Until you send out resumes, letter, etc. you just don't know.

Yes, the environment for arch's is terrible. It may be that most firms aren't hiring at all, but some firms may have projects coming in that will only take a few months work, and are hesitant to hire full time salaried employees, only to possibly lay them off in a few months. In that case, you're the answer to their needs, and vice versa.

So seriously pursue summer work...make sure your resume/cover letter/portfolio are perfect, since employers that are hiring will more or less have the pick of the litter. But if summer classes are a possibility, have that as your plan B.

Good luck.

I would broaden your definition of an internship in architecture. Try non-profits, lighting, architecture, museums, engineering etc. It helps to have an understanding of the different aspects or organizations that go into architecture. Normally I would say just go to an architecture firm if you haven't worked at one before, but it is going to be hard to find something.

I agree with bklyn, its possible that some firms might want interns since they can get a quick spurt of help if they need it but they won't have to lay anyone off in a few months.

I can only speak for the firms I know personally, but all have cancelled all plans for hiring student interns this summer. Most have quit all recruiting at local universities as well. It's just not a good time to find a job at any level in this profession.

As has been mentioned, you don't know unless you try. Do keep trying but just don't get too discouraged if you don't find anything. Also realize that most firms take on student interns as more of a PR move than much else. It usually takes much more than 3 months to train an employee before they become truly profitable to a firm. A student intern is great for a firm if they come back for several consecutive summers and eventually accept full time employment with that same firm, but often that is not the case. Don't take it the wrong way, I just want you to realize the reality of what you're up against in this economy.

If you can go back to the interior design company be sure to hold that card close as any jobs in the field are tight right now. Otherwise also think about the alternative summer jobs that aren't "traditional" architecture firms. Also might be a good opportunity to spend a summer traveling. Exchange rates for the Euro are way down and so are flights. My junior year of arch school I backpacked Europe and would say that was far more of an experience any summer working in a firm could offer. And when you graduate nobody will question why you didn't get a summer internship back in 2009.

Have you asked your college career office for help? Sometimes they know of opportunities and can help you exploit alumni connections. Think about working on a competition entry with some classmates / professors or traveling / coursework, if you can't find a summer job.

Just take your summer off, stretch your legs, relax, and let this Bush-inspired economy play itself out. Go travel, party like crazy, take long vacations, have yourself a summer fling, and just be happy. You won't regret it down the stretch.

Everyone in the profession knows that we are in a full-scale recession like we've never seen before. So no one will judge you for a lack of internship experience through these difficult years -- especially since so many architects are out of work.

you will get experience. Just be patient.

Some large corporate architectural firms may still hire some student interns for a summer stint, but they tend to go for grad students. But if there's no work and lay-offs continue during summer, this kind of internship could be a weird disheartening experience. I had such an internship during grad school, during another major recession. Firm weekly laid-off more full-time employees. There was no work, staff scared and unhappy. People refiled paperwork daily just to look busy. I didn't get any meaningful office experience, but was encouraged to work on my thesis.

Bo back to interiors firm, and confirm your interest now. Put out some feelers for other local firms again. If you note you're willing to work for free, you might get some interest.

My worst summer job was preparing detailed drawings for aluminum fabrications at a building products factory, at minimum wage my sophomore year; absolute boredom. Worse, they asked me if I wanted to stay full-time. Sometimes only a bad summer job can make you realize how important your college education really is.