Model Making Intern

Kohn Pedersen Fox • New York, NY

3d • $22 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

KPF, a global architecture and master planning firm headquartered in New York City, is seeking a Model Making intern to join the KPF Digital Fabrication Team on a six-month year contract basis. This role is centered on high-quality physical model making, Makerspace supervision, and hands-on craft, supporting design teams through the production of detailed architectural models across multiple scales. The position emphasizes material exploration, assembly techniques, and physical representation, with digital fabrication serving as a supporting toolset. We are looking for someone who takes pride in the craft of making - where precision, material understanding, and attention to detail are as important as the final design.

Requirements

• Degree in Architecture or related field.
• Strong experience in physical model making and hands-on craft, demonstrated through a portfolio of detailed, high-quality work
• Proven ability to work with hand tools and physical materials at a high level of precision
• Strong working knowledge of Rhinoceros 3D and Revit for file preparation and geometry extraction for fabrication.
• Experience with presentation and graphics software (Adobe Suite) and/or with Microsoft Office / Google Suite and Teams
• Familiarity with DfMA principles and model optimization for fabrication.
• Strong graphic communication skills for presenting fabrication strategies and model-making outcomes.
• High attention to detail, organizational ability, and comfort managing multiple concurrent project demands.
• Ability to multitask across simultaneous project timelines in a fast-paced studio environment.
• Proactive mindset - able to anticipate issues and communicate solutions before they escalate.

Nice To Haves

• Exceptional physical craft and model-making ability, including woodworking, assembly, casting, and finishing techniques
• Experience with Professional Model Shop or advanced CNC workflows.
• Experience with woodworking, one-to-one prototyping, or other physical craft
• Prior experience in a professional architecture or design studio model shop.
• Experience with fabrication-oriented software and workflows (e.g., Grasshopper, Fusion 360, Bambu Studio, or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Project Support Embed with project teams to help craft, assemble, and deliver high-quality physical models, under the direction of Digital Fabrication and Project leadership, with a focus on delivering museum-quality, high-fidelity results.
• Develop and execute hand-built model making techniques, including cutting sanding, finishing, painting, and detailed assembly
• Advise teams on production planning, material selection, budget forecasting, and assembly methods tailored to each project's scale and design intent.
• Explore and prototype material assemblies, finishes, and detailing techniques to elevate the quality and realism of physical models.
• Proactively identify and communicate potential bottlenecks, material shortages, or scheduling conflicts to Digital Fabrication leadership.
• Execute precise hand fabrication techniques across multiple materials (wood, acrylic, foam, resin, etc.)
• Develop clean, durable assemblies and joinery strategies
• Apply finishing techniques to achieve presentation quality results
• Maintain a high standard of craft, accuracy, and consistency
• Utilize digital fabrication tools (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC) as needed to support physical model production.
• Support ongoing improvements to fabrication workflows where beneficial to model quality and efficiency
• Demonstrate strong working knowledge of Rhino and Revit as a reference for physical model making.
• Identify and escalate hardware or software issues
• Adhere to and enforce established protocols for equipment use, storage, and safety.
• Organize and maintain the Makerspace; manage inventory of materials and tools, ensuring a safe, efficient, and accessible environment for all KPF staff.
• Enforce safety protocols and best practices for all equipment and material handling.
• Oversee daily operations of Makerspace, leveraging the space for both Digital Fabrication based production, and access to space for project teams.
• Assist in preparing and delivering office-wide updates, keeping staff informed of new fabrication technologies and model-making capabilities.
• Assist in researching and evaluating emerging fabrication technologies; compile findings and support recommendations for new equipment purchases and workflow enhancements.

Benefits

• Opportunities for training, development, and career progression.
• Collaborative, high-performance environment with a focus on innovation and excellence.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k with company matching contributions
• paid time off and other perks.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees