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Urban Design Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Contribute to the site planning, urban and landscape design, and graphic and technical production. * Projects can include land planning, urban design and redevelopment, mixed-use and all types of ...

Contribute to the site planning, urban and landscape design, and graphic and technical production. * Projects can include land planning, urban design and redevelopment, mixed-use and all types of ...

... and applicable design or policy documents. * Contribute to planning-level recommendations by ... Enrollment in an Urban and Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography ...

... and applicable design or policy documents. * Contribute to planning-level recommendations by ... Enrollment in an Urban and Regional Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography ...

Intern

Manassas, VA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Urban Forestry * Construction * Landscape Design or Architecture * Business * Related fields You should also bring: * An interest in learning multiple aspects of the landscape industry. * A positive ...

New

Urban Forestry * Construction * Landscape Design or Architecture * Business * Related fields You should also bring: * An interest in learning multiple aspects of the landscape industry. * A positive ...

New

Internships for 2024

Sterling, VA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Sterling, VA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Sterling, VA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Manassas, VA · On-site

$53K - $71K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

Internships for 2024

Manassas, VA · On-site

$53K - $71K/yr

... Intern Mentor and you to develop a program that best suits your interests and the needs of the ... Urban Forestry, Agricultural Mechanization, Construction, Design or Architecture, or Business.

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Urban Design Intern information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$18

$30

How much do urban design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for urban design intern in Virginia is $18.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an urban design intern do?

An Urban Design Intern assists professional urban designers and planners with projects that shape the layout and appearance of cities and communities. Their tasks often include researching site data, preparing maps, creating design presentations, drafting plans in software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, and participating in team meetings. Interns gain practical experience by supporting the design process, engaging in community outreach, and learning about zoning, sustainability, and public space planning. The role is an opportunity to build hands-on skills while contributing to real-world urban development projects.

What types of projects and tasks can an urban design intern expect to work on during their internship?

As an Urban Design Intern, you can expect to participate in a variety of projects ranging from site analysis and conceptual design to preparing visual presentations and technical drawings. Interns often assist with research on zoning codes, community needs, and sustainability best practices, as well as supporting the team in public engagement activities. Collaboration with architects, planners, and engineers is common, offering exposure to multidisciplinary teamwork. These experiences provide valuable insights into the urban design process and can help clarify potential career paths within the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an urban design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Urban Design Intern, you need foundational knowledge in urban planning, design principles, and spatial analysis, often gained through coursework in architecture, urban design, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and GIS tools is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and contribute creative ideas. These abilities are essential for producing impactful design solutions and supporting complex urban development projects.

What is the difference between Urban Design Intern vs Urban Planning Intern?

AspectUrban Design InternUrban Planning Intern
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in urban design, architecture, or related fieldsUsually studying or holding a degree in urban planning, geography, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, architectural firms, city planning departments focusing on aesthetics and spatial designGovernment agencies, consulting firms, focusing on policy, zoning, and land use planning
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by architecture firms, urban design studios, city departments emphasizing visual and spatial aspectsCommon in municipal planning departments, urban development agencies, emphasizing policy and regulation

While both roles involve city development, Urban Design Interns focus on the visual and spatial aspects of urban environments, working on design projects. Urban Planning Interns concentrate on land use, policies, and regulations to guide city growth. Both internships provide valuable experience in urban development but emphasize different skill sets and project types.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Urban Design Intern jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Urban Design Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Urban Design Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,658 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Planning & Design Intern - Summer 2027

Tysons Corner, VA • Hybrid

VHB
Civil Engineering Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$19 - $30/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


VHB rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

ABOUT THE POSITION

VHB is looking for a Planning and Design Intern to join our team for the Summer of 2027. This position can be based in our Washington, DC or Tysons, VA office.  Responsibilities
  • Conduct due diligence of planning studies, including code and comprehensive plan research
  • Assist in site analysis, concept development, feasibility studies, and the preparation of master planning documentation including sustainability, transportation and resilience planning
  • Participate in public engagement and outreach efforts
  • Produce supporting graphics, maps, and imagery for project deliverables
  • Conduct planning assessments using analytical tools such as GIS to evaluate data, identify trends, and develop documentation to summarize results and recommendations
Skills and Attributes
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to independently manage multiple tasks and interact appropriately and positively with teammates
  • Self-motivated with attention to detail
  • Good time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
Qualifications
  • Candidates must be pursuing a degree in urban planning, urban design, or a related field
VHB does not provide housing for internships. 

The hourly pay range for this position, located in Washington, D.C./ Virginia, is $19 to $30. The actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including geographic location, internal equity, experience, credentials, skills, education, work schedule, and other factors permitted by law. The posted hourly range reflects base pay only. Additional compensation and benefits available to eligible employees are outlined in our Total Rewards Program.

VHB offers a differentiating work experience, including a comprehensive benefits package that includes eligibility to participate in the VHB 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and recognition programs. 

Details on VHB's benefits package can be found here: Benefits Checklist 

  

Building what's next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, peopledriven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

 

When you join VHB, you'll find:

  • Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
  • Support to grow your skills and lead through change
  • Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
  • Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We're growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what's next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.  

 

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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Employment Type: TEMPORARY

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