Architectural Intern 2026
Architectural Intern
David Baker Architects is a collaborative team of optimistic designers and architects committed to leading with expertise, curiosity, tenacity, pragmatism, and joy. We are national leaders in affordable housing and innovative sustainable design, and we pursue projects that have the power to build, transform, and reflect the character and strength of a community. We understand that designing climate-responsive housing is more than pursuing a zero-carbon building, and that the context of community development, infrastructure, and social equity drives the impact of a project.
As a B-Corp and JUST-certified organization, we are committed to equity and social justice both in our practice and our workplace culture. DBA is headquartered in San Francisco, with an office and fabrication shop in Oakland, California, and a growing base in Birmingham, Alabama.
We seek an Architectural Intern for a paid, full-time, 8 to 12-week-duration internship to be completed within our San Francisco/Oakland or Birmingham office. This position offers a great opportunity to work with a group of committed, mission-driven architects.
The Architectural Intern will participate in a variety of in-person and virtual company events. They will learn about and work on our projects through the various stages, understand how to prepare and present visuals and documentation for projects, and gain exposure to design conversations and charrettes. This role works closely with project team members while supporting a part of a project.
Role and Responsibilities:
Ability to learn from and contribute to DBA initiatives of interest in sustainability, equity, research, business development, and culture
Support with project planning, programming, design, and documentation through 3D modeling in Revit and Lumion
Prepare presentation graphics and renderings for internal and external communications
Coordinate and collaborate with project team members and/or consultants
Support in client meetings and community engagement opportunities
Engage, sketch, and collaborate with project team members
Contribute to design development and design concept conversations
Perform iterative design studies based on feedback and personal design skills
Education, Experience, and Abilities
Current third-year, or higher, or recent graduate student of an accredited Bachelor’s or Master's of Architecture program.
Demonstrated interest, coursework, or experience in architecture, sustainability, community building, urbanism, or housing affordability
Strong design and graphics skills, including hand sketching, as demonstrated in portfolio or work samples
Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills
Resourcefulness, reliability, and attention to detail
Strong professional reference
Experience with Revit, Lumion, and Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator are a plus
Required
Cover Letter and design portfolio- compiled into a single PDF with a maximum size of 5 MB (one file). Include in your cover letter why you want to work with us at DBA.
Pay
$27 - $33.00 per hour, depending on location
Location
San Francisco/Oakland, CA
Birmingham, AL
This is a full-time position, in-person, and we will only consider candidates located in the San Francisco Bay Area or Birmingham, Alabama. Our firm is extremely collaborative, working across offices as one seamless team.
You can learn more about us and our work at www.dbarchitect.com.
Please note: At this time, DBA cannot offer sponsorship for employment.
We highly encourage you to apply if you feel you are a good fit for this position, meet the minimum requirements, and are interested in working as part of a collaborative, mission-driven firm.
- Department
- Internship Team
- Locations
- San Francisco, Birmingham, Alabama
- Hourly salary
- $25
- Employment type
- Full-time
About David Baker Architects
David Baker Architects (DBA) is a nationally recognized, locally oriented architecture and urban design firm with a focus on sustainable, mixed-use communities that support stability and connection. At the nexus of housing, climate, and community, DBA’s work seizes opportunities to enact meaningful change—forging strong partnerships to create livable density and resilient, human-centered places that uplift communities at all scales.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Birmingham, Alabama, DBA’s diverse, collaborative team is committed to designing and leading with expertise, curiosity, tenacity, pragmatism, and joy. We design thoughtful places that allow communities to thrive and that serve as a “multiplier of good”—that is, that enable and support engagement, connection, and other neighborhood benefits.
DBA is a Certified B Corp, a JUST 2.0 Label organization, and a seven-year signatory of the AIA 2030 Commitment, with strong values in advancing social equity and sustainability in architecture.
DBA endeavors to support local businesses that are certified minority- and women-owned businesses (MBE/WBE), certified B Corps, and JUST organizations.