Research Intern (Architecture)

Standard Volumes

4th or 5th year architecture student or a recent graduate

This is a paid position.Note: We will not look at applications submitted on linkedin. Please follow the instructions towards the end of this job post. (Send your CV / portfolio over an email and a response to one of the mentioned questions to [HIDDEN TEXT])

Objectives of this role

• Help shape the

  overall logic and language

  of Standard Volumes modular system how units are sized, combined, and deployed across different building types.
• Support the founders in building a

  coherent design and research framework

  for volumetric units, covering structure, envelope, services, and finishes at a system level (not just one-off projects).
• Translate global best practices in

  modular, prefabricated, and MiC/PPVC systems

  into insights and principles that work for Indian regulations, climate, and construction culture.
• Contribute to a set of

  clear rules and patterns

  for stacking, planning, and faades that other architects and engineers can use as a kit of parts for future SV projects.
• Help lay the groundwork for a

  design toolkit / UI

  that makes it easier for architects to design with VUCs inside familiar tools (Revit, Rhino, etc.) by codifying constraints, options, and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Research and summarize case studies on modular and prefabricated projects (India and global), including structure, envelope, services, and manufacturing approach
• Compile and compare building systems (walls, floors, faades, etc.) with respect to cost, strength, acoustic/thermal performance, and buildability
• Assist in preparing diagrams, drawings, and simple layouts (by hand or using CAD/BIM tools) to communicate modular grids, volumetric units, and connection details
• Help map relevant building codes, zoning, and standards for mid-rise residential and mixed-use modular projects, and maintain organized notes and matrices
• Support the founders in preparing slide decks, briefs, and technical summaries for partners, advisors, and investors
• Participate in regular check-ins with founders and consultants; occasionally join site or factory visits (where applicable) to connect research with on-the-ground realities.

Required skills and qualifications

• 4th or 5th year architecture student, or recent graduate in architecture / architectural design (or closely related field)
• Strong interest in modular construction, prefabrication, building technology, and/or housing innovation
• Basic working knowledge of architectural drawing and documentation (plans, sections, details)
• Comfortable using at least one CAD/BIM or drafting tool (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Vectorworks, etc.)
• Ability to structure research: compare sources, synthesize information, and present it clearly in tables, summaries, and slides
• Good written communication skills in English and attention to detail in documentation
• Self-driven, curious, and comfortable working in an early-stage startup environment, with direct interaction with the founders

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Previous studio or academic work related to construction technology, modular systems, housing, or industrialized building
• Familiarity with sustainability or green-building concepts (thermal comfort, envelopes, energy efficiency, material choices)
• Experience organizing information in Notion, spreadsheets, or similar tools
• Interest in factory-based construction, product design, or manufacturing processes.

Compensation

• This is a

  paid internship

  ; compensation will be commensurate with time commitment and experience.

How to apply

[HIDDEN TEXT]

SV Research Intern [Your Name]

Please include:

• Your

  CV

  and

  portfolio

  (PDF or link), and
• A short answer (36 lines) to

  any one

  of the questions below:

• What's one building or project (anywhere in the world) that you think

  should

  have been modular or prefabricated WhyExplain modular construction to a non-architect friend in 56 sentences, without using jargon. Pick one speed, cost, or comfort. In modular housing for India, which one would you prioritize first, and whyTell us about a studio project or assignment where you went way deeper than required. What did you obsess overYou haveone week to research wall systems for mid-rise housing in India how would you structure your approachWhat's one misconception people have about prefab or modular that you strongly disagree withIf Standard Volumes was a studio course, what would you hope to learn by the end of the semester