Student Graphic Designer (Internship)

About us

For more than three decades, KPMB Architects has evolved in response to a changing world and worked to change it for the better. Guided by our purpose and anchored by our values, KPMB crafts design solutions that catalyze positive change.

As a full-service practice working across Canada and the United States, we provide expertise in building design, interior design, master planning, workplace strategy, project management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable design. KPMB has designed and delivered projects totaling more than 31 million square feet in a diverse range of sectors, including education, healthcare, scientific research, arts and culture, government, corporate, hospitality, recreation, and mixed-use development.

With uncompromising rigor and close attention to the increasingly complex needs of the world around us, our diverse team devotes their expertise, passion, and creativity to solve today’s challenges and unlock new opportunities for our clients and the communities we serve.

The role

KPMB is seeking a curious and creative Graphic Design student with a passion for visual communication to join our Toronto office for a four‑month, full‑time paid internship. In this role, you will support the Marketing & Business Development team and contribute to a wide range of creative initiatives that advance the firm’s brand, proposals, and communication materials. You will gain hands‑on experience designing for real‑world architectural and design contexts, while strengthening your technical, conceptual, and collaborative abilities.

As part of our dynamic and highly interdisciplinary environment, you will work closely with marketing leads, designers, architects, and communications specialists, and will be integrated into the everyday workflow of the team.

In addition to meaningful project involvement, this role is designed to support your professional growth. As a Graphic Design Intern, you will benefit from:

• Hands‑on experience designing for a leading architecture and design practice
• Experience with the application of graphic design principles across proposals, presentations, brand assets, and digital collateral
• Opportunities to expand skills in layout, typography, visual storytelling, and information design
• Exposure to a diverse range of project types and scales across KPMB’s portfolio
• Collaboration and mentorship within multidisciplinary teams including Marketing & Business Development, Communications, and architectural project teams
• Experience with emerging tools and workflows related to digital storytelling and visual communication
• A supportive and design‑focused learning environment that encourages experimentation, curiosity, and creative growth

KPMB’s diverse range of award‑winning architectural projects offers students the unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. We’re committed to nurturing a dynamic learning environment that immerses students in all phases of the architectural process—from hands‑on project work to participating in firm‑led Lunch & Learns and other initiatives that deepen exposure to our design culture and project approach.

Student terms are typically structured as four‑month, full‑time paid positions, with the possibility of extension based on firm needs.

Select key responsibilities:

• Support the design and layout of digital assets for publication or print such as project sheets, proposals, brochures, posters, presentations, social‑media graphics, and event materials under guidance from senior team members.
• Apply the firm’s visual branding identity across templates and materials, ensuring consistency in typography, colour, imagery, and formatting
• Work collaboratively with others to explore graphic directions and produce early-stage concepts, mood boards, and sketches and refine design options to produce production ready materials based on discussion, research, and feedback
• Prepare and export files for print, web, and social platforms, ensuring accuracy in sizing, resolution, and formatting.
• Update and edit existing graphics and documents, applying iterative changes to keep materials current as project requirements evolve.

Candidate profile & qualifications

• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree or diploma in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Architecture, or a related discipline
• Demonstrates design excellence in academic projects, showcasing a clear vision and the ability to articulate ideas effectively
• Strong foundational skills in layout, typography, colour, and composition.
• A strong team player capable of collaborating effectively within a team (i.e., Take direction, incorporate feedback, sharing recommendations to work collaboratively within a team environment)
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and version control when handling multiple files or updates.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) or Affinity and familiarity with MS Office Suite, including PowerPoint
• Ability to follow established brand guidelines and apply them consistently across materials.
• A sharp thinker with the ability to quickly grasp concepts and identify connections among diverse information
• An ambitious individual with well-defined goals and a strategic plan for achieving success
• Proven reliability in project delivery, showing a comprehensive understanding of project scope, effective time management skills, and collaborative abilities across both academic projects and previous internships.
• Interest in architecture, design, or the built environment is considered an asset

Why work with us

Founded in 1987, KPMB Architects has evolved a diverse portfolio of architectural projects with a focus on building healthy, vibrant cities and communities. KPMB has grown to 100+ employees and is recognized for its highly collaborative, supportive staff with a wide variety of experience and education. Some of our team members have grown with the firm from the beginning of their careers to become leaders, while others have joined at various points in their career and bring new ideas and approaches. We provide a learning environment where teaching, mentoring, and collaboration is an essential part of our DNA. At KPMB, there are many opportunities to share your skills, get involved in firm activities outside of project work, and contribute to initiatives that give back.

KPMB is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve. KPMB Architects is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected status.

If you require any accommodation or assistance during the recruitment process, please let us know when you submit your application. KPMB is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.

Salary:

Compensation starts at an annualized base salary of $50,000.00, commensurate with experience.

Transportation and bike storage:

A daily free shuttle bus between Union Station and KPMB’s office is provided for all staff who use the subway system or GO transit, from Monday to Thursday. Underground bicycle parking and shower facilities are also available.