Design Co-op (Winter 2027)

HDR, Inc.; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 20,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR's Vancouver office is seeking a Design Co-op to contribute to architectural design processes, collaborating with Architects, Project Managers and production staff to communicate concepts and refine drawings.

This full-time position starts in January 2027 in downtown Vancouver and offers a 4, 8, or 12 month assignment, with opportunities to engage in design development and presentation graphics for institutional and public-facing projects.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an architecture program and seeking a co‑op.
• Ability to assist in architectural design processes under supervision.
• Experience creating presentation graphics to communicate concepts.

Responsibilities

• Perform assignments under the direct supervision of Architects, Project Managers and other professionals
• Participate in the architectural design process, and develop alternative solutions and presentation graphics used to communicate concepts to clients or for agency approval
• Follow through on design development drawings and models, and collaborate with production staff for technical details and completion of construction drawings

Skills

Architectural design

Presentation graphics

Team collaboration

Education

Enrollment in architecture program

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it's about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you will contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well‑being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

Our British Columbia offices, located in Vancouver, Victoria and Penticton specialize in design of institutional and public-facing projects including major social infrastructure projects, mass timber, and post-secondary institutions. We work in collaborative studios across offices, pairing our local knowledge and deep project experience with leading edge expertise from around the globe. We specialize in complex, medium-to-large scale projects that leave a significant legacy in our communities, such as hospital campuses, post-secondary facilities and housing, community centres, and affordable housing. In addition to project work, we host weekly design social events to share our expertise, project work and personal interests. We also host a range of sporting events and other social events such as architectural film screenings. Our staff actively teach at UBC's School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and can plug you into broader industry and academic events during your time in Vancouver.

We want to build a better future, so we bring our talents together to add value, promote growth and inspire positive change. HDR is a place where you can accomplish as much as you are willing to, in your work and in your career. We rally behind a good idea - and each other. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions and collaborate to make great things possible.

This position is full-time and based in our downtown Vancouver office, beginning in January 2027 for a duration of 4, 8, or 12 months.

In the role of Design Co-op:

• Perform assignments under the direct supervision of Architects, Project Managers and other professionals
• Participate in the architectural design process, and develop alternative solutions and presentation graphics used to communicate concepts to clients or for agency approval
• Follow through on design development drawings and models, and collaborate with production staff for technical details and completion of construction drawings