JOB PURPOSE: Provide hands-on supervised support to architectural and engineering project teams while gaining real-world experience in design, documentation, and project coordination within a professional, multi-disciplinary A-E firm operating in a federally regulated environment.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of the internship, students will also gain:
- Practical experience applying architectural and engineering concepts to active projects
- Improved proficiency in professional A/E software and documentation standards
- Familiarity with project workflows, construction phases, and interdisciplinary coordination
- Exposure to site conditions, construction practices, and real-world problem-solving in the built environment
- Exposure to professional practice within a federal contractor environment and public-sector project delivery
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with architectural and/or engineering design tasks under the supervision of licensed professional
- Support preparation of architectural and engineering drawings, calculations, and design documents using AutoCAD, Revit, and other A/E software
- Participate in project meetings, design reviews, field measurements, and site walks as appropriate for learning purposes
- Conduct calculations or code reviews and basic research on materials, building codes, and sustainability strategies as assigned and supervised
- Collaborate with senior staff to propose creative, code-compliant solutions and contribute to problem-solving efforts
- Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions on project progress, coordination, and scheduling; prepare meeting minutes and supporting documentation as assigned
- Organize and maintain project files, drafting standards, and documentation required for design reviews and project milestones
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other project team members
- Perform other duties related to project support and learning objectives
Intern responsibilities and learning opportunities may vary based on academic background, interests, and project needs.
Architecture Emphasis May Include:
- Supporting architectural design development from schematic design through construction documents
- Assisting with preparation and coordination of architectural drawings and details
- Exposure to building codes, space planning, and design standards
- Participation in design reviews and interdisciplinary coordination
- Learning documentation standards for public-sector and healthcare facilities
Engineering Emphasis May Include:
- Supporting engineering analysis, calculations, and system layouts under licensed engineers
- Assisting with preparation of engineering drawings, schedules, and technical documentation
- Exposure to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, or civil systems (based on discipline)
- Participation in interdisciplinary coordination and constructability reviews
- Learning engineering documentation standards within regulated project environments
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree program in Architecture, Engineering (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline), or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE: Relevant coursework, studio, academic projects, or internship experience related to architecture or engineering preferred; prior professional experience not required.
LICENSES: None required.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
- Basic understanding of architectural and/or engineering principles
- Familiarity with Revit, AutoCAD, and other A/E software is preferred
- Ability to interact in a professional manner with excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to think analytically, make thoughtful decisions, and contribute to problem-solving efforts
- Strong organization, planning, and time management habits
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment
- Good math skills and ability to analyze numerical data
- Proficient with Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat; PowerPoint preferred
- Knowledgeable of Internet usage
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Constant – Ability to communicate with staff and others over the telephone and in person
Constant – Ability to input data into computer systems, make calculations, complete paperwork, and produce reports
Constant – Ability to read, review, comprehend, and mark/edit documents
Occasional – Ability to travel locally or to project sites as needed for learning purposes
Occasional – Ability to lift, stack, load, and move up to 10 pounds from varied heights
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Indoors: 100% – Office environment; normal noise conditions
Outdoors: Minimal – project sites as needed for learning purposes