What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Internship - Architecture - Summer 2026 - Chicago position at Gensler?
Gensler recognizes that architectureand designare on the edge of a revolution.New graduates and interns are entering the field at the most exciting moment in a generation. Artificial intelligence is not just another tool-it is transforming how ideas are imagined, tested, and brought to life in the built environment. For a profession that has always thrived at the intersection of art, science, technology,and sustainability,this shift invites a new kind of designer: one who is curious, bold, and eager to explore what architectureand designcanimpactand become societal shifts.
We do not claim to have all the answers, and that is exactly the point. The future of design will not be written by experts working in isolation, but by teams of imaginative people who learn, experiment, and even fail together aswechartnew territory.
Along with your weekly projectwork,you will join a studio that is actively searching for what comes next. If you feel a pull toward the unknown, if you are energized by big questions about how we will live, work, and build in the years ahead,and are fluent in AI and its continually evolving possibilities, then this is an invitation to step into that future with us and help reinvent the practice of design.
To learn more about our internship programs, please visitgensler.com/internships.
Your Role
As a SummerArchitectureInterninGensler'sChicagooffice, you will join our creative studio environment for afull-time, paidinternshipopportunity.
This is a full-time program running fromJune 2ndthrough August 7th.You must be available for theentireduration of the program.
What You Will Do
Work on architecture projects as a fully collaborative member of a design team,participatingin design charrettes to help define strategic goals for our clients, large or small
Receive hands-on learning and collaborate with designers, architects, directors, and managers to plan, design, develop and gain real-world experience working with clients across a spectrum of industries and locations
Enjoy the rich culture of our office and firm through educational sessions and mentorship opportunities that include lunch-and-learns, lectures, projecttoursand vendor presentations
Produce graphic presentations, 3D renderings, and technical drawings
Build physical study models and presentation models
Utilize hand rendering techniques to communicate design concepts
Assistincreating design conceptsusing AI-enhanced visualization tools.
Implementing AI processes intoarchitecture and interior designprojects(e.g., generative design,conceptual process,analytics, and more).
Help prepareAI-generatedstory-tellingconceptual designand renderingsfor client presentations.
Collaborate onspace planning and optimization projectsusing AI-driven analytics.
Test and provide feedback onAI-integrated design softwarein partnership with our Design Technology team.
Your Qualifications
You are currently enrolled in a Bachelor's orMaster's degree inArchitecture; NAABaccreditedprogram highly preferred
You have completed yourthird yearof an undergraduate program orfirst yearof a graduate program and are returning to yourprogrampost-internship.This internship is not for recent graduates.
Experience using Revit and Rhino/Sketchup isrequired; AutoCAD and other 3D modeling software is a plus
3D computerrenderingskills (Enscape, V-ray and others)
Familiarity withcontemporary generative AI tools.
Basic understanding ofgenerative design principlesand how AI canoptimizefloorplan layouts, building layouts, and material selections.
Ability to useAI-assisted visualization toolsfor rendering and concept development.
Knowledge ofdata-driven design trends(e.g., sustainability metrics, spaceutilizationanalytics).
Awareness ofethical and practical implications ofAI indesignand environmentalimpact.
Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
Proficiencywith Microsoft Excel, Work,Outlookand Bluebeam
Hand sketching and physical modelling ability a plus
Your Additional Characteristics
Demonstrated leadership ability in school and/or community
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
Strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills
Resourceful, self-motivated, enthusiastic team player
Outstanding analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
How to Apply
Submit an online application including a resume and portfolio inPDFform. If you choose tosubmita link to an online portfolio, you must make sure it is not password protected and that itcontainsa resume, cover letter, and work samples.Submissions made in Microsoft Word and/or without work sampleswill notbe considered.
This posting will remain open until early March 2026.
This is a paid internship at the rate of either $23to $25per hour based upon location and year completed in your educational program.
Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rollingbasisandavailable positionsmay be filled before the posting closes.
Gensler celebrates diversity and our commitment to creating an inclusive environment for our colleagues. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.
You may view our Pay Transparency Statement, your EEO rights under the law, and EEO is the law supplemental information on our website. Gensler shares the right to work and participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law.
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Regarding Gensler’s approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email info@gensler.com.
Salary : $2 - $3