Internship Application Letter Architect in United States Chicago – Free Word Template Download with AI

Date: October 26, 2023
To: Hiring Manager
Company: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) Chicago Office
Address: 311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 5800, Chicago, IL 60606

Subject: Internship Application for Architectural Intern Position – United States Chicago

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing with profound enthusiasm to submit my application for the Architectural Intern position at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in your esteemed Chicago office. As a dedicated and innovative architecture student at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), I am deeply committed to contributing to the dynamic architectural landscape of the United States Chicago—a city renowned for its iconic skyline, rich architectural heritage, and forward-thinking urban innovation. This internship represents not only a pivotal step in my professional journey but also an opportunity to immerse myself in a firm that embodies excellence in design, sustainability, and community engagement within one of America’s most influential architectural hubs.

My academic foundation at IIT has equipped me with rigorous technical skills and a nuanced understanding of architectural theory, practice, and context. Courses such as "Advanced Architectural Design Studio III," "Sustainable Building Systems," and "Urban Design Strategies" have honed my ability to translate conceptual ideas into tangible solutions. In my recent capstone project—*The River North Community Resilience Hub*—I led a cross-disciplinary team to design a mixed-use facility integrating flood mitigation, affordable housing, and cultural programming for Chicago’s River North neighborhood. This project required mastery of Revit for BIM modeling, AutoCAD for detailing, and physical prototyping to test material performance. Crucially, it demanded an understanding of Chicago-specific challenges: historical zoning codes, the need to preserve adaptive reuse in a rapidly gentrifying area, and the imperative to align with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s *Climate Action Plan*. This experience solidified my conviction that architecture must serve as a catalyst for equitable urban evolution—a principle deeply resonant with SOM’s philosophy.

What compels me most about applying to SOM in Chicago is your firm’s legacy of shaping the city’s identity. From the iconic John Hancock Center and Willis Tower to contemporary works like the *Riverside Plaza* and *The 78*, SOM has consistently defined Chicago’s architectural narrative while pioneering sustainable technologies. I am particularly inspired by your recent work on the Chicago Cultural Center Renovation, where you seamlessly merged historic preservation with modern accessibility standards—a project that mirrors my own passion for honoring Chicago’s past while building its future. The United States Chicago, as a global city of contrasts—where Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House stands alongside Zaha Hadid’s Aqua Tower—offers an unparalleled classroom for an aspiring Architect. I am eager to learn from SOM’s collaborative culture, where designers, engineers, and urban planners co-create solutions that elevate communities.

Beyond technical proficiency, I bring a proactive mindset rooted in Chicago’s spirit of civic engagement. During my semester at the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (via exchange program), I volunteered with *Chicago Architecture Foundation*’s "Learning Through Design" initiative, teaching design thinking to high school students from underserved neighborhoods in Englewood and Humboldt Park. This experience deepened my empathy for how architecture impacts lives daily—whether it’s a park revitalization in Pilsen or a new affordable housing complex on the South Side. I understand that an Architect must not only create beautiful spaces but also foster inclusivity, resilience, and cultural dialogue within the fabric of United States Chicago.

I have also actively sought exposure to Chicago’s architectural ecosystem through professional development. I attended SOM’s "Design + Technology" symposium at the Chicago Architecture Center in 2022, where I engaged with your team on parametric design applications for high-rises—a topic now central to my thesis research on optimizing wind resistance in supertall buildings using computational tools. Additionally, I’ve completed certifications in LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C) and Autodesk Revit Certified Professional, ensuring my skills align with industry standards critical to Chicago’s green building momentum under the *Chicago Green Permit Program*.

As I refine my path toward becoming a licensed Architect, Chicago’s vibrant community of firms—SOM included—provides an unmatched environment for growth. The city’s density of award-winning practices, combined with its commitment to innovation (evident in initiatives like *Chicago 2025* and the *30x30 Challenge*), ensures that every internship here is a masterclass in urban problem-solving. I am confident that my blend of technical skill, contextual awareness, and passion for Chicago’s architectural ethos positions me to contribute meaningfully from day one. At SOM, I would approach every task with meticulous attention to detail—whether drafting construction documents for a new mixed-use tower or participating in site visits to witness how our designs transform neighborhoods.

Thank you for considering my application as part of your Internship Application Letter process. I am eager to discuss how my background in sustainable design, community-centered projects, and technical expertise can support SOM’s vision for Chicago and the United States. I have attached my resume, academic portfolio (featuring renderings of the River North Resilience Hub), and three letters of recommendation from faculty who’ve mentored me through Chicago-focused studio work. I welcome the opportunity to meet at your convenience—whether in person at your Wacker Drive office or virtually—to explore how I can contribute to the next chapter of Chicago’s architectural legacy.

I look forward to the possibility of learning from and collaborating with one of America’s most respected architectural firms within the heart of United States Chicago. Thank you for investing your time in reviewing my application. I am excited by the prospect of joining SOM’s team to help shape a more sustainable, equitable, and inspiring future for our city.

Sincerely,

Alex Morgan

Architecture Student | Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)
Chicago, IL 60616 | [email protected] | (312) 555-0198
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexmorganarchitect | Portfolio: alexmorgan.design

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