Urban Design Intern - Winter 2027

Collage; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Urban Strategies is offering an internship position in urban design based in Toronto. Interns will support design teams from proposals through conceptual development, contributing to diagrams, drawings, and graphics for projects.

You will gain hands-on experience across planning and urban design in a collaborative office environment. The role requires enrollment in a related degree and proficiency with Photoshop, InDesign, ArchiCAD, and Illustrator, plus strong MS Office skills.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, and/or urban design.
• Proficient in Photoshop, InDesign, ArchiCAD, Illustrator and other drafting, graphic design and layout software.
• Solid MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Travel may be required according to current regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support conceptual and detailed urban design and the productions and/or creation of diagrams or graphics conveying key themes.
• Create hand and computer-generated presentation drawings or computer models.
• Support analysis conveying opportunities and constraints of a project.
• Layout, drafting and refinement of urban design plans across scales.
• Proposal and report layout and production; participate in proposal writing.
• Work with project managers to manage time and meet deadlines on multiple projects.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
• Handle ad hoc project requests as needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in architecture/landscape/urban design

Tools

Photoshop

InDesign

ArchiCAD

Illustrator

MS Office

Job description

Urban Strategies has internship opportunities for winter, summer, and fall semesters. Please make note of the following application submission periods:

Winter semester (January start): Apply in October

Summer semester (May start): Apply in February

Fall semester (September start): Apply in June

Urban Strategies® is an urban design, planning and engagement consultancy with studios in Toronto, Ontario, Hamilton, Ontario, and Vancouver, BC. We lead complex projects in cities all over the world and have an active practice across Canada and in the US, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. We are problem solvers who can help achieve successful outcomes for the full range of urban opportunities. Urban Strategies is a group of 55+ Planners, Urban Designers and specialized staff. The firm is led by our 16 Partners and 7 Principals and supported by a complement of skilled professionals. We have diverse backgrounds, including architecture, landscape architecture, planning, public administration, engagement, geospatial analysis, graphic design and the visual arts. We combine our diverse perspectives to plan and design welcoming, thriving places – and have fun in the process.

Position Summary

Urban Design Interns are responsible for working with Planners, Designers, Associates, Senior Associates, Principals and Partners to support all aspects of a project from proposal development to conceptual design. Urban Design Interns are exposed to all facets of an assignment with the goal of preparing them for real world city planning and urban design.

Responsibilities

• Support conceptual and detailed urban design and the productions and/or creation of diagrams or graphics conveying key themes and concepts.
• Creation of hand and computer generated presentation drawings or computer models
• Support physical analysis conveying specific opportunities and constraints of a project
• Layout, drafting and refinement of urban design plans and concepts at a variety of scales
• Proposal and report layout and production
• Participate in proposal writing
• Work with Project Managers and the allocation team to manage their time to meet deadlines and produce quality deliverables on multiple concurrent projects.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively, both orally and in writing
• Adapt and respond to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Ad hoc project requests as required.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, and/or urban design.
• Computer literacy is essential as the candidate will be required to use Photoshop, InDesign, ArchiCAD, Illustrator and other drafting, graphic design and layout software.
• A solid understanding of MS Office suite including Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Travel may be required for this position. Employees must be eligible to travel according to current government regulations.

Nice to have:

• Student membership with OALA or OAA
• Fluency in French, Mandarin, or other languages is considered an asset but not essential.

This is a paid, full-time internship position located in our Toronto office.

Urban Strategies is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that success happens where new ideas can flourish – in an environment that values diversity, a place where people from various backgrounds and experiences can work productively together. Our studios are designed for maximum interaction, across all disciplines and levels of seniority. We cultivate an integrated, collegial workplace both in person and working remotely, with numerous staff committees, social events, and professional development programs. These opportunities to celebrate, learn and have fun together are essential to our philosophy as an organization. We strive to build up each other and the profession. We make space for everyone at the firm to grow, lead, teach and have an impact. We share what we learn and expand opportunities for people to participate in planning and design.

Please visit our website to learn more about our firm.

Note: This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required, and the employee may be required to perform other duties (that they are skilled to perform) as requested.

Please note, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please connect with us if you require accommodation in the interview process.