Junior Designer / Intern (Shelterwerk)

About Shelterwerk

Shelterwerk is a small architecture and design studio based in Oakland. Our work spans public projects for the State of California, commercial tenant improvements, residential renovations, and ADU and infill housing across the East Bay. In a studio this size, junior staff are not parked on a single task — you will attend client meetings, contribute across multiple project phases, and follow projects from concept through completion. It is a hands-on way to learn how design decisions become buildable construction.

About the Role

The Junior Designer/Intern works under close supervision, with a primary focus on learning firm workflows, drawing standards, and how design intent translates into documented, permittable construction. This position is well suited to a recent graduate, a designer working toward licensure, or a student seeking substantive practice experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist architects, designers, and studio staff across active projects
• Build digital models and produce renderings for presentations
• Assist in preparing construction documentation
• Research building materials, codes, zoning, and construction methods
• Support site analysis, field measurements, and feasibility studies
• Assist with material selections, finishes, and client presentation boards
• Incorporate design review feedback into updated drawings and models
• Attend virtual and in-person client and team meetings
• Help keep the studio organized; occasional office errands

Qualifications

Prior experience in the areas below is preferred. Willingness and ability to learn the remaining areas within the first 90 days is expected.

• Typically fewer than four (4) years of professional experience
• Degree, or coursework in progress, in architecture or a related field
• Working proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and/or SketchUp
• Basic familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office 365
• Comfortable working on a PC platform (our studio is not Mac-based)
• Willingness to learn the California Building Code, zoning, and accessibility standards
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow direction
• Good written communication skills
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States

Additional Details

This is an in-office position and is not eligible for remote work, given the level of in-person mentorship involved. Occasional travel to job sites for field measurements, accompanied by senior staff, is required and may include out-of-state travel. Site visits may involve walking uneven terrain, climbing ladders, and wearing personal protective equipment.

Benefits

Shelterwerk offers profit-sharing to all full-time employees.

• Health coverage
• PTO
• AXP hour documentation
• Mentorship
• Continuing education

How to Apply

Please send a résumé and portfolio or work samples (PDF, 10MB max) to admin@shelterwerk.com with “Junior Designer/Intern” in the subject line. We are glad to see academic work — tell us what you were solving for.