees at a Cotleur & Hearing booth at a convention center. The booth displays banners with landscape architecture images. People are listening, taking notes, and carrying tote bags.
    Hayden Bertone (BLA ’25) speaking with students at the Cotleur & Hearing booth
  • A man in a blue jacket points to a colorful map on a display board while talking to a woman at an indoor event with other people and booths in the background.
    Kevin White (BLA ’02) showcases a project from England-Thims & Miller (ETM)

Dr. Jules Bruck, Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture, said events like this give students the opportunity to connect one-on-one with industry professionals while refining their career interests and goals. 

“The DCP Industry Expo is a great resource for our students, not only for discovering career opportunities, but also for asking questions and gaining insight into the paths they may want to pursue,” said Dr. Bruck. “It allows them to see the realities of the profession firsthand and make more informed decisions about their future in it.”

Thank you to the firms that took the time to speak with our students:

  • 2GHO
  • Arquitectonica
  • Baker Barrios Architects
  • Catalyst Design Group
  • Chen Moore & Associates
  • CHW Professional Consultants
  • Cotleur & Hearing
  • CPL
  • Dewberry
  • Dix. Hite + Partners
  • EDSA, Inc.
  • England-Thims & Miller, Inc.
  • GAI Consultants, Inc.
  • Haskell
  • Hitchcock Design Group
  • Insite Studio, Inc.
  • Inspire Placemaking Collective
  • KCI Technologies
  • Kimley-Horn
  • LandDesign
  • Miller Legg
  • PGAV Destinations
  • RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture
  • SLAM Collaborative

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