Architectural Intern (Volunteer Internship)

Architectural Intern (Volunteer Internship)

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote and/or New York City

Type: Volunteer Internship (Pro Bono, with potential for academic credit or future stipend)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, academic enrichment, literacy development, creative expression, and housing initiatives, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces where young people can thrive.

As part of MAP’s expansion into affordable housing and community development, we are seeking a motivated Architectural Intern to support early-stage design and development projects. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in affordable housing design while contributing to projects that create lasting community impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing conceptual site plans, floor layouts, and basic massing studies
• Conduct zoning and building code research to inform feasibility
• Support preparation of graphics and presentation materials for community boards, funders, and nonprofit leadership
• Collaborate with the development team, financial advisors, and consultants to align design concepts with budget and program goals
• Participate in meetings with community partners and city agencies to observe real-world development processes
• Check and respond to emails daily, ensuring all responses are completed within 48 hours
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by identifying design or research efficiencies and proposing solutions

What You’ll Gain

• Exposure to the affordable housing development process from concept to feasibility
• Mentorship from nonprofit developers, architects, and housing professionals
• Experience navigating NYC zoning, building codes, and sustainability standards
• A portfolio-building opportunity that demonstrates socially responsible and impact-driven design
• Collaboration with a growing, mission-driven nonprofit team focused on equity and community building

Ideal Candidate

• Enrolled in a B.Arch or M.Arch program (or recent graduate)
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, or similar design software
• Strong graphic communication and presentation skills
• Interest in affordable housing, community development, or urban design
• Motivated self-starter with excellent attention to detail and collaborative spirit

Commitment

• Flexible, part-time, remote-friendly internship
• Estimated 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 3–6 month commitment preferred
• This is a pro bono / volunteer internship, with potential for academic credit

Application Process

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and a brief portfolio or design sample to hr@mentorapromise.org with the subject line Architectural Intern.

You may also apply directly here: https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8

Help us design with purpose — creating affordable housing and community spaces that bring stability, dignity, and opportunity to New York City families.