Externship Experience: Dillon Tisdale, B.Arch ‘26

“This externship provides real exposure to project workflows, coordination between disciplines and professional office culture in a large-city environment that cannot be replicated in the classroom.”

Dillon Tisdale took his education in the B.Arch program beyond the classroom. He externed with The M Group, an architecture and design firm that helps businesses and organizations plan and create functional buildings and spaces. 

He shared about how that experience took his understanding of the field to the next level. 

1. What drew you to the B.Arch Program?

My interest in architecture began with a curiosity about how the built environment responds to natural conditions and how design can be shaped by ecological systems. Over time, this interest has evolved into a deeper focus on preservation, net-zero design strategies and environmentally conscious approaches to the built environment.

2. How did you get your externship with The M Group?

I received the externship opportunity with The M Group through the Mitch Freedman Student Scholarship program. It supported a spring break experience in Washington, D.C., where I was able to shadow both M Group and The Meridian Group. The opportunity came through the CAPLA job-interview fair, and my interest in gaining real-world exposure to architecture and development.

3. At the externship, what did you work on? 

During my time at The M Group, I shadowed team members across different disciplines and observed how projects move through design, coordination and execution. I also attended internal meetings, including a commercial interiors material review, and observed project coordination and quality control processes. My time at The Meridian Group further strengthened this experience by giving me direct exposure to the development side of the industry and a clearer understanding of how design decisions connect to broader project goals and feasibility.

One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was time spent with Mitch Freedman, who shared his perspective on architecture, craftsmanship and creative work, including woodworking and photography. His attention to detail and thoughtful approach to woodworking had a strong impact on how I view the profession.

4. How did that experience enhance your education and prepare you for your career? How did it change your perspective on the field?

This externship expanded my understanding of how architecture and development work together in a professional setting. At The M Group and through exposure to The Meridian Group, I saw how coordination between teams directly shapes project outcomes.

It also helped me understand how design intent translates into execution, where decisions are structured, fast-paced and highly collaborative. Overall, it gave me a clearer view of how projects actually move from concept to completion in a real-world setting. 

5. Would you recommend the externship to other students? Why? 

Yes, I would strongly recommend the externship. It provides real exposure to project workflows, coordination between disciplines and professional office culture in a large-city environment that cannot be replicated in the classroom.

Experiencing the field in the DMV area also gave me a better understanding of the pace and expectations of practice in a competitive market. It was a valuable step in preparing me for future professional opportunities in the region.

6. Have there been any courses you have especially enjoyed or faculty you have especially enjoyed working with at CAPLA? What made them so impactful? 

One course I especially enjoyed was ARC 498 “Capstone Studio – Tectonic Inquiry.” It focused on research-driven design and how architecture develops through the relationship between concept, materials, systems and form.

What made it impactful was our professor, Jesús Robles, and his emphasis on process through research. It pushed me to develop design ideas in ways that would not have been possible without justification grounded in research, connecting conceptual design with environmental logic in a more rigorous and meaningful way.

7. What did you learn from being a CAPLA student ambassador? What was the experience like?  

Being a CAPLA Student Ambassador has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience at the University of Arizona. It gave me the opportunity to represent the school while leading tours and speaking with prospective students, families, alumni and faculty.

The experience helped me better understand how to communicate my own journey while also representing the broader CAPLA community. It strengthened my communication skills and made me feel more connected to the school and its culture.

7. Have you been involved in any other extracurricular activities? If so, tell me about them! 

I am a 5th Year Representative for the Architecture Student Advisory Committee (ASAC), where I help advocate for student feedback and contribute to improving the CAPLA experience. 

In addition, I currently serve as a Teaching Assistant for ARC 322, supporting students with code compliance and technical development in the studio. These roles have strengthened my leadership, communication and technical skills.

9. What are your plans/goals for your career? 

My plan after graduation is to work in Washington, D.C. as a project manager in the architecture and development field, where I can gain hands-on experience coordinating design, construction and client relationships.

My long-term goal is to grow as an individual within a professional environment that fosters technical development, innovation and creative expression through the built environment. I aim to engage in work that allows me to integrate these aspects, shaping spaces that are both thoughtful and responsive to the needs of their context and users.