Research Intern

At
Standard Volumes
, we're building the next generation of systems for modular, prefabricated buildings in the Indian context and beyond. This would blend architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, and we're looking for a
Research Intern (Architecture)
to work directly with the founders on turning ambitious ideas into practical systems.

This role is ideal for a
4th or 5th year architecture student or a recent graduate
who wants deep exposure to modular construction, prefabricated volumetric units, and the realities of turning drawings into factory-built components.

This is a paid position.

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 façades 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, façades, 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

To apply, email us at

with the subject line:

"SV Research Intern – [Your Name]"

Please include:

• Your
  CV
  and
  portfolio
  (PDF or link), and

• A short answer (3–6 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? Why?

• Explain modular construction to a non-architect friend in 5–6 sentences, without using jargon.
• Pick one: speed, cost, or comfort. In modular housing for India, which one would you prioritize first, and why?
• Tell us about a studio project or assignment where you went way deeper than required. What did you obsess over?
• You have one week to research "wall systems for mid-rise housing in India" — how would you structure your approach?
• What's one misconception people have about "prefab" or "modular" that you strongly disagree with?
• If Standard Volumes was a studio course, what would you hope to learn by the end of the semester?

Note:
We will not look at applications submitted on LinkedIn, or emails that do not include a response to one of these questions.

If you're excited about the idea of helping introduce a hyper-scalable, efficient, sustainable alternative building system in India, we'd love to talk. Send us your portfolio, CV, and your response to one of the questions above at

.