Architecture Internships

First, you will need to check to see if you are registered as a student back home from one of the IEC countries that has an agreement with Canada. Next, your host employer has to take mandatory steps for you to apply for an international co-op visa, which includes paying a fee to the Government of Canada. Our host employers are aware of the process and are willing to support you through these steps to receive your visa. We cover this in more detail in our guide on Applying for the Canada International Co-op Visa.

This really depends on the type of architecture internship you choose. However, broadly speaking, architecture interns will always assist with day-to-day tasks such as research and building logistics, as well as larger projects, such as presentations and making models.

We work with host employers in a broad range of architectural fields – no matter what your interest, we will find an architecture internship for you! For a flavour of what to expect, here are some of our most popular architecture internship placement fields: 

• Commercial Architecture: work on the commercial design of public and private projects such as office buildings, shops and schools. 
• Private Properties / Property Development: Hone your skills working on single-family residential architecture projects. 
• Historic Preservation and Conservation: Work on projects to maintain or redesign spaces. 
• Landscape Architecture
• Architecture Design
• Interior Design: Channel your creativity by renovating or designing new spaces for commercial and private clients
• Green Architecture: Work on environmentally sustainable architecture projects from sustainable construction, creative materials and green design.

It’s a good idea to have a portfolio to apply for an architecture internship in Canada, typically presented in a pdf or on a website.

Even though this is not an entry ticket, you can show potential host companies in Canada what you have achieved. It’s not a problem if you do not have professional work experience, you can showcase your university work. Host companies in Canada don’t expect to see super-advanced portfolios if you apply for your first or second internship in your architectural career.

Remember: It is important to show that you have some real skills to add to any architectural firm, but more importantly, strive to demonstrate potential and eagerness to learn. Showcasing a genuine interest in the companies makes a difference.

Architecture firms receive and review many applications for jobs or internships throughout the year. Therefore, you must ensure your resume and portfolio shine – don’t put in everything you have done to date, just the best of the best! But don’t worry, our team will review and refresh your resume and portfolio so that you stand out from other applicants.

Hit the ground running! By which we mean talk to your supervisor about your goals, your strengths and what you can bring to the company. Be flexible and try to join your team for as many things as possible: activities, get-togethers, and client visits (you get the gist). You will have the opportunity to gain experience in the day-to-day activities of myriad fields: design, construction, administration, client relations, presentations, and so on. Lastly, be proactive so you can attend meetings with clients and consultants right away!