Design Assistant

ShanghaiContractPosted Jun 8, 2026
In our Shanghai office, we are always looking for talented and self-motivated students of architecture, who are eager to learn and develop their skills. As an Intern at BIG you will experience a dynamic and inspiring environment in an international creative community. You will work among and learn from some of the best Architects in the world and participate in exciting projects, social events, courses and much more.

As a Design Assistant, you will be expected to assist with work on projects of varying typology, location and scale. You will work on both conceptual design and technical / detail design in different stages, helping with the production of drawing sets under the supervision of senior members of staff. The role will help you to develop and enhance your design, communication, technical and conceptual skills while at the same time contributing to the development of projects, you will be involved in.

You will be expected to help with the production and development of design options, production of diagrams, drawings, virtual and physical models and visualizations related to the respective projects.

You will be required to use and have strong capability in the following systems: Rhino or Revit and the Adobe Suite. As the role progresses, you will be exposed to more independent work, taking design decisions and proposing conceptual and technical resolution of parts of the projects you will be working on; you will be able to observe and learn about management and administration within and outside of the company. You will be expected to resolve technical and design challenges through innovative thinking and learn knowledge of products, materials, and construction methods in the EU and globally. You will observe and from time to time engage with management, project stakeholders, local authorities, approving bodies, and sub-consultants.

Tasks and involvement:
  • Be involved in some of our international projects
  • Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams
  • Connect with experienced professionals
  • Foster innovative architectural designs
  • Transform creative ideas into practical solutions
  • Integrate sustainability into architectural projects
  • Apply digital tools for advanced design and modeling
  • Develop effective design presentation abilities
  • Communicate design concepts persuasively
  • Support effective project communication
  • Incorporate cultural sensitivity into designs
  • Understand global architectural contexts
  • Embrace a culture of critique and improvement
  • Refine and enhance architectural work continuously

The ideal candidate:
  • Have at least 2 years of architecture school behind you.
  • Be a current student. Graduates cannot be considered as interns despite having a student status. We will follow up on your educational status and you will have to sign a declaration prior to your start.
  • Have knowledge and experience with the following: Rhino, Revit, Enscape and Adobe.
  • Have a flexible and open attitude towards new ways of working
  • Be able to take initiative in response to direction or instruction
  • Have great interpersonal communication skills
  • Be fluent in English
  • Be able to have your Internship with BIG running for at least 6 months

Application:
Please upload your CV and portfolio. Applications with URL to portfolio, QR-codes no portfolio at all, will not be considered. Interviews are conducted on an ongoing basis.

Diversity has been part of our DNA since BIG’s foundation. A multitude of cultures and backgrounds creates a new point of reference which leads to amazing insights. At BIG, we celebrate and support diversity because it makes our team, work and the built environment better. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and take affirmative action to employ equally regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

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