Architecture Career Resources
The Career Center has built this page to provide you with valuable advice and resources relevant to your major. Explore and take advantage of what you find here to maximize your career readiness!
Common Career Paths for Architecture Majors
If you are still trying to explore and evaluate your career path, you can check out this selected list of common job titles that alumni often pursue. Please keep in mind, this is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, you can consider it a starting point to explore options in the field.
Architect - Design physical structures, working on everything from residential homes to large commercial projects. This work is often performed as part of a firm or studio in collaboration with other architects.
3D Modeler / Renderer - Produce detailed and realistic 3D renderings of spaces to help clients visualize design concepts before implementation. They use specialized software to produce high-quality visual representations.
Real Estate Stager - Prepare homes and buildings for sale by arranging furniture and décor to make properties more appealing to potential buyers. This role requires an understanding of design principles and market trends.
Environment Artist - Work from concept art, real-world reference, and imagination to create and lay out digital 3D environments that form the world of a film or video game. This work is often done while employed by a game or multimedia studio.
Construction Manager - Oversee the construction process of buildings and infrastructure, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to design specifications.
Set Designer - Design the physical environments used for theater, film, television, or other live events, often working closely with directors and actors to achieve a particular look. This work is often done on a freelance / contract basis.
Material Designer - Ensure that the materials used in building products not only meet aesthetic and functional requirements, but also align with broader sustainability goals. Often involves in-depth understanding of material properties, construction, and design principles.
Building Inspector - Evaluate buildings and construction sites to ensure they meet safety codes and regulations. One might be employed by local government or by inspection companies.
Installation Artist - Create and install large-scale, immersive art pieces that often transform or interact with specific spaces. This work is often done independently, and may be commissioned by private or public entities.
Fine Artist - Produce original artwork that express a unique vision, concept, or idea. Work may be exhibited and sold via galleries, museums, art fairs, and private collections.
Educator - Teaching architecture or conducting research in architecture-related fields, contributing to the advancement of architectural knowledge and practices.
Places Where Students Have Recently Interned - A Selected List
This is a curated list of places where students have done internships in the last few years.
Institute for Human Centered Design
Internships, Jobs, & Opportunities
Find jobs, internships, and other opportunities related to your major.
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture
Organizations, Directories, & Communities
This is a curated selection of communities and organizations that are relevant to the field.
National Organization of Minority Architects
Rising Tide - Asian Pacific Islander Design Directory
Grants, Fellowships, and Residencies
Explore this selection of internal grant and fellowship opportunities available to RISD students.
RISD Managed Grants and Awards
Student & Alumni Stories
Read these stories of students and alumni expressing their creativity in the professional world.
Contrasts + Contradictions in Architecture
RISD Maharam Fellows Fuel Change Across The Globe
RISD Students Expand Their Horizons Via Enlightening Summer Internships
Ten RISD Finalists Selected for Terra Carta Design Lab Competition
CreativeStudy
This free online video learning platform is presented by creatives who have dedicated their lives to sharing knowledge on financial and business topics. Use your RISD Single Sign On credentials to access it!