Recent graduates bring fresh perspectives and technical expertise to growing firm
Beard + Riser Architects, a Mississippi firm specializing in residential, commercial, and institutional design, announced the addition of two full-time architectural interns to its Oxford office team. The firm has hired Alexa Castillo and Makenzie Stock, both recent graduates who bring exceptional academic credentials and diverse experience to the 18-year-old practice. The firm also welcomed summer student interns Aaron Richard and Mary Claire Martin.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Alexa and Kenzie to our team,” said Dale Riser, AIA, CSI, Principal Architect at Beard + Riser Architects. “Their combined talents in design innovation, technical proficiency, and collaborative thinking perfectly align with our firm’s commitment to creating meaningful architecture that serves our communities.”
John Beard, Principal and co-founder of the firm, emphasized the significance of this expansion: “Great architecture comes from great people. Alexa and Kenzie represent exactly the kind of fresh thinking and diverse technical excellence that suits our firm.”
New Team Members Bring Diverse Strengths
Alexa Castillo joins the firm as a recent graduate from the University of Tennessee’s accredited Bachelor of Architecture program, where she gained international design experience through programs in Poland and South Korea. Her technical expertise includes proficiency in industry-standard software including Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, and Adobe Creative Suite. Castillo brings four years of hands-on experience as a Woodshop Assistant and served as a teaching assistant for architecture history courses. She is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Makenzie Stock brings a strong foundation in both architecture and landscape architecture, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a Minor in Landscape Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. A Dean’s List student, Stock gained valuable international experience through study abroad programs in Florence, Italy. Her multidisciplinary background includes real-world collaborative experience through the Peace Park Pavilion project and NCAA varsity track and field athletics. She is a native of Dexter, Michigan.
Supporting Professional Development
Both interns will participate in comprehensive professional development programs, including support for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and continuing education opportunities. They will work directly with senior staff on diverse projects while receiving mentorship toward architectural licensure.
“We invest in our team members’ long-term success as a matter of practice,” explained Riser. “Both Alexa and Kenzie will have immediate opportunities to contribute to our expanding portfolio while receiving the guidance needed to advance their careers.”
Summer Internship Program
The firm has also expanded its summer internship program, welcoming Aaron Richard and Mary Claire Martin, who returned for a second consecutive summer.
Aaron Richard, a Princeton University architecture student (expected graduation May 2026) with minors in Architectural Engineering and Urban Studies, brought valuable experience from his work with the City of Birmingham Office of Zoning, Planning, and Engineering. His technical skills in GIS software, AutoCAD, and Revit, combined with his leadership roles in student organizations, contributed significantly to the firm’s projects during his internship. Aaron is a native of Gadsden, Alabama and a defensive end for the Princeton Tigers football team.
Mary Claire Martin, a native of Cleveland, Mississippi, completed her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Mississippi State University (3.9 GPA) in 2024 and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Mississippi State University. Her knowledge in interior design, combined with her training in historic preservation, has been particularly valuable for the firm’s work. Mary Claire’s proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite complements the firm’s design capabilities.
“Aaron and Mary Claire have brought unique perspectives from their academic programs at Princeton and Mississippi State,” said Riser. “Their diverse skill sets in urban planning, historic preservation, and interior design have enriched our project work this summer.”
Firm Growth and Expansion
The addition of Castillo and Stock brings Beard + Riser Architects’ total team to seven full-time team members, reflecting the firm’s steady growth and expanding project portfolio. The Oxford office has been instrumental in serving the region’s architectural needs, with projects ranging from custom residential designs to commercial, religious, and institutional work.
About Beard + Riser Architects PLLC
Founded in 2006, Beard + Riser Architects PLLC is a full-service architecture, interior design, and planning firm with offices in Oxford and Greenwood, Mississippi, serving clients throughout a multi-state region. The firm specializes in residential, commercial, religious, and institutional architecture, with a commitment to sustainable design practices, historic preservation, and community-centered solutions. Led by Principals John Beard and Dale Riser, the firm has built a reputation for thoughtful design that responds to client needs, local culture, and environmental context.
For more information about Beard + Riser Architects, visit www.beardriser.com or contact the firm at 662.455.2581.
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