15 Architecture Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
Architecture is a field where ideas on paper are tested by how buildings are actually designed and built. For undergraduates, an internship is one of the most direct ways to see how classroom concepts connect with real projects. Through these programs, you may assist with drafting, space planning, 3D modeling, or even client presentations, depending on the firm.
Internships also show you the full workflow of a project, from early sketches to final construction documents, and give you the chance to learn how architects collaborate with engineers, designers, and clients. They help you build a portfolio that reflects professional work, which can make a difference when applying to graduate school or full-time roles.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 architecture internships for undergraduates! If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Architecture Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Virtual.
Dates: The program runs for 8 weeks in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort.
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students are eligible to apply.
Ladder Internships offers highly selective virtual internships for undergraduates where you’re matched with a global startup or NGO in fields like tech, healthtech, journalism, fashion, or environmental science. You’ll work on real projects, contribute to company goals, and produce tangible output for your resume or portfolio. You’ll be supervised by a manager at the organization and receive one-on-one mentorship from a Ladder Coach to help you meet your objectives.
Location: Various HGA offices across the U.S.
Cost: Free. HGA provides a relocation stipend for interns moving from out of state.
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by office and are listed in HGA’s internship guides.
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students are eligible to apply
HGA is a national design firm with more than 1,000 architects, engineers, interior designers, and researchers. In this internship, you’ll join interdisciplinary teams and take part in real design projects using tools like Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling software. You’ll work on tasks such as space planning, interior detailing, climate risk assessments, and preparing presentation materials. The program also includes project site visits, community events, and collaboration with staff across HGA’s 12 offices. Mentorship comes directly from firm leaders, and if you’re relocating from another state, a stipend will support your move.
Location: SOM studios in Chicago, Dubai, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: January 13 - 17
Application Deadline: November 3
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students in architecture, engineering, or design-related fields are eligible
The SOM Winter Shadowship Program is a one-week, in-person internship for undergraduate and graduate students in architecture, engineering, urban planning, graphic design, or interior design. You’ll gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and career guidance from professionals across SOM’s studios in cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., London, and Dubai. You’ll attend lectures, discussions, and events with experts from different departments and disciplines.
Location: Various office locations across the United States.
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 20 students
Dates: June 3 - August 1
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: College students entering their final year of an undergraduate degree program are eligible to apply
The Gensler Summer Fellowship is a full-time, paid program for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates in architecture, interior design, urban design, and related fields. You’ll work on real projects and research focused on the future of cities. You’ll work with peers, learn from global experts, and work closely with practice leaders. You’ll build skills in design strategy, user research, space programming, and data-driven design.
Location: Olson Kundig, Seattle, WA
Stipend: $25.75 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 9-10 interns throughout the year
Dates: 6 months
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students are eligible to apply
The Olson Kundig Architecture Internship is a six-month paid program for architecture students and recent graduates worldwide. You’ll support project teams and gain experience in schematic design, AutoCAD, Revit, model making, construction documents, and presentation work. You’ll attend weekly design critiques, construction site visits, and a lunchtime lecture series on architectural topics. You’ll also join an in-office speaker series and present your work to the office at the end of the internship.
Location: Gensler, San Diego, CA
Stipend: $24 per hour
Dates: September 17 - October 8
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: College students currently enrolled at Southwestern College working towards a degree in Architecture or Interior Design are eligible to apply. Experience using Revit and Rhino/Sketchup is required; AutoCAD and other 3D modeling software is a plus.
Southwestern College Architecture Externship at Gensler San Diego is a part-time, paid program for architecture students. You’ll join design teams in a studio setting and contribute to projects across different industries. You’ll participate in design charrettes, build physical and presentation models, and use hand rendering to share ideas. You’ll also attend lectures, project tours, vendor presentations, and mentorship sessions with architects, designers, and managers.
Location: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, NewYork, NY
Stipend: $25 per hour
Dates: Mid-July - Mid-September
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students are eligible to apply
Kohn Pedersen Fox Visualization Internship – New York City is a paid, full-time opportunity from mid-July to mid-September for students or recent graduates in architecture, visualization, or related fields. You’ll work with project teams to create high-quality renderings and visuals using D5 Render, Enscape, and AI tools like Midjourney, Runway, and ComfyUI. You’ll work with designers to improve visual storytelling and apply your skills to real design and construction documents. You’ll also receive benefits including health insurance, paid time off, 401(k) matching, and support for the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE).
Location: Architect of the Capitol, Washington, DC
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November - January
Eligibility: Open to current students enrolled in high school, college, trade school, or other qualifying institutions
The Architect of the Capitol Summer Internship – Washington, D.C. is a paid, 12-week program for current students enrolled in college, trade school, or other qualifying institutions. You’ll gain hands-on experience on the Capitol campus while exploring a federal career. You will support the preservation of historic buildings, monuments, artwork, and gardens that serve Congress and the Supreme Court. You’ll learn from experienced professionals, take part in tours, and network with fellow interns across roles like architecture, engineering, law, horticulture, and communications.
Location: Woolpert, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: $21–$25/hour
Dates: January - May
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students pursuing an Architecture degree, preferably with at least junior status, are eligible to apply.
Woolpert Architecture Internship is a paid, part-time opportunity (20–40 hours/week) for current undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in architecture or a related field. You’ll work with Woolpert’s architecture team alongside engineering and geospatial professionals to deliver full-service design and consulting. Your tasks may include producing architectural drawings, renderings, and construction documents, organizing submittals, and preparing digital or physical material boards. You’ll gain hands-on experience on real projects that impact local communities, while developing your skills in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
Location: Kushner Studios, New York, NY
Stipend: Full Time: $2,500 | Part Time: $2,000
Dates: The internship typically runs for 12 to 15 weeks, starting September 3
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited architectural university program are eligible to apply. Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit, knowledge of Vectorworks/Macs is a plus.
Kushner Studios Architecture Internship is a paid program for current undergraduates in architecture or interior design, or recent graduates with limited or no prior professional experience. You’ll work in a fast-paced design-build environment, supporting project managers on residential, commercial, hospitality, and institutional projects. Tasks vary and may involve critical deadlines. You’ll apply academic knowledge to real-world design work under direct supervision. You must specify in your email subject line whether you're applying for a full-time or part-time role.
Location: Hingham, MA or Simsbury, CT
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 2 interns
Dates: The internship program runs in the Fall
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students pursuing a degree in Architecture or a related program are eligible to apply. Basic understanding of AutoCAD or Revit is preferred.
Colliers Engineering & Design Architecture Internship is a paid opportunity for current undergraduate or graduate students in architecture or related fields. You can apply to work in either the Hingham, MA, or Simsbury, CT office. You’ll assist technical staff on daily projects, use Revit under the guidance of architects, observe project sites, prepare reports, and support LEED certification tasks. You’ll also contribute to design work, engineering coordination, code analysis, materials research, specification writing, and construction documents.
Location: SmithGroup offices, including Boston, Detroit, Washington, DC, and others
Stipend: $1,000 scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 8 students
Dates: The internship program typically runs in the summer
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: Penn State students currently enrolled in their 3rd or 4th year of the undergraduate Architectural Engineering program are eligible to apply
SmithGroup runs a scholarship and internship program for Penn State students in their third or fourth year of the undergraduate Architectural Engineering program. You can apply if you specialize in mechanical, electrical, lighting, or structural systems within architecture. During the internship, you work on real architectural engineering projects where design and technical systems come together. You get to apply what you learn in class to practical building projects, from lighting design to structural planning.
Location: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
Stipend: $6,000
Dates: The internship runs for 10 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: College students currently enrolled in a landscape architecture program or recently graduated from one are eligible to apply. Proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) is required.
The Smithsonian Institution Landscape Architecture Internship is a paid opportunity for current students or recent graduates in landscape architecture. You’ll work with Smithsonian Gardens’ Landscape Architects on projects ranging from master planning to garden exhibits and planting design. You’ll participate in all phases of planning, design, and construction, reviewing documents, conducting site visits, preparing illustrative and planting plans, researching products, observing construction, and attending meetings with architects, engineers, and museum staff.
Location: Washington, DC
Stipend: $8,000 - $12,000
Dates: The internship typically lasts 12 weeks and will begin in late May or early June
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Undergraduate college students who have completed three years of an accredited program are eligible to apply
National Park Service Architectural Historian Internship is a full-time, paid summer program offered through the Heritage Documentation Programs (HDP). You’ll work 40 hours per week from late May or early June for 12 weeks, assisting HDP historians with fieldwork, site analysis, research, and historical report writing. You may work with architects or work independently, and your final documentation will be archived in the HABS/HAER/HALS Collection at the Library of Congress.
Location: Various locations worldwide through MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) partnerships in Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Spain.
Stipend: Paid positions with stipends provided by MIT
Dates: Summer (minimum 6 weeks) and January IAP (minimum 4 weeks)
Application Deadline: April 21 for Summer; December 15 for IAP
Eligibility: MIT Course 4 (Architecture) undergraduates are eligible to apply. Students must secure an offer from a company or organization and complete the Department of Architecture application signed by their advisor.
The MIT Practical Experience in Architecture Program offers summer and January IAP internships for undergraduate architecture students to gain hands-on experience in professional settings worldwide. You’ll work in architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, digital design, visual art, or planning offices through MIT’s global MISTI partnerships. Past students have worked on projects like urbanism research in Switzerland and architectural design in Paris. After the internship, you’ll submit an evaluation form documenting your experience and learning outcomes.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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