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Enhanced Intern Program

Architectural Resource
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Architectural Job Posting   January 2026

Enhanced Intern

Firm

Architectural Resource, located in Ann Arbor MI, has delivered innovative, award-winning architectural design to our clients since 1991 allowing us to become one of the most respected residential architecture firms in Michigan.  To date we have been recognized with over 150 design awards.  We believe the strength of our firm lies in the rapport we develop with our clients, our creative solutions to design challenges, our passion and dedication to our work, our diverse project experience and our focus on sustainability.  Although modest in size we are one of the leading sustainable residential design firms in Michigan having ushered in Michigan’s first three LEED Platinum whole house remodels, its first two NAHB NGBS Emerald remodels, and its first PHIUS+2015, PHIUS+2018 and world’s first PHIUS+Zero2021 Passive Houses. Architectural Resource is also responsible for the world’s second fully certified Living Building Challenge residence, and we are currently in design on another one.  Additionally, we are one of Michigan's leading Phius (Passive House Institute of the United States) certified architectural offices with our entire professional staff either currently being, or in the process of becoming, Certified Passive House Consultants.  We design homes built right now that are ready for tomorrow.  We utilize advanced design, building science and modern construction systems that create homes that far exceed code minimum standards in terms of sustainability, energy efficiency, water efficiency, thermal comfort, indoor air quality and building durability.  We help our clients to create inspired living spaces that create inspired lives- and avoid their building homes that are “BNO’”- Brand New and Obsolete the day they move in.  We are creating the Homes of the Future- Today®!

 

Position

We are seeking an architectural student to join our Enhanced Intern Program and work with our team to help us create beautiful, functional, sustainable, and energy-efficient homes - dwellings that generations of users will enjoy.  This position is part-time and will be both in-house and virtual (no contract work please), with the commitment to providing a long-term opportunity that will be professionally rewarding.  Ideally, to fully realize the benefits of the Enhanced Intern Program, the candidate would be with us for a two-year engagement.

The Enhanced Intern Program is a very special program designed to cultivate and develop the architectural leadersof tomorrow- not just the architects of tomorrow.  It is about more than just architecture, it is about developing the full person.  You will work directly with the Principal and Project Designers to cultivate your architectural, professional and personal leadership skills.  An Enhanced Intern will be exposed to the full width and breadth of what it takes to run a successful design firm. Over the course of two years, depending entirely on the Enhanced Intern’s commitment, personal drive and development, the Enhanced Intern Program is designed to culminate with the Intern being capable of working semi-independently with the Principal and Project Designers engaging with actual client design projects.  The program is designed to be a super-charged enhancement to the Enhanced Intern’s academic career… except that you get paid to learn!  This program is also the career pathway for the Enhanced Intern to potentially be invited to a full-time, salaried position as a Project Designer with Architectural Resource after graduation.

This position is a good fit for a “self-starter” who has excellent architectural design skills and is committed to environmentally responsible design.  The candidate should be proactive, have a  keen sense of personal responsibility, strong time management skills, and the desire to work collaboratively within a firm that prides itself on excellence in all areas and highly innovative design solutions. 

 

Responsibilities

  • Drafting and design
  • Field work
  • Research and analysis
  • Presentation preparation
  • Client contact
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Networking
  • Sales
  • Administration
  • Office systems and maintenance

 

Qualifications

  • Possesses strong communication skills
  • Is skilled in collaboration and able to take direction from the team
  • Is detail oriented and organized
  • Is able to work independently
  • Is willing to learn
  • Is currently working toward a Bachelor/Master degree in Architecture
  • Has education/interest/experience and passion for the field of sustainable design

 

Requirements

  • Can commit to an on-going 20 hour per week minimum work week for the duration of their engagement in the EIP program
  • Has own vehicle or a reliable means of transportation allowing for site visits and procurement and transport of materials, or access to a readily available vehicle on demand
  • For remote work, has access to an Apple Computer.  Minimum requirements: M1 processor; 32GB Ram; higher-end graphics card; running Sequoia OS 
  • For remote work, has access to the internet with a minimum upload speed of 20 Mbps and download speed of 100 Mbps
  • Is prepared to engage in a continuous two-year program

 

Pay Range

Skill based compensation program

Position will be compensated based on the Intern’s  tier level of skills.   There are no limitations to the level of tier jumps.  There are no time restrictions to when tier jumps can occur.  Tier jumps are 100% based on the intern’s skill level. Specific tier level skills will be determined and evaluated by the Project Designers and Principal.

  • tier 1 - $17 per hour
  • tier 2 - $19 per hour
  • tier 3 - $21 per hour
  • tier 4 - $23 per hour

 

Tier 1 skills- Entry Level

  • Have completed AR basic Intern Onboarding ArchiCAD training. 
  • Capable of working on tasks described for Existing Conditions Documentation, Research and Analysis/Schematic Design/Design Development/Construction Documents in ArchiCAD
  • 2D basic competency: Text and line work, fill, 2D Object, line type, line weight
  • 3D basic competency: Wall, slab, beam, roof, column, SEO
  • Basic Familiarity with favorites
  • Basic Familiarity with office drawing standards
  • Understanding of Views and Layouts

 

Tier 2 skills- Beginning Level 

Rudimentary ArchiCAD and Project Management skills

  • Capable of producing entire ECRA/SD deliverable in ArchiCAD
  • 2D full competency: Text and line work, fill, 2D Object, line type, line weight
  • 3D full competency: Wall, slab, beam, roof, column, SEO
  • Familiarity with favorites
  • Familiarity with office drawing standards
  • Understanding of Views and Layouts
  • Can work on a file without ‘blowing it up’
  • PDP reporting

 

Tier 3 skills- Intermediate Level

More developed ArchiCAD and Project Management skills

  • Capable of producing entire DD deliverable in ArchiCAD
  • Cameras, View creation, view setting, manipulation, rendering
  • Complex profiles
  • Complex SEO
  • Stair tool, railing tool
  • Manipulating 3D Model
  • Moving of groups
  • PDP proactive management 
  • BIMx production

 

Tier 4 skills- Advanced Level

Highly developed ArchiCAD and Project Management skills

  • Capable of producing entire CD deliverable in ArchiCAD
  • Modeling and manipulating complex geometries
  • Proficiency in project management and communication
  • Deliverable accountability
  • AR level accuracy and complete work

 

Work Schedule

AR embraces a Hybrid work environment- working in-person at our physical main office in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Tuesday and Thursday; and working virtually from each team member’s remote locations Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  We also have a Work Where You Want, When You Want structure.  Outside of our daily morning Seize the Day all-office Zoom connection meeting, your weekly work engagement calendar is determined based entirely on what works for the intern’s academic schedule.  This approach allows for a concentrated effort and focus to be given to both work and school.  One possible example is that a consolidated work schedule may be possible inside of the Work Where You Want, When You Want structure. Capacity for self-directed weekend and off-standard M,W,F/8-5 & T,TH 8:30-5:30 work week engagement will be entirely based on the Intern’s ability to be effective in working independently. Weekend and off-hour work is possible, however if that work would require direct Project Designer and/or Principal input it would need to be coordinated in advance. 

 

Management

EIP weekly planning meetings (currently Tuesday Mornings) involving the Principal, Project Designers and Enhanced Interns are utilized to better coordinate Intern work for the current week and projecting three weeks out ahead.  Specific time accountability for assigned Intern project work is mapped on to the Office Google Calendar at the EIP weekly planning meeting. 

 

Enhanced Intern Team Structure

AR EIP Interns will have the opportunity to work with Project Designers who will act, in addition to the Principal, as their mentors to enhance their internship experience.  The mentorship relationship with each Project Designer will provide a direct, one-on-one, relationship to further advance the intern’s engagement and development.

 

AXP and Lawrence Technological Institute IPAL Program

AR is a participant firm in the LTU IPAL program.  LTU IPAL Interns emerge having completed all of their required AXP hours and will have the opportunity to concurrently sit for their various ARE’s.  The possibility exists that an AR EIP Intern could complete the Enhanced Intern Program and graduate from LTU as a fully licensed architect.

 

 

Application

Please submit cover letter or a brief video indicating your reasons for seeking to join our team, a resume, references and three carefully selected examples of your most creative work, specifically limited to only 3, to employment@architecturalresource.com

No walk-ins or phone calls please.

In order to identify the right person to join our team, selected candidates may be asked to complete on line assessments, a virtual or phone screening, and an interview focusing on skills and knowledge. 

This firm is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer. This firm does not sponsor applicants for work visas. 

Remote work will be available only after orientation and base performance standards are met.