Student Internship - Interior Design - Summer 2026 - Chicago

Gensler recognizes that architecture and design are on the edge of a revolution. New graduates and interns are entering the field at the most exciting moment in a generation. Artificial intelligence is not just another tool-it is transforming how ideas are imagined, tested, and brought to life in the built environment. For a profession that has always thrived at the intersection of art, science, technology, and sustainability, this shift invites a new kind of designer: one who is curious, bold, and eager to explore what architecture and design can impact and become societal shifts.

We do not claim to have all the answers, and that is exactly the point. The future of design will not be written by experts working in isolation, but by teams of imaginative people who learn, experiment, and even fail together as we chart new territory.

Along with your weekly project work, you will join a studio that is actively searching for what comes next. If you feel a pull toward the unknown, if you are energized by big questions about how we will live, work, and build in the years ahead, and are fluent in AI and its continually evolving possibilities, then this is an invitation to step into that future with us and help reinvent the practice of design.

To learn more about our internship programs, please visit gensler.com/internships.

Your Role

As a SummerInterior Design Intern in Gensler's Chicago office, you will join our creative studio environment for a full-time, paid internship opportunity.

This is a full-time program running from June 2nd through August 7th. You must be available for the entire duration of the program.

What You Will Do

• Work on interior projects as a fully collaborative member of a design team, participating in design charrettes to help define strategic goals for our clients, large or small

• Receive hands-on learning and collaborate with designers, architects, directors, and managers to plan, design, develop and gain real-world experience working with clients across a spectrum of industries and locations

• Enjoy the rich culture of our office and firm through educational sessions and mentorship opportunities that include lunch-and-learns, lectures, project tours and vendor presentations

• Produce graphic presentations, 3D renderings, and technical drawings

• Build physical study models and presentation models

• Utilize hand rendering techniques to communicate design concepts

• Assist in creating design concepts using AI-enhanced visualization tools.

• Implementing AI processes into architecture and interior design projects (e.g., generative design, conceptual process, analytics, and more).

• Help prepare AI-generated story-telling conceptual design and renderings for client presentations.

• Collaborate on space planning and optimization projects using AI-driven analytics.

• Test and provide feedback on AI-integrated design software in partnership with our Design Technology team.

Your Qualifications

• You are currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Interior Design; CIDA accredited program highly preferred

• You have completed your third year of an undergraduate program or first year of a graduate program and are returning to your program post-internship. This internship is not for recent graduates.

• Experience using Revit and Rhino/Sketchup is required; AutoCAD and other 3D modeling software is a plus

• 3D computer rendering skills (Enscape, V-ray and others)

• Familiarity with contemporary generative AI tools.

• Basic understanding of generative design principles and how AI can optimize floorplan layouts, building layouts, and material selections.

• Ability to use AI-assisted visualization tools for rendering and concept development.

• Knowledge of data-driven design trends (e.g., sustainability metrics, space utilization analytics).

• Awareness of ethical and practical implications of AI in design and environmental impact.

• Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Work, Outlook and Bluebeam

• Hand sketching and physical modelling ability a plus

Your Additional Characteristics

• Demonstrated leadership ability in school and/or community

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task

• Strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills

• Resourceful, self-motivated, enthusiastic team player

• Outstanding analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills

How to Apply

Submit an online application including a resume and portfolio in PDF form. If you choose to submit a link to an online portfolio, you must make sure it is not password protected and that it contains a resume, cover letter, and work samples. Submissions made in Microsoft Word and/or without work samples will not be considered.

This posting will remain open until early March 2026.

This is a paid internship at the rate of either $23 to $25 per hour based upon location and year completed in your educational program.

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and available positions may be filled before the posting closes.