J-1 Interior Design Internship Miami Beach
High-End Interior Design: Your Year in Miami Beach
Work where others vacation—and do so at the highest level. Located at South Pointe Drive, the most exclusive address in Miami Beach, Lafayette USA offers the opportunity for a one-year internship in interior design and architecture. This isn’t about standard solutions; it’s about bespoke design and construction management for luxury properties across Miami, Aspen, and the Caribbean.
The Host Organization
Lafayette USA is a specialized firm focused on general contracting and high-end remodeling. The team provides a “white-glove” service, covering everything from the initial sketch to turnkey project management. For students in interior architecture or design, this elite, high-caliber team is the ideal environment to understand the full lifecycle of a US construction project.
Your Role in the Design Team
During this 52-week period, you will be fully integrated into the planning and execution of projects. The work is primarily office-based, supplemented by regular site visits:
- Concept & Design: You will develop initial drafts, create moodboards, and pre-select materials, furniture, and finishes.
- Technical Planning: Using AutoCAD and SketchUp, you will create detailed plans, elevations, and shop drawings that serve as the foundation for execution.
- Project Coordination: You will contact suppliers, request quotes, and coordinate the logistics of selected materials directly for the job sites.
- Client Interaction: You will participate in meetings and prepare presentations to effectively communicate design concepts to a high-end clientele.
- Housing: As housing is not provided directly, proactive effort is required for your search in Miami Beach. The monthly compensation of $2,000 serves as a foundation for your local living expenses.
Career Impact
A year of experience in the US luxury segment of architecture and interior design is a top-tier reference. You will demonstrate not only technical proficiency with AutoCAD and SketchUp but also a refined sense for materials and the high expectations of international clients. For anyone aiming for a future in high-end remodeling or interior design, this is the perfect springboard.
The J-1 Process
To ensure your focus remains entirely on the projects in Miami Beach, all bureaucracy is handled via the VisaNerd infrastructure. The system manages the legal verification of the host and handles the creation of your DS-2019 documents for your full year in the USA.
Infrastructure Guarantee
This placement is exclusively tied to the VisaNerd infrastructure. The legal vetting as well as the issuance of the DS-2019 form are handled entirely via the certified VisaNerd system.
Exact Address: 500 South Pointe Drive, 33139
Frequently Asked Questions regarding this position
You should be proficient in AutoCAD and SketchUp. Experience in Revit and PowerPoint for client presentations is a significant plus. Since you will be translating designs into technical shop drawings, a strong technical understanding is essential.
A great deal! You will work in a highly specialized team right in the middle of the action. You'll accompany projects from the initial material selection and moodboard creation to coordinating the logistics of deliveries for the construction sites.
Your focus will be on Miami Beach, but Lafayette also manages luxury properties in Aspen, Palm Beach, New York, and the Caribbean. You will gain insight into various regional architectural styles and the specific requirements of the US market.
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