Design Co-op (Winter 2027)

Job summary

The Design Co-op will participate in the architectural design process, developing alternative solutions and presentation graphics for client communication. They will also assist with design development drawings, physical models, and collaborate with production staff on technical construction documents.

Job details

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities. Our British Columbia offices, located in Vancouver, Victoria and Penticton specialize in design of institutional and public-facing projects including major social infrastructure projects, mass timber, and post-secondary institutions. We work in collaborative studios across offices, pairing our local knowledge and deep project experience with leading edge expertise from around the globe. We specialize in complex, medium-to-large scale projects that leave a significant legacy in our communities, such as hospital campuses, post-secondary facilities and housing, community centers, and affordable housing. In addition to project work, we host weekly design social events to share our expertise, project work and personal interests. We also host a range of sporting events and other social events such as architectural film screenings. Our staff actively teach at UBC's School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and can plug you into broader industry and academic events during your time in Vancouver. We want to build a better future, so we bring our talents together to add value, promote growth and inspire positive change. HDR is a place where you can accomplish as much as you're willing to, in your work and in your career. We rally behind a good idea - and each other. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions and collaborate to make great things possible. This position is full-time and based in our downtown Vancouver office, beginning in January 2027 for a duration of 4, 8, or 12 months. In the role of Design Co-op: Perform assignments under the direct supervision of Architects, Project Managers and other professionals Participate in the architectural design process, and develop alternative solutions and presentation graphics used to communicate concepts to clients or for agency approval Follow through on design development drawings and models, and collaborate with production staff for technical details and completion of construction drawings Other duties as needed Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry (particularly Revit, Photoshop, Rhino and Grasshopper) Must be a team player and enjoy working in an open studio environment where knowledge sharing, communication and teamwork determine success 2 years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA Experience working with Revit Experience with physical model-making Experience using Enscape and rendering Required Qualifications Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program Attention to detail Must possess strong problem-solving and communication skills Basic Microsoft Office skills An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must What We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve. Our Commitment As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What you’ll do

The Design Co-op will participate in the architectural design process, developing alternative solutions and presentation graphics for client communication. They will also assist with design development drawings, physical models, and collaborate with production staff on technical construction documents.

Requirements

Candidates must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate architecture program with at least two years completed and a 3.0+ GPA. Proficiency in industry software such as Revit, Rhino, and Photoshop is preferred, along with strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Benefits

• Employee ownership culture
• Professional development
• Social events
• Sporting events
• Architectural film screenings
• Industry and academic networking

Listed skills

• Teamwork · Preferred
• Architectural Design · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Photoshop · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Design Development · Preferred
• Construction Documentation · Preferred
• Rendering · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Revit
• Photoshop
• Rhino
• Grasshopper
• Enscape
• Rendering
• Physical model-making
• Architectural design
• Technical drawing
• Construction documentation
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Presentation graphics
• Design development
• Grasshopper (Design Software)
• Presentation Graphics
• Influencing Skills
• Curiosity
• Follow Through
• Resilience
• Enscape (VR Rendering Software)
• Research
• Adobe Photoshop
• Architectural Design
• Architectural Drawing
• Autodesk Revit
• Built Environment
• Creativity
• Disabilities
• Executive Sponsor
• Innovation
• Problem Solving
• Landscape Architecture
• Project Management
• Microsoft Office
• Rhinoceros 3D
• High Dynamic Range
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Art & Design
• Construction
• Engineering
• Environmental & Sustainability
• Design Engineer Co-Op
• Civil / Architectural Designer / Drafter
• Draughtspersons
• Architectural and Civil Drafters

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