Rise Architecture/Interior Design Internship + Stipend

OUR MISSION 
Hickok Cole is a forward-focused design practice connecting bold ideas, diverse expertise, and partners with vision to do work that matters. 

ABOUT US 
For 35 years, we’ve worked hard to design projects that inspire change and leave a positive impact, bringing the best of our creativity and expertise to every opportunity across our diverse architecture, interior design, and creative branding practice. We’re at our best working as part of a team pushing the boundaries of design—the more ambitious, the better. These collaborations have resulted in 300+ awards, record-breaking real estate transactions, and the first mass timber and net-zero renovations in Washington, DC.  
In 2022, we became a Just organization and received our first label from the International Living Futures Institute. This grassroots initiative set out to demonstrate the firm’s commitment to building a more inclusive workplace and resulted in a transparent representation of our mission in action. 

OUR GOAL         
To elevate Black design voices by empowering emerging professionals and providing financial assistance to reduce barriers for entry into architecture and interior design careers. 

RISE DETAILS 
The Rise Internship + Stipend is awarded to one applicant annually. The selected recipient will join Hickok Cole for an eight-to-ten-week paid internship program. Interns will gain the valuable work experience required to be competitive for entry-level positions upon graduation and be exposed to a broader network of industry mentors, peers, and organizations. Upon completion, they will be awarded a $5,000 stipend to allocate towards university-related expenses such as tuition, fees, textbooks, and emergency funds needed to cover current semester balances.  

• APPLICATIONS DUE: January 10th, 2025, 5 PM EST 
• INTERVIEWS: February 7th + 14th, 2025
• WINNER NOTIFIED: February 21st, 2025 
• INTERNSHIP: Summer 2025 (May-August, dependent on recipient’s class schedule) 
• STIPEND + INTERNSHIP PAY: $20 an hour during internship plus a $5,000 stipend delivered upon completion of the internship.  

• Black, African American, or African Diaspora students currently enrolled in an architecture or interior design program at an accredited university 
• Rising 4th or 5th year undergraduate and graduate students must be returning to school in the Fall of 2025. Recent graduates seeking full-time positions should apply for a permanent position with Hickok Cole through our online portal

• Applicants must be legally able to work in the United States 

• Resume 
• Design portfolio 
• Two letters of recommendation 
• Responses to the following prompts (150-200 words each): 

1. With our mission in mind, share your vision for the future of architecture and/or design. 

2. What does work that matters mean to you as an aspiring architect and/or designer? 

3. Why is inclusivity essential to great design? 

• The Rise Program is managed by Hickok Cole and may be subject to provisions of the recipient’s University and state and federal laws.  

• The student's university may make appropriate announcements to the public and media through internal and external publications. 
• Portions of the winner's essay response may be used to promote the program and make appropriate marketing announcements to the public, media, and Hickok Cole employees. 

• Remote Work (up to 2 days a week) + Flexible Schedules
• Mentoring Program
• Company Laptops + Standing Desks
• 24 Hours Paid Volunteer Hours Per Year
• Annual Wellness Month
• Monthly Team Social Events
• iLAB Research Microgrant Program
• Annual Summer Picnic + Holiday Party
• Fully Stocked Model Shop
• Dedicated Virtual Reality Space + Tools
• Pay for Professional Exams 

For more information, click here and download the application package.
Questions can be directed to [email protected]