At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to shape sustainable urban designs and impactful projects.
- Company: SOM, a global leader in architecture and urban design.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Internship runs from June 7 to August 13, 2027; portfolio submission required.
- Why this job: Make a difference in communities while gaining hands-on experience in urban design.
- Qualifications: Current student in urban design or related field with strong design skills.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
Summer Internship Program Overview
At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet.
We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.
We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Together we can achieve great things.
Success at SOM Means
Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas.
We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning.
We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work.
Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.
Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration.
A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities.
We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.
SOM's Summer Internship Program will run from June 7, 2027 until August 13, 2027.
- Desired skills and expertise
- Current student in an accredited bachelor’s program or master’s degree program in urban design, architecture or related field of study and returning to school in the Fall of 2027.
- Some experience in the urban design or architectural profession or associated arts.
- Demonstrated general interest and limited knowledge of urban design and planning, urban history and theory, planning and environmental law, and private and public development.
- Strong design capabilities and basic delineation skills as demonstrated in portfolio or work samples.
- Proficiency in Auto CAD, Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.
- Reminders
You must be returning to school in Fall 2027 to be considered for a summer internship at SOM.
Applicants who do not submit work samples will not be reviewed.
Application deadline is January 18, 2027.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation.
Our interdisciplinary teams collaborate across an international network of studios to deliver projects of lasting impact.
Through our built work, research, and advocacy, we are advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment.
Learn more about our commitment to climate action.
Working at SOM
Our practice was built to champion inclusivity of expertise, people, and ideas.
Together, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that equips our teams to face new challenges.
Our studio culture offers opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups.
SOM is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we have been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.
We publish an annual Impact Report as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing equity in our practice and the profession.
- Our Benefits
- We offer medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and accident insurance.
- We also offer retirement support, free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members, workplace flexibility, paid holidays, family leave, and paid time off.
- We reimburse costs for professional licenses, certifications, and exams, and offer specialized, in-house career development and mentorship programs designed to help you advance your knowledge and expertise.
- Notice to Applicants
Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc).
Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.
Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB.
Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.
Learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline here.
Summer Intern - City Design in London employer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
At SOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to professional development is evident through our comprehensive benefits, including flexible work schedules, health and wellness programs, and opportunities for continuous learning. Located in a vibrant community, we offer our employees the chance to work on transformative projects while contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment that values every individual's unique contributions.
Contact Details:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Summer Intern - City Design in London
✨Get Involved with Local Architecture Events
Join local architecture events and workshops happening in your area. It’s a fab way to meet industry professionals, showcase your passion, and maybe even snag an internship at a firm like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP! Keep an eye out for events hosted by architecture schools or organisations; they often have networking opportunities specifically for students.
✨Utilise University Career Services
Most universities have career services dedicated to helping students find internships. Book an appointment and ask about partnerships with local firms. They might even have exclusive openings at places like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP that you won’t find anywhere else!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio Online
Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and find a way to showcase it online. Platforms like Behance or even a simple personal website can help your work stand out. Remember, a visually appealing portfolio can catch the eye of firms looking for interns!
✨Connect Via Architecture Social Media Groups
Hop onto social media platforms and join architecture-focused groups. These communities often share internship openings and valuable insights into the industry. Plus, engaging with others can help you build connections that might lead you to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP or similar firms!
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Intern - City Design in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:As you apply for an internship in architecture, make sure to include a solid portfolio showcasing your design projects, sketches, and models. We want to see your creative flair and understanding of design principles. If you’ve worked on any group projects or personal ventures, throw those in too!
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Architectural Knowledge:Highlight specific architectural software you’re proficient in, like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit on your CV. We love seeing relevant coursework or projects that align with the role, so include specific modules or experiences that have developed your skills in this field.
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for architecture and your eagerness to learn. Remember, we’re looking for interns with potential—not just experience—so share what excites you about the field and how you can contribute to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.
Research and Reflect:Before submitting your application, take time to research Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP and their architectural style or recent projects. Reflect this understanding in your application to showcase your genuine interest in the firm. It’ll make you stand out and show that you’re not just sending out generic applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
✨Showcase Your Design Skills
Bring along a well-rounded portfolio that highlights your design projects and sketches. Don't just show the final product – include the thought process and iterations that led you there. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively, which is key in architecture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about architectural concepts and tools like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp. Be ready to discuss your familiarity with these programmes and how you’ve used them in your projects. We want to see how you approach problem-solving in a design context, so brush up on design principles as well.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Learning
As an intern, they're looking for your motivation and eagerness to learn. Be prepared to talk about your favourite architectural styles or influential architects and how they inspire you. Share any recent architectural trends you've been following, showing that you’re always growing your knowledge in the field.
✨Engage in Site Visits and Real-World Scenarios
If you can, ask questions about ongoing projects or past ones the firm has worked on. This not only shows your interest, but it also gives you the chance to discuss how theoretical knowledge applies to real-world situations in architecture. Plus, it shows that you’re keen to get out there and see how things actually function on site!
