Careers in Architecture

By Willy Franzen

Looking for an entry level job or internship in architecture? This is an overview of how to approach the search and a list of companies that might have relevant entry level and internship opportunities.

Photo Credit: Flickr user Will Scullin

If buildings grab your interest and you ponder over the specifics of their design, you might be prime material for the field of architecture.

One of the clearest job paths in architecture is that of an architect, who designs buildings–both inside and out–for others to build or renovate. An architect has to keep many things in mind while designing a building such as sustainability, accessibility, and the surrounding buildings.

But the road to becoming an architect is a long one. Potential architects must complete a bachelor’s degree in architecture followed by a fifth year of study (or a master’s degree in architecture), then complete a training period before passing a licensing exam.

When you do pass the licensing exam (which varies from state to state), you can practice architecture. Here are a few places you might work:

Preservation society
Design firm
Urban planning
Real estate firm

Since architecture is both an art and a science, courses in art and the sciences are useful, particularly in drawing, photography, computer science, and physics. An understanding of spatial relationships will only help you in developing your skills. Sharpen your computer skills as well, as computer-aided drawing programs are used on a day to day basis.

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Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Architecture

Houzz - Houzz is a Palo Alto, CA based company that offers “a collaborative platform for home remodeling and design."

See the complete Houzz profile

American Conservatory Theater - American Conservatory Theater is a San Francisco based non-profit that aims to "renew, and reinvent the rich theatrical traditions that are our collective legacy."

See the complete American Conservatory Theater profile

Hanley Wood - Washington, DC based Hanley Wood is “the premier media, event, information and strategic marketing services company serving the residential and commercial design and construction industries.”

See the complete Hanley Wood profile

Chicago Architecture Foundation - Chicago Architecture Foundation is a non-profit organization that is “devoted to celebrating and promoting Chicago as a center of architectural innovation.”

See the complete Chicago Architecture Foundation profile

Vedere - Vedere is a New York, NY based company that offers “an online design community and global marketplace unlike any other.”

See the complete Vedere profile

Design Within Reach - Design Within Reach is a Stamford, CT based furniture retailer that makes authentic modern design accessible with stores across the country.

See the complete Design Within Reach profile

General Growth Properties - GGP is a Chicago, IL based real estate trust that owns and operates shopping centers all across the United States.

See the complete General Growth Properties profile

Institute for Transportation and Development Policy - If you're excited by the intersection of transportation and international development, then consider a career with ITDP.

See the complete Institute for Transportation and Development Policy profile

Chicago History Museum - If you find that Chicago history speaks to you, then you’ll want to take a look at the Chicago History Museum’s Jobs page.

See the complete Chicago History Museum profile

Perkins+Will - I’m not much of an architectural critic, but Perkins+Will's projects look great and so do their entry level jobs for recent college grads.

See the complete Perkins+Will profile

Sapphos Environmental - Sapphos Environmental is a Pasadena, CA based environmental consulting company that specializes in planning, resource management, and environmental compliance.

See the complete Sapphos Environmental profile

Populous - Populous' work goes well beyond architecture and design, so I’d imagine that they offer all kinds of jobs; however, right now the options are pretty limited.

See the complete Populous profile

Rockwell Group - Rockwell Group doesn’t list jobs, but they do say “if you are passionate, creative, smart, hardworking, and looking for your next challenge,” you should apply.

See the complete Rockwell Group profile

National Building Museum - If you have a passion for buildings, then a job with National Building Museum will lay the perfect foundation for your career.

See the complete National Building Museum profile

Public Architecture - Public Architecture a very cool non-profit, and certainly one that an architecturally minded new grad might want to work for.

See the complete Public Architecture profile

National Park Service - If you love Memorial Day as much as I do, then a job with the National Park Service might be something worth thinking about.

See the complete National Park Service profile

Starwood - Starwood gets hospitality. They also get entry level recruiting. They make it dead simple for college students and new grads to find jobs with them.

See the complete Starwood profile

Department of Veterans Affairs - Finding jobs with the Federal Government can be tough, but we’ll guide you through the process of finding opportunities with the Department of Veterans\' Affairs

See the complete Department of Veterans Affairs profile

Rumsey Engineers - Rumsey is hiring new engineering graduates for jobs such as Energy Modeler, Energy Analyst, HVAC Design Engineer, and Plumbing Engineer.

See the complete Rumsey Engineers profile

National Trust for Historic Preservation - The National Trust for Historic Preservation, an organization that saves America's historic places, is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

See the complete National Trust for Historic Preservation profile

J.P. Franzen Associates Architects - Franzen Architects is looking to hire an Intern Architect (intern has a different meaning in architecture) who is driven to become a licensed architect.

See the complete J.P. Franzen Associates Architects profile

WET Design - WET Design is the industry leader in creating water-based environments and experiences, and they are looking for top performers to join their team.

See the complete WET Design profile

Check out the latest job and internship postings in architecture.

Careers in Architecture

Companies with Entry Level Jobs and Internships in Architecture

See more companies with entry level jobs and internships in architecture: