Design/Build Intern

Thrive by Design LLC; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

Thrive by Design LLC offers a Summer Internship Program in Philadelphia, PA, combining design, operations, and field execution. You will work with the principal and project team, contributing to real client projects while learning how ideas move from sketch to built form.

Two days per week in the office and two days per week in the field provide hands-on experience with drafting, design tools, and jobsite sequencing.

Qualifications

• Open to current students in architecture, design, engineering, construction, or related fields.
• Comfortable on construction sites and in office settings.
• Able to absorb information quickly and apply it with care.
• Interested in design, operations, and field execution.

Responsibilities

• Develop drawings and learn design tools; support project reviews.
• Assist in field work; observe jobsite sequencing and field implications.
• Contribute to client projects and learn how ideas become built form.
• Support office operations and project coordination.

Skills

Curiosity

Fast learner

Office and field versatility

Team collaboration

Education

Current student in architecture/design/engineering/construction

Job description

Thrive by DesignSummer Internship Program

Application Deadline: May 14, 2026

Final Decision: May 14, 2026

Start Date: May 18, 2026

End Date: August 15, 2026

Overview

The Thrive by Design Summer Internship is a rare opportunity to experience the full arc of architectural work, spanning from early design thinking to hands‑on construction. You will work directly with the principal and project team, contributing to real client projects while learning how ideas move from sketch to built form.

This internship blends design , operations , and field execution . It is designed for students who want to understand not just how buildings look, but how they are actually made.

Work Model

• Two days per week in the office Developing drawings, learning design tools, participating in project reviews, and supporting office operations.
• Two days per week in the field Gaining practical construction skills, observing jobsite sequencing, and seeing how design decisions translate into real‑world constraints.

This hybrid model is intentional: it teaches you to think like a designer who understands the trades, and like a builder who understands design.

Who You Are

• Curious about how the built world works
• Able to absorb information quickly and apply it with care
• A current student in architecture, design, engineering, construction, or a related field
• Trade school, technical school, and recent graduates are encouraged to apply
• Comfortable working both at a desk and on active construction sites
• Ready to take responsibility for your own learning and contribute meaningfully to the team

What You Will Learn

• Interior and architectural design fundamentals
• Drafting and drawing production to professional standards
• Jobsite workflow, sequencing, and basic construction skills
• How client needs, constraints, and budgets shape real projects
• How a small, high‑performance design‑build practice operates day to day

Future Opportunities

Strong interns who demonstrate initiative, reliability, and growth may be considered for future part‑time or full‑time roles within Thrive by Design.

Compensation & Schedule

• Full‑time internship, Monday–Thursday
• Standard hours: 9:30 AM — 5:30 PM
• Paid hourly at $12 – 15 / hour
• Located in Philadelphia, PA