Design shapes how we live. Learn how to secure internships at top architecture and design firms.
Architecture
Building design, drafting, site supervision
Interior Design
Space planning, material selection, renders
Urban Planning
City development, policy, sustainability
Landscape Design
Gardens, public spaces, environmental design
Hafeez Contractor, CP Kukreja, Morphogenesis, Perkins Eastman, RSP
Studio Mumbai, Sameep Padora, Anagram Architects, Khosla Associates
Livspace, HomeLane, Bonito Designs, Studio A
Are architecture internships paid?
Varies widely. Large firms may pay ₹10K-25K/month. Boutique studios may be unpaid but offer better learning.
How important is college brand?
Portfolio matters more. Strong work from a lesser-known college beats weak work from a top college.
9:00 AM - Morning Briefing
Team meeting to review project status. Learn about client feedback and today's priorities.
10:00 AM - Drafting Work
Working on AutoCAD drawings for a residential project. Creating floor plans and elevations.
1:00 PM - Lunch with Team
Informal discussions about design trends, site visits, and project challenges.
2:00 PM - Site Visit
Accompanying a senior architect to check construction progress. Taking photos and notes.
5:00 PM - 3D Modeling
Working on SketchUp model for client presentation. Adding materials and lighting.
7:00 PM - Wrap Up
Saving work, updating task list for tomorrow. Sometimes staying late for deadline rushes.
| Firm Type | Intern Stipend | Entry Level | 5+ Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Firms | ₹15-25K/month | ₹4-7 LPA | ₹12-20 LPA |
| Boutique Studios | ₹0-15K/month | ₹3-5 LPA | ₹8-15 LPA |
| Interior Design | ₹8-20K/month | ₹3-6 LPA | ₹10-18 LPA |
| Urban Planning | ₹10-20K/month | ₹4-8 LPA | ₹15-25 LPA |
Portfolio with too many projects
Quality beats quantity. 5 excellent projects beat 20 mediocre ones. Edit ruthlessly.
Only learning software in college
Firms expect you to know tools already. Self-learn Revit, V-Ray, and Lumion before applying.
Not asking questions on site
Site visits are golden learning opportunities. Ask about materials, construction methods, challenges.
Ignoring construction knowledge
Design without understanding construction is incomplete. Learn how buildings are actually built.
Generic applications
Each firm has a style. Research their work and tailor your portfolio to match their aesthetic.
Traditional Practice
Intern → Junior Architect → Project Architect → Associate → Principal
Specialization
BIM Specialist, Sustainability Consultant, Heritage Conservation, Facade Designer
Real Estate Development
Architect → Project Manager → Development Manager → VP Development
Academia
Masters → Teaching Assistant → Research → Professor
Own Practice
5-10 years experience → Start own studio → Build reputation → Award-winning firm
"Portfolio quality changed everything..."
"I redid my portfolio with just 6 projects, showing process from concept to final renders. Got callbacks from 4 out of 5 firms I applied to." — Mehak, SPA Delhi
"Boutique studio experience was transformative..."
"Chose an unpaid internship at Studio Mumbai over paid offers. Got to work on real projects from day one. Best decision ever." — Rohan, IIT Kharagpur
"Cold email to my dream firm worked..."
"Researched the principal's talks, mentioned specific projects I admired. Got a personal reply and an internship offer." — Ananya, CEPT
Large firms offer structure and big projects. Boutique studios offer hands-on experience and closer mentorship. Early career, boutique often teaches more.
Extremely important. Classroom design is incomplete without understanding construction. Always volunteer for site visits.
For practicing architecture in India, B.Arch is sufficient. Masters helps for academia, specialization, or international practice.
Portfolio matters more than college name. Many successful architects come from lesser-known schools. Focus on your work.
Learn both. AutoCAD remains standard for 2D drafting. Revit is increasingly required for BIM projects. Being proficient in both makes you more employable.
Follow ArchDaily, Dezeen, and Indian Architect & Builder. Note firms whose work you admire. Research their team size and project types before applying.
| Software | Best For | Learning Curve | Industry Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD | 2D drafting, working drawings | Medium | Essential |
| Revit | BIM, documentation | High | Increasing |
| SketchUp | Quick 3D modeling | Low | Common |
| 3ds Max | Photorealistic renders | High | Specialized |
| Lumion | Quick visualization | Low | Growing |
| Rhino + Grasshopper | Parametric design | High | Niche |
Architecture and design internships are the foundation of a successful design career. Build that portfolio, learn the tools, and start applying.
Remember: architecture is a long journey. The 5-year degree is just the beginning. Every project, every site visit, every late night adds to your understanding of space and design.
Great buildings start with great learning. Start yours today. 🏛️
Written by Sproutern Career Team
Based on insights from architects and design professionals.
Regularly updated
