What are the responsibilities and job description for the Co-Op Intern - Spring 2027 position at Populous?
CO-OP INTERN - SPRING 2027
Location: Kansas City, MO
ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY DIRECTLY ON THE POPULOUS WEBSITE TO BE CONSIDERED.
**Required: as part of your application, please include your resume, portfolio, and letter from your university stating you are approved to participate in this internship full-time and in-person as part of your academic program.
Who We Are:
We design places where people love to be together.
Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.
We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are looking for a semester co-op student pursuing an architecture, interior design or environmental design degree, who would be interested in joining Populous. We are seeking students that are passionate about pushing the threshold of design. This is a full-time, in-person position at the Kansas City office, from January 2027—May 2027, with the option to continue into the summer months if agreed upon by both parties.
What Your Day Could Consist Of:
- Architecture Interior Design
- Assist in the conceptualization and development of design ideas, generate diagrams, digital models and provide production work for numerous project types.
- Assist in collaboratively reviewing and critiquing early phase design concepts.
- Assist in the production of design development and construction documents models and construction details and drawings.
- Assist in research and development projects as may be required by the office.
- Assist in the preparation of design presentations to clients, communities and other pertinent stakeholders, including public agencies.
- Experiential amp; Wayfinding Design
- Collaborate and contribute within a team of graphic designers and marketing professionals.
- Research and develop new graphic design ideas.
- Research technological interfacing and its intersection while designing environments.
- Assist in developing wayfinding plans in environmental spaces.
- Create new collateral materials and templates based on global brand guide.
Requirements for Success:
- Working knowledge of the following design software and applications:
- Architecture: Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Enscape, Lumion, VRay or D5; and expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
- Interior Design: Revit, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign and rendering experience in Lumion, Enscape, V-Ray, or D5.
- Experiential amp; Wayfinding Design: Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively convey information and ideas in a presentation format.
- Ability to express information verbally and in writing in a clear and accurate manner.
- Basic hand drawing and illustration skills.
- Strong communication skills, work ethic; with demonstrated efficiency, flexibility and desire to grow and work within a dynamic team environment while being able to self-manage and work independently.
- Unyielding work ethic with demonstrated efficiency, flexibility, and a positive spirit.
Essential Qualifications:
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree (required) in Architecture from an NAAB accredited program or master’s degree in Architecture (preferred).
OR
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture or Interior Design from a CIDA accredited program.
OR
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Graphic Design.
- Participating in a co-op as part of their academic program.
Additional Details:
- Travel may be required.
- Position involves sedentary work, requiring prolonged periods of sitting, frequent use of a computer, and occasional movement in an office environment.
Populous is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other applicable Federal, State or Local law.
No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company
No 1. Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD C
No 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD C
No 1 Architecture Firm in Performing arts and Concert Venues by BD C
Find us here: populous.com/join
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