Intern, Architecture

About the role

Are you ready to join a growth-oriented team where creativity meets innovation and you actively help shape the direction of architectural practice? At Ware Malcomb, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking design firm committed to pushing the boundaries of what built environments can achieve through inventive thinking. As an intern in the architecture studio, you will own the translation of abstract design concepts into tangible development documentation under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Your curiosity, creativity, and technical knowledge will directly influence real-world projects while you refine your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. You will collaborate with a team-oriented environment that values community engagement and industry leadership, ensuring your contributions are integral to project success. This role offers structured training and dedicated mentorship to help you build confidence in applying academic theory to practical design challenges. By the end of this experience, you will have developed a deeper understanding of how architectural vision evolves from initial sketches to coordinated construction documents.

Key facts

What you'll do

Investigate project parameters and site conditions to inform the initial design framework and establish a clear understanding of project constraints.

Coordinate with multidisciplinary team members to gather relevant data, clarify requirements, and align design intent with project objectives and regulatory standards.

Develop schematic design concepts by producing sketches, diagrams, and digital models that explore spatial relationships and material possibilities.

Utilize industry-standard software to create detailed construction documents that accurately communicate design intent to contractors and stakeholders.

Support the preparation of design presentations, ensuring visual clarity and logical narrative flow to effectively convey decisions to clients and collaborators.

Conduct research into building systems, materials, and code requirements to ensure that proposed solutions are both innovative and technically feasible.

Assist in the administration of design documents, tracking revisions, and maintaining organized records to support smooth project communication.

Evaluate design alternatives through iterative feedback sessions, refining proposals to better meet client expectations and project constraints.

Participate in quality assurance checks to verify that drawings and specifications adhere to firm standards and project-specific requirements.

Observe and document construction progress through site visits, identifying opportunities for design refinement and ensuring alignment with documented plans.

Collaborate with internal stakeholders to brainstorm solutions, leveraging diverse perspectives to enhance the overall quality and sustainability of design outcomes.

Contribute to the development of project timelines and deliverables, demonstrating an understanding of workflow management within a professional architecture practice.

Engage with professional resources and continuous learning opportunities to expand your technical skills and knowledge of contemporary architectural methods.

Support the broader goals of the studio by actively participating in community-focused initiatives and industry-related programs that reflect the firm's values.

Requirements

You must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate architecture program at an accredited institution of higher education.

You must possess a strong foundational understanding of design principles, spatial organization, and basic architectural theory relevant to the discipline.

You must demonstrate proficiency with at least one industry-standard design or drafting software application commonly used in architectural practice.

You must have the legal right to work in Canada without requiring additional work authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

You must be able to commit to a consistent schedule that aligns with the operational needs of the firm throughout the internship period.

You must exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders at all levels.

You must show a high level of professionalism, including reliability, punctuality, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

You must be willing to accept feedback and actively incorporate guidance from senior architects to refine your work and improve your skills.

Nice to have

Preferred experience with building information modeling (BIM) tools and an understanding of parametric design workflows.

Familiarity with sustainable design strategies and materials selection to support environmentally responsible architecture.

Interest in participating in community engagement activities or public outreach initiatives related to architecture and urban design.

Practical notes

This is a paid internship with an unspecified compensation package aligned with standard intern rates.

The position is based in Ottawa, Ontario, and requires in-person attendance at the Ware Malcomb studio location.

Interns are expected to commit to the full duration of the internship term as defined by the firm and academic institution requirements.

This internship is scheduled to take place during the Fall 2026 term, and start date will be coordinated with the successful candidate and firm leadership.

Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria outlined in the requirements section to be considered for this role.

The selection process may include a review of portfolio materials, a technical assessment, and one or more interviews.

Only candidates who align with the firm's collaborative culture and values will be invited to advance in the hiring process.