12 Architectural Intern Resume Examples for 2025

Architectural intern resumes need to show both technical skills and a keen eye for design. This guide covers successful resume examples and strategic advice. Learn what hiring managers look for, key skills to list, and formatting tips to make your resume stand out. This is crucial for securing your first role in the architectural field.

  Compiled and approved by Marie-Caroline Pereira
  Last updated on See history of changes

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At a Glance

Here's what we see in the best resumes for architectural interns:

  • Impact Through Numbers: Strong resumes show quantifiable impact. Look for metrics like reduced project delays by 15%, designed 20+ floor plans, optimized material usage by 10%, and completed 5 projects under budget.

  • Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, BIM, and 3D modeling. But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Highlight Design Software Proficiency: Proficiency in design software is key. Include phrases like advanced in AutoCAD or skilled in Revit to attract attention.

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Showcase relevant coursework and skills

Your academic projects and relevant coursework are of great interest to employers looking for architectural interns. In your education section, directly after your degree, highlight key courses such as 'Sustainable Design' or 'Architectural Theory.' This not only serves to demonstrate your knowledge base but also aligns with key industry topics.

Incorporate any technical proficiencies, like AutoCAD or Revit, as these tools are often essential in the field of architecture. Practical experience such as model-making or digital rendering should also be detailed, as they are very specific to the role and demonstrate valuable hands-on experience.

Showcase project work

Include details of any architecture-related projects you have worked on. Mention your role and any tools or software you used.

Projects show your practical skills. Additionally, link to an online portfolio if you have one. This gives employers a more detailed look at your work.

Ideal resume length

As you prepare your resume for an architectural intern position, aim to create a single page document. This is usually enough space to summarize your relevant experience and skills. Focus on the projects and assignments that show your understanding of architectural principles and your ability to use design software. These are critical for an intern in architecture.

If you find your resume extending beyond one page, review the content. Prioritize your most recent and relevant experiences, and consider cutting less related information. Keep readability high with a clean layout and standard margins, ensuring that your strongest points are easy to find for a hiring manager.

Use relevant keywords

Use keywords that are specific to architecture in your resume. Mention software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit.

Keywords help your resume get noticed by employers and automated systems. They show that you have the skills needed for the job.

Prepare for resume screeners

When you apply for a job as an architectural intern, your resume may first be seen by a computer, not a person. This is due to a tool called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). To get past the ATS, you need a resume that is easy for the software to read.

Here are some things you can do:

  • Use standard section headers like 'Work Experience' and 'Education' to help the ATS find your information.
  • Include keywords from the job posting, such as 'AutoCAD' or 'design concepts', to show you have the skills needed for an architectural intern role.

Remember to keep your resume format simple. Complex designs or images can confuse an ATS, which might mean your resume is not seen by the hiring manager.

Focus on relevant skills

When you're applying for an architectural intern role, show the skills you have that fit this job. Think about what you have done that can help you in this role. Make sure your resume makes it easy for employers to see you're a good fit.

  • Show you understand design software by listing programs you've used like AutoCAD or SketchUp.
  • Point out any experience with model building or drafting from past projects or coursework.
  • If you've had hands-on experience, like a construction internship, link that to how it has prepared you for architectural tasks.

Show achievements, not tasks

When crafting your resume as an intern in architecture, it's key to focus on your achievements rather than just listing your job responsibilities. You need to show hiring managers what you've accomplished and the value you brought to your past roles.

For example, instead of saying 'Responsible for drafting plans in AutoCAD,' transform this into an accomplishment by detailing the outcome: 'Created detailed AutoCAD drafts that led to a 10% reduction in material costs for project X.'

Remember to:

  • Quantify your successes with numbers or percentages to give a clear picture of your impact.
  • Highlight any unique architectural projects or design elements you've contributed to, which demonstrate your skills and ingenuity.

Essential skills for architectural interns

When crafting your resume, it's important to highlight the technical skills that show your ability to contribute to architectural projects. Focus on including skills that match the job you want. Here's a list of key skills you should consider:

  • AutoCAD
  • Revit
  • SketchUp
  • Rhinoceros 3D
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM)
  • 3D Modeling
  • Construction Documentation
  • Sustainable Design Principles
  • Architectural Research

Include these skills in a dedicated section on your resume and provide examples of how you've used them in past projects or coursework, if applicable. This not only helps your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that look for specific keywords but also demonstrates your practical knowledge to potential employers.

Remember, you don't need to have mastered every skill listed. Prioritize those you are good at and that are most relevant to the position you are aiming for. If you're interested in sustainable design, for instance, emphasize your knowledge in Sustainable Design Principles. Always be honest about your level of proficiency.

Highlighting leadership roles

As someone seeking a position in architecture, showing your growth and capacity to lead is crucial. You might not have held a formal leadership title, but there are ways to demonstrate your potential.

  • Managed a team during a university project and coordinated tasks to meet deadlines.
  • Took charge of a design aspect in a group assignment, leading to a strong final presentation.

Think about times when you stepped up to guide others or when your input significantly helped a project. These instances are valuable and show your readiness for more responsibility. If you have been promoted, even in a part-time job or volunteer position, it's worth mentioning. For example, you could write:

  • Promoted to lead designer after demonstrating attention to detail and project management skills.
  • Elevated to project coordinator within a student organization, overseeing the execution of design initiatives.

Remember, the goal is to show, not just tell. Use clear examples that describe your leadership and progression.

Quantify your design contributions

When you share your achievements, using numbers can make a strong impact. Numbers help to show the scale and scope of your work. This is true for any job, including when you are an intern in architecture.

Think about the projects you've been a part of. Did you help to reduce the time needed to complete design drafts? Maybe you worked on a project that used sustainable materials and you can share the percentage of reduced energy consumption. Here are ways to think about your impact:

  • Count the number of design models you created or contributed to.
  • Calculate the percentage of time saved by streamlining a task.
  • Estimate the cost savings from a design decision you suggested.
  • Record the number of projects you worked on that met client satisfaction.
  • Measure the increase in efficiency for a design process you improved.
  • Report the size of the areas you helped to design in square footage.
  • Identify any awards or competitions where your work was recognized.
  • Quantify the number of software tools you are proficient in using.

Even if you're not sure about exact numbers, make a good estimate. For example, if you helped to reduce the time architects spent on creating drafts, think about the steps you improved and estimate the time saved in those steps. Use phrases like 'helped to reduce drafting time by approximately 20%.' This shows that you understand the importance of efficiency and can measure your contribution.

Tailor for company size

When you apply for an internship in architecture, think about the size of the company. For big firms like Gensler or Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, show you can work on large teams and complex projects. Use phrases like 'collaborated on large-scale designs' or 'supported major project phases.'

For smaller firms or startups, stress your flexibility and range of skills. Mention 'adapted to various project needs' or 'engaged in hands-on experience in multiple aspects of design.' Small companies value interns who can wear many hats.

Make sure you know what the company is looking for. Big firms might have formal programs, so show you can follow strict processes. In contrast, a smaller firm might need you to jump right in, so highlight your quick learning ability and eagerness to contribute from day one.

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