Architectural Intern

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.

• 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

• 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

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.

$27 - $33.00 per hour, depending on 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

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.