"New York: City Designed" (NYCD) is a year-long program launched in 2024 at The Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York (CUNY). The year consists of an overview seminar in the fall, a place-based workshop in the spring, and cohort-based internships in the summer.
Co-managed by the Design Trust for Public Space, New York: City Designed immerses students in NYC's urban planning and architectural practice through experiential learning, workshops, internships, and site visits.
Seeking to bring a wide diversity of student groups into conversations of city-making, the program includes an overview seminar in the fall, a place-based workshop in the spring, and cohort-based internships in the summer. Throughout the year, students gain tools for urban design analysis and critique that will prepare them for careers in the planning, design, and preservation fields.
All nine student-interns participating in the program this summer bring a unique set of interests, skill, perspective, and a shared passion for urban design and planning. Meet the cohort and learn about their internship placements across city agencies, non-profits, and private-sector design and architecture firms:
Daniel Berlinsky: TenBerke Architects
City College/Spitzer School of Architecture, Class of 2026
Major in Architecture
“As an architecture student, I’m excited to be a part of TenBerke’s team and collaborate with designers on residential, commercial, and institutional projects. I hope to strengthen my skills and gain professional experience in the field. I’m also excited to participate in events and site visits with Design Trust.”
Kyle Gutierrez: NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Hunter College, Class of 2026
Major in Urban Studies and Psychology
"I'm really excited to learn about the process of designing public spaces. Working with the people who have shaped our parks is a great way to spend the summer!"
Meher Kapoor: NYC Department of City Planning
City College/Spitzer School of Architecture, Class of 2028
Major in Architecture
"This summer, I hope to gain invaluable experiences and relationships with my coworkers and peers. I'm excited to learn more about New York City and apply it to my education and work experience further down the line!"
Erika Mondragon: Trust for Public Land
Queens College, Class of 2027
Major in Environmental Science
“From my internship this summer, I hope to gain a better understanding of how urban greenspace projects can address climate and equity challenges throughout neighborhoods.”
Manya Sabu: Jamestown LP
Baruch College, Class of 2027
Major in Economics, Minor in Data Analytics
“Through this internship, I hope to deepen my experience in the real estate investment and development sector while broadening my knowledge of New York City. I'm excited to connect with new people, better understand the city we call home, and contribute meaningfully to positive change in our community.”
Giuliana Tepedino: Design Trust for Public Space
Hunter College, Class of 2025
Major in English
“I’m thrilled to be working with Design Trust this summer. The design world is a new environment for me and I have no doubt that I will learn very much from the team. The opportunity to work with passionate people on work that is important and impactful for our communities means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Adriana Wu: Historic House Trust of NYC
Baruch College, Class of 2027
Major in Finance
“I hope to learn more about how different nonprofits are run. I hope to better my ability to work as a team and improve my communication abilities.”
Tammy Zhao: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Brooklyn College, Class of 2027
Major in Health and Nutrition Sciences, Minor in Public Health
“I hope to see the process of Active Design implementation from data collection to data analysis to impact evaluation. As a public health student, I'm excited to participate in a project aimed at improving community well-being. I also look forward to developing practical skills in urban planning and health-focused design.”
Matthew Zhou: NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
City College/Spitzer School of Architecture, Class of 2028
Major in Architecture
"From this internship, I hope to diversify my professional experience with fields adjacent to architecture. Initially when I applied to architecture school, I assumed I would be led down a path towards working at a firm that deals with small residential projects. However, throughout my studies, I realized that there are so many more facets to architecture and urban design. As such, I am hopeful that my work with the 2025 City Design Internship Program and NYC Landmark Preservation Commission would broaden and engage my understanding of various paths I can take towards the future."
This project is sponsored by the Macaulay Honors College Foundation, the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, and the ABNY Foundation.