Design Exploration Internship – Summer 2026

Job Description

Job Title: Design Exploration Internship – Summer 2026

Company Overview:
RIOS is an international, interdisciplinary design collective actively in pursuit of wonder within the design of the built environment. We believe design is an act of optimism, through which invention and ideas change the world. Known for our contextual, bold solutions, RIOS is mindful of the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to deliver inclusive, resilient, and original design solutions. Our design process begins with attuning conceptual thinking, where site, program, and context define a holistically informed big idea, exploring ecology, material, and tectonic expression to develop form, confirm function, and define experience.

Program Overview:
RIOS is seeking individuals interested in learning more about pathways in a design career for our summer 2026 Design Exploration internship. This program is specifically designed to allow interns to “explore” all the realms of design our office has to offer, equipping them to make informed decisions about their future passions and ambitions.

Ideal Candidates:
Ideal candidates have a passionate interest in learning more about a career in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, or experiential design. We welcome recent high school graduates, community college or trade school students, or those currently working in another profession interested in a career change. We seek highly motivated individuals who are passionate about design and would enjoy participating in our lively office culture.

Program Details:

• Duration: This is a full-time program running from June 1, 2026 through August 7, 2026. You must be available for the entire duration of the program.
• Compensation: This is a paid internship at a rate of $23 per hour.

How RIOS Will Provide Support:

• A unique curriculum developed to provide exposure to architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, and experiential design.
• Social events, site visits, tours, and research projects specifically developed for our office-wide interns.
• Access to educational resources, software training, and our materials library.
• Dedicated in-office workstation.
• One-on-one mentorship meetings with office professionals and a dedicated office buddy to help you accustomed to working in our office.

Requirements:
The ideal candidate possesses the following:

• Passion for creativity and proven commitment to curiosity.
• Desire to be a “sponge” and soak up as many experiences as possible relating to work in architecture/related fields.
• A high degree of self-motivation, able to take initiative and go above and beyond tasks given.
• Ability to work and coordinate with a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

How To Apply:

• Submit an online application at www.rios.com/careers/.
• Include a resume of previous work experience.
• Submit a PDF portfolio of any design, art, or creative work you want to include.
• If you do not have a portfolio of such work, please submit a 1-page personal statement describing your background and interest in exploring design at RIOS.
• Your application will not be considered without either a portfolio or a personal statement.

Important Application Note:
*If you are currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program, the Design Exploration Internship is not for you. Please apply for our general 2026 Internship position – applications submitted here will not be considered for the general 2026 Internship position.*