Public Architecture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, seeks candidates for its annual summer associate program. The summer associate(s) will work closely with and support Public Architecture’s fulltime professional staff of seven. In addition to the summer associates being sought through this call, one summer associate will join us from the Domestic Corps program of the University of Michigan Business School to focus specifically on The 1% program.

Public Architecture is the leading national advocate for pro bono and public-interest design. We engage architecture firms, nonprofits, and building industry manufacturers to commit to design for the public good; we act to bring about positive community change through public-interest design initiatives and pro bono design service grants; and we share the potential of design to change the world through advocacy and outreach. Our organization has been the subject of extensive press, including a National Geographic Channel documentary as well as a Harvard Business School case study.

Past projects led by our summer associates have varied widely, from conducting interviews about pro bono design with some of the country’s top architects to creating renderings and models that further developed the Day Labor Station. Once on staff, the summer associates play in integral role in moving forward many of our design initiatives and are encouraged to participate as a full member of the staff at our weekly staff meetings and annual Board retreat.

Sample Responsibilities

Commit
--Provide outreach to participating and potential firms and nonprofits in The 1% program
--Research and develop case studies on pro bono design projects and material reuse

Act
--Assist with production of design documents
--Develop graphics (e.g., renderings, model making, layout, presentations)

Share
--Conduct research regarding Public Architecture’s design initiative focus areas
Assist in development of educational and support materials for The 1% program
--Assist in graphic and content development for Public Architecture’s websites

Additional Duties
--Research foundations, corporations, government entities, and other potential funders and partners
--Provide additional research, graphic, and administrative support for the overall organization when needed

Required Experience & Skills

--Candidates from all disciplines and fields are encouraged to apply
--Architecture candidates must be in a MArch program or in year 4-5 of a BArch program or equivalent
--Outstanding organizational skills with acute attention to detail
--Ability to think analytically and effective communication skills
--A vested interest in and commitment to Public Architecture’s mission and activities
--Strong writing and editing skills
--Computer literacy in a PC/Windows environment, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, and Autocad
--3D rendering and/or HTML code experience a plus

Duration
8-10 weeks between May and September 2010. Date are negotiable.

Location
Public Architecture’s office is located in the heart of San Francisco’s South of Market area, one block off I-80 and just three blocks from the Civic Center BART/MUNI station.

Compensation
Public Architecture requires that all summer associates secure funding from their academic institution or similar entity. Many schools offer public service grants or stipends that allow students to work in a community-oriented or nonprofit environment. Previous summer associates with Public Architecture have received support from the Harvard Graduate School of Design Community Service Fellowship, Smith College Praxis Program, Vanderbilt University Ingram Fellowship Program, UC Berkeley Judith Stronach Fellowship, and University of Virginia Externship Program. Information on such grants is generally available through departmental, financial, or career service offices. If needed, Public Architecture can provide a letter of support to aid in the grant application process, but we are not in a position to provide matching funds.

Application Process
All application materials must be received no later than 5pm on Monday, March 8, 2010. Required materials include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and design work portfolio or samples. Materials should be addressed to John Cary, Executive Director, Public Architecture. All materials should be submitted by email to info@publicarchitecture.org with “Summer Associate Application” as the subject of your email. A single PDF is preferred. Please limit file size to 5MB. All applications will be acknowledged by email. A shortlist of candidates will be interviewed by phone, unless local. Final determination is expected no later than April 2, 2010.

3 Reasons Why You Should Consider this Position

Great team.
You will be joining a unique organization composed of design industry leaders who have chosen to use their skills and passions to serve traditionally overlooked or underserved populations—and are inspiring throngs of others to do the same.

Great environment.
Public Architecture shares a large warehouse space overlooking the San Francisco skyline with a graphic design firm and two marketing and PR consultants. With close proximity to downtown, the Mission and North Beach neighborhoods, boredom is not an option.

Great cause.
In the form of ill-conceived public housing units, under-resourced libraries, and decrepit healthcare clinics, social inequality manifests itself in the built environment everyday. Public Architecture works towards democratizing access to quality design. You can too.