Design Intern

Job Description

Design Intern | HDR

The Tone:
This is a temporary, full-time internship at HDR, located in Chicago, IL. HDR is an employee-owned company deeply engaged in creating a welcoming environment where individuals are valued and respected, encouraged to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work daily. The company’s architecture practice focuses on designing buildings, spaces, and experiences that provide solutions to societal challenges and create stronger, more vibrant communities globally. This internship offers the chance to contribute to the design and delivery of various projects, from healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks, directly influencing how individuals experience the world around them. Your work will support a culture of inclusion and make a lasting impact on the built environment.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full-time, Temporary
• Location: In-person, Chicago, IL
• Pay: $25–$30 hourly
• Team: Under the direct supervision of an Architect, Project Manager, or other professionals.
• Mission: To contribute to the architectural design process and project delivery, helping to provide solutions to societal challenges and create stronger, more vibrant communities.
• Tech Stack: Software packages related to field of study/industry (preferred), Basic Microsoft Office skills.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Gain Project Experience: Offer real-world experience by working on exciting architectural projects within HDR’s practice.
• Engage in Mentorship: Connect with recent college graduates and company leaders through structured mentoring and young professionals programs, fostering professional growth and networking.
• Develop Design Solutions: Participate actively in the architectural design process, which includes developing alternative design solutions and preparing presentation graphics to communicate concepts to clients or for agency approval.
• Facilitate Design Completion: Follow through on design development drawings and models, collaborating closely with production staff to integrate technical details and ensure the completion of construction drawings.
• Receive Professional Guidance: Perform various assignments under the direct supervision and guidance of an Architect, Project Manager, or other experienced professionals within the team.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, demonstrating a foundational commitment to your field of study relevant to design or architecture.
• Experience: No specific prior work experience is required; however, candidates who have completed at least two years toward their degree are preferred.
• Skills: Possess a keen attention to detail, strong problem-solving capabilities, and effective communication skills to articulate ideas and collaborate effectively. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is also required. A commitment to being an active participant in the company’s employee-owned culture is essential.
• Bonus: Preferred qualifications include having completed two years toward a degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrated knowledge of software packages relevant to the field of study or industry.