Research Intern

Location: In person
Duration: 3 months (extendable)
Commitment: Part-time / Full-time (flexible)
Reports to: Project Lead / Architect

This role supports early-stage research for projects that explore architecture beyond buildings, where spatial design intersects with livelihoods, sustainability, culture, and long-term resilience.

Rather than jumping quickly into form-making, this position focuses on understanding systems before solutions. The intern will help build the research foundation that informs future spatial strategies, pilot projects, and community-led initiatives.

We are seeking an Architectural Research Intern who is comfortable working with complexity, uncertainty, and open-ended questions. This role is research-led and reflective, suited for someone who values depth over speed and context over aesthetics.

Place & Community Research

• Research local contexts: geography, climate, ecology, and cultural patterns
• Study existing livelihood structures and economic ecosystems
• Map stakeholders, value chains, and informal systems
• Review ethical precedents in community-based and place-led development

Spatial & Architectural Research

• Document vernacular architecture, spatial patterns, and material logic
• Research adaptable, low-cost, and locally appropriate building systems
• Study precedents in rural, peri-urban, and alternative development models
• Support early spatial frameworks without premature design resolution

Systems & Sustainability Research

• Explore sustainable livelihood models beyond short-term economic fixes
• Research renewable energy access, circular systems, and resource equity
• Evaluate long-term viability, governance, and ownership structures
• Identify gaps between policy, infrastructure, and on-the-ground realities

Synthesis & Communication

• Translate research into clear frameworks, diagrams, and written insights
• Support strategy documents, concept narratives, and internal briefs
• Assist in communicating complex ideas simply and responsibly

• Students or graduates in architecture, urban design, sustainability, or related fields
• Curious, reflective thinkers who can sit with ambiguity
• Researchers who enjoy connecting spatial thinking with social and economic systems
• Individuals interested in ethical, long-term, place-based work

• Research writing and synthesis
• Diagramming and systems thinking
• Adobe InDesign / Illustrator (for research communication)
• Basic architectural literacy (plans, sections, spatial logic)

• Exposure to architectural thinking at a strategic and systems level
• Experience working on research that informs real-world decisions
• Portfolio material that demonstrates depth, rigour, and clarity
• Mentorship in values-driven, long-term practice

Please share:

• CV
• Portfolio