At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We’re not just designers. We’re tinkerers, craftspeople, visionaries, innovators and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people bring new ideas to solve challenging problems. Whether you’re into sketching new ideas, hacking a building or growing client relationships in global markets, there’s something here for everyone.
Our depth of expertise spans disciplines—from workplace and mixed use to education, hospitality, cultural institutions, digital tech, and more. Whether we’re dreaming into a future learning environment, planning a new urban district or designing a super tall building, we strive to make the everyday places people occupy more inspiring, more resilient and more impactful.
To learn more about our internship programs, please visit gensler.com/internships.
Your Role
As a Planning and Urban 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 3 through August 8, 2025. You must be available for the entire duration of the program.
What You Will Do
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Contribute in developing strong, creative and innovative design concepts on a broad range of urban design and master planning projects.
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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.
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Enjoy the rich culture of our office and firm by experiencing educational sessions and mentorship opportunities that include lunch and learns, lectures, vendor presentations, project tours, and a community focused group intern project.
Your Qualifications
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You are currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Architecture or Urban Planning/ Urban Design; NAAB accredited program highly preferred.
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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.
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Experience using Revit required; AutoCAD, and/or BIM modeling software a plus.
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Strong 3-D computer rendering skills (Sketch Up, 3dsMax, and/or other modeling software).
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Strong skills with software such as InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
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Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Your Additional Characteristics
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Demonstrated leadership ability in school and/or community.
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Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.
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Strong verbal, written and graphic communication skills.
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Hand sketching ability.
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Resourceful, self-motivated, enthusiastic team player.
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Outstanding analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
How to Apply
Submit an online application including a resume, cover letter, and portfolio in PDF form. If you choose to submit a link to an online portfolio, you must make sure it is not password protected and that it contains a resume, cover letter, and work samples. Submissions made in Microsoft Word and/or without work samples will not be considered.
This posting will remain open until early March 2025.
Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and available positions may be filled before the posting closes.
The hourly rate is $21.50 to $23.50, commensurate with education level
Gensler Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Gensler and has not been reviewed or approved by Gensler.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Incentive programs include twice‑yearly bonuses and profit sharing that are positioned as meaningful parts of total compensation. Employee ownership elements can reward longer tenure and contribute to overall earnings beyond base pay.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Employee stock ownership and stock appreciation programs provide wealth‑building avenues beyond salary. These equity mechanisms are highlighted as part of the standard package.
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Healthcare Strength — Core coverage spans medical, dental, and vision alongside life and disability, EAP/mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Benefits breadth is described as solid within the industry context.
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What We Do
Gensler is a global architecture, design, and planning firm with 53 locations and more than 6,000+ professionals networked across the Americas, Europe, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Founded in 1965, the firm works globally with more than 4,000 clients across more than 33 practice areas spanning the work, lifestyle, community, and health sectors. Everything we do is guided by our mission: To create a better world through the power of design. We believe the power of design can spark positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone. Gensler was named one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work in 2020, 2019, 2017 and 2016, and our award-winning culture has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021. Our people-first philosophy is centered on the core ideas of diversity empowerment, impact, community, respect, and growth. You can learn more about our commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace at https://www.gensler.com/careers#diversity.
