In the Americas, we’re excited to help new graduates like you transition from the classroom to a thriving professional career. We offer a dynamic environment where fresh ideas are valued, innovation is encouraged and growth is a priority. Through mentorship, hands-on training and opportunities to work on meaningful projects, you’ll gain the skills and experience needed to launch your career.

Application + Hiring Timeline

December
New graduate (entry level positions) applications open.

Mid-January
Populous begins conducting interviews on a rolling basis. If Populous elects to move forward with your application, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.

Early March
Applications close in early March as spring recruiting events conclude, but some openings may close earlier if positions are filled.

Summer
New graduate cohort begins.

Contact

If you have any questions about the Populous experience, contact the intern and new grad team at join@populous.com.

Potential Job Titles

Architectural Designer I

Interior Designer I

Marketing Coordinator I

Graphic Designer I

And many more…

Growth + Career Advancement Opportunities

Populous is dedicated to helping each person shape their career to meet their personal goals and values.

Advocates
Early intern and recent graduate is paired with an advocate, typically someone with between 2-7 years of experience at Populous. This advocate serves as a primary point of contact, providing guidance and support while participating in many of the new grad program activities.

Licensure
Populous actively encourages licensure, as it is important for numerous disciplines. The firm offers study materials — from digital subscriptions to books and flashcards — for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) and the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).

Hours are allotted for time off to study or take exams for the ARE and Populous pays for each test to be taken twice. Populous also works with staff to help employees achieve their required experience hours for licensure.

The firm covers professional memberships, such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

Professional Development
Professional development opportunities are offered to individuals in every discipline at Populous. New grads are provided with a specific learning plan and range of training, including technical, soft skills and presentations from internal and external individuals. To ensure that new grads are properly acclimating to the firm and getting the resources they need, the new grad committee meets with every new grad after 60-days for a check-in.

Sustainability
Populous encourages employees to receive credentials in sustainability programs like LEED and WELL, and hours are allotted for time off to study or take these exams.

I have been pleasantly surprised with the amount of enterprise and responsibility that I have been able to take on across various projects. Senior designers and principals want my voice to be heard and my designs to be seen.

Greyson Rubin

University of Texas at Austin Graduate and Populous Architect

At Populous, everyone has an equal voice. Regardless of your experience level or job title, you’re always encouraged to share your ideas — because the best idea always wins, no matter who it comes from.

Dominique La France

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Graduate and Populous Architect

Populous Studio

Populous Studio is a group of next generation design talent working in a rapid-paced environment that is focused on conceptual design, research and thought leadership.

Averaging one hundred projects per year, the Studio team is a nimble, creative group that collaborates with project teams across all markets.

• Full immersion in Populous design philosophy and culture
• Research & Development, conceptual design, visualization
• Operates simultaneously as an internal think tank, innovation hub and design SWAT-team.

The New Graduate Experience