Architectural Intern (Yes Community Architects)

About Us

Yes Community Architects (YCA) is a Bay Area-born design firm dedicated to social justice through architecture. With a focus on community-serving design, YCA approaches design as activism--advocating for community-centered solutions and inclusive engagement, especially for marginalized and historically disenfranchised groups. YCA’s projects--from prefabricated workforce housing, to hi-rise student housing, to transit-oriented communities--all emphasize collaboration, climate-conscious design, and community empowerment, while leveraging state pro-housing legislation to maximize impact.

Job Summary

As an Architectural Intern, you’ll work closely with our team on all project phases, from conceptual design through construction documentation. You’ll gain hands-on experience with projects that promote high quality housing and engage in community-centered design work. This role is ideal for a recent Master’s graduate looking to deepen their practical skills and collaborate on impactful, purpose-driven projects.

Responsibilities

• Help develop new tools using AI for our practice(e.g., Gemini, Chat GPT, Sora, Claude, Vibe-Coding, etc)
• Contribute to and grow our firm's knowledge community: Universal Design, Sustainability, Trauma 
• Informed Design, Mass Timber, Modular and other essential innovations transforming our industry.
• Shadow the team in design development, drafting, and preparing construction documents.
• Assist with research, including zoning, building codes, and site-specific data.
• Participate in community outreach, and presentations to gather input and feedback.
• Help innovate new forms of 3D modeling, rendering, and digital presentation tools
• Engage in sustainable design practices and innovative construction techniques.
• Contribute to the firm’s values by supporting social justice and community empowerment goals through design.