Student Internship – Interior Design – Summer 2026 – Chicago

Gensler•Chicago, IL

3d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

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 Summer Interior 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.

Requirements

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
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

Nice To Haves

Hand sketching and physical modelling ability a plus

Responsibilities

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.