The Raleigh-based engineering and design firm earned the distinction following a competitive selection process involving hundreds of nominees. Evaluators assessed companies on professional development, compensation, and the quality of intern engagement. For Kimley-Horn, the program serves as a primary pipeline for long-term recruitment, offering participants hands-on involvement in landscape architecture, design analysis, and technical engineering work.

Sara Ishak, a landscape architecture intern, noted that her experience included direct contributions to pool deck designs and parking expansions, emphasizing the shift from theoretical study to collaborative, real-world application. Chief Operating Officer Aaron Nathan stated that the firm prioritizes mentorship to ensure that interns move beyond observation to make tangible impacts on community projects. By maintaining a culture that emphasizes both client service and internal growth, Kimley-Horn continues to leverage its internship initiative as a cornerstone of its 11,000-employee workforce strategy.