15 Architecture Internships for Undergraduates
Internships offer undergraduates exposure to professional workflows, industry-standard tools, and collaborative environments that go beyond coursework. For undergraduates studying architecture, an internship is a great way to gain experience and start building a portfolio of work. Whether you’re interested in design development, drafting, research, or project coordination, internships can help you build practical skills. They help you understand professional expectations and form relationships with architects and designers. These experiences signal initiative and relevant skills to employers, making architecture internships a strong addition to your resume.
Why should I do an architecture internship in college?
Completing an architecture internship during college can significantly strengthen both your academic foundation and career prospects. These experiences allow you to apply studio learning to projects, gain familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, or SketchUp, and understand how architects collaborate with engineers, clients, and contractors. Internships also help you build a professional portfolio, something employers prioritize when hiring entry-level designers. Internships also connect you with mentors who can offer career guidance, referrals, and recommendation letters.
To help you identify the most impactful opportunities, we’ve curated this list of the 15 best architecture internships for undergraduates based on prestige, the rigor of professional experience, and the quality of mentorship.
1. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohort
Dates: 8 weeks (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (rolling)
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students
The Ladder University Internship Program offers selective virtual internships that match undergraduates with startups or NGOs across industries such as architecture-adjacent design, sustainability, tech, and social impact. Interns work on real-world projects that contribute directly to organizational goals, producing tangible outcomes for their resume or portfolio. Each participant is supervised by an on-site manager and paired with a dedicated Ladder Coach for weekly one-on-one mentorship. The program emphasizes professional accountability, independent problem-solving, and project ownership. With its remote format, Ladder provides accessible, flexible, and affordable exposure to professional environments. This program is especially valuable for students seeking structured guidance alongside practical experience. Apply now!
2. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) – Architecture Internship
Location: Multiple global offices (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Seasonal (Summer/Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate architecture students
SOM’s Architecture Internship offers undergraduates the opportunity to work at one of the world’s most prestigious architecture firms. You will contribute to projects spanning large-scale commercial, cultural, and civic architecture while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Responsibilities often include design development, research, drafting, and visualization work. Interns gain exposure to sustainable engineering practices and global design standards. The program emphasizes mentorship, studio culture, and collaboration across offices. This internship is ideal for students seeking rigorous professional training at a globally recognized firm.
3. Gensler Architecture Internship
Location: Multiple global offices
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; large global cohort
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by office
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate architecture students
Gensler’s Architecture Internship Program offers hands-on experience at one of the world’s largest and most influential design firms. You will work with design teams on projects, supporting tasks such as drafting, modeling, research, and client presentations. The program emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and exposure to diverse project types across sectors. Interns also gain insight into firm culture and professional expectations. Gensler’s large global network provides strong mentorship and networking opportunities. This internship is ideal for students seeking practical, portfolio-building experience.
4. Gensler Summer Fellowship
Location: Multiple offices
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Early June – Early August
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates
The Gensler Summer Fellowship is a research-focused program for students interested in data-driven and forward-thinking design solutions. Fellows work full-time on research initiatives addressing global challenges related to cities, sustainability, and the built environment. Participants collaborate with subject matter experts and practice leaders across the firm. The program emphasizes thought leadership, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning. Fellows also build strong professional networks across global offices. This fellowship is well-suited for students considering research, urban design, or design strategy careers.
5. HGA Architecture Internship
Location: Multiple U.S. offices
Cost/Stipend: Paid (relocation stipend available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 10–12 weeks (Summer)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate architecture students
HGA’s Architecture Internship offers hands-on experience in an integrated architecture and engineering environment. You will collaborate across disciplines, contribute to projects, and participate in site visits and community-focused initiatives. Students gain exposure to sustainable design practices and cutting-edge technologies. The program emphasizes firm culture, teamwork, and professional growth. Interns work closely with experienced professionals in a supportive environment. HGA is a strong option for students seeking meaningful, multidisciplinary design experience.
6. Perkins&Will Architecture Internship
Location: Global studios
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Undergraduate architecture students
Perkins&Will’s Architecture Internship provides you with exposure to sustainability-driven and socially responsible design. You will contribute to real projects while working alongside multidisciplinary teams. The firm places a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community impact. Interns also benefit from mentorship programs and internal learning initiatives. Networking across global studios is a key component of the experience. This program is ideal for students interested in mission-driven architecture and global practice.
7. Olson Kundig – International Internship Program
Location: Seattle, New York, Chicago
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very selective
Dates: 6 months
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and recent graduates
Olson Kundig’s International Internship Program offers immersive professional training through active participation in projects. You will work on schematic design, drafting, model-making, and construction documents while attending critiques and site visits. The program includes weekly lectures and professional development sessions. Interns complete a final presentation sharing their work and learning outcomes. Many participants go on to pursue leadership roles in architecture firms worldwide. This program is ideal for students seeking deep, studio-based learning.
8. Architect of the Capitol – Architecture Aide Internship
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 12 weeks (Summer)
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
The Architect of the Capitol Internship offers students the chance to work on historic and nationally significant buildings. You will support architectural maintenance, preservation, and design efforts across the Capitol campus. Participants gain exposure to federal careers, public architecture, and heritage conservation. The program includes tours, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Interns work alongside experienced professionals in a structured environment. This program is ideal for students interested in civic architecture and public service.
9. SmithGroup Architecture Internship
Location: Multiple U.S. offices
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Undergraduate architecture students (minimum two years completed)
SmithGroup’s Architecture Internship offers you experience across architecture, engineering, and urban design. Interns work on real projects, collaborate with clients, and support design teams. The program emphasizes curiosity, innovation, and professional development. Interns gain exposure to inclusive design practices and large-scale projects. SmithGroup’s interdisciplinary structure provides broad industry insight. This internship is ideal for students preparing for professional practice.
10. Kushner Studios – Architecture Internship
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($2,000–$2,500)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort
Dates: 12–15 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate architecture students and recent graduates
Kushner Studios’ Architecture Internship offers experience in a fast-paced design-build environment. You will support residential, commercial, and hospitality projects under close supervision. Responsibilities include drafting, modeling, and assisting project managers. The program emphasizes applying academic skills to real deadlines and workflows. Interns gain exposure to client-facing projects and firm operations. This opportunity is ideal for students seeking hands-on studio experience.
11. Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) – Visualization Internship
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $25/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Mid-July to Mid-September
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
KPF’s Visualization Internship focuses on architectural rendering and visual storytelling. Interns work with advanced rendering software and AI-based visualization tools. Participants collaborate with design teams to produce high-quality visuals for real projects. The program emphasizes technical skill development and creative communication. Interns gain exposure to global projects and firm workflows. This internship is ideal for students interested in architectural visualization and digital design.
12. Woolpert, Inc. – Architecture Internship
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Cost/Stipend: $21–$25/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: January–May
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate architecture students (junior standing preferred)
Woolpert’s Architecture Internship offers experience within a multidisciplinary design and consulting firm. You will support architectural drawings, renderings, and construction documentation. Participants collaborate with engineering and geospatial professionals on real-world projects. The program emphasizes teamwork, technical skill development, and community impact. Interns gain exposure to full-service design processes. This internship suits students interested in collaborative, applied design environments.
13. MIT – Practical Experience in Architecture
Location: Global (via MIT MISTI partnerships)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (MIT-funded)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer (6+ weeks) or January IAP
Application Deadline: April 21 (Summer), December 15 (IAP)
Eligibility: MIT architecture undergraduates
MIT’s Practical Experience in Architecture Program allows students to gain professional experience through global placements. You can work in architecture, planning, or design offices worldwide through MISTI partnerships. Past projects include urban research, architectural design, and interdisciplinary work. Students receive stipends and academic credit support. The program emphasizes reflection and professional development. This opportunity is ideal for MIT students seeking international exposure and applied learning.
14. National Park Service – Architectural Historian Internship
Location: Washington, DC
Stipend: $8,000–$12,000
Duration: 12 weeks (Late May or Early June start)
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have completed at least three years of an accredited college program
The National Park Service Architectural Historian Internship is a full-time, paid summer opportunity offered through the Heritage Documentation Programs (HDP). Designed for students interested in architectural history, preservation, and cultural heritage, this internship provides exposure to professional research and documentation practices. During the program, interns work 40 hours per week assisting HDP historians with a range of responsibilities, including fieldwork, site analysis, historical research, and report writing. Interns may collaborate closely with architects and historians or work independently on assigned projects, gaining insight into federal preservation standards and methodologies. One of the program’s most distinctive features is its lasting impact—interns’ final documentation is formally archived in the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), or Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) collections at the Library of Congress. This makes the internship a prestigious and résumé-strengthening experience for students considering careers in architecture, historic preservation, or architectural history.
15. SOM Winter Shadowship
Location: Chicago, Dubai, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (students cover travel and lodging)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: January 12–16
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students in architecture or related fields
SOM’s Winter Shadowship is a week-long immersive experience designed for students interested in architecture, engineering, and urban design. You will attend lectures, studio sessions, and professional events across multiple global SOM offices. Students gain insight into firm culture, interdisciplinary collaboration, and large-scale project workflows. The program emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion within the AEC industry. Shadowship participants interact directly with professionals from different departments and cities. This experience is especially valuable for students exploring top-tier architectural careers early on.
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