Computational Urban Designer Intern

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates P.C.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates P.C. is seeking an intern in our New York office to leverage geospatial data analysis and visualization to shape design and planning strategies.

You will work on research initiatives, develop maps, and translate complex analyses into accessible narratives for clients. The role focuses on two main areas: research and mapping initiatives and project support, with a hands-on learning path in computational urban design.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's in Architecture, Urban Design, Urban Planning, or related field.
• Experience with GIS (QGIS) and data visualization.
• Ability to communicate complex analysis through clear graphics.

Responsibilities

• Support internal urban research initiatives and city collaborations.
• Develop maps and visualizations to reveal spatial patterns and inform planning strategies.
• Run internal data pipelines and scripts to generate actionable insights.
• Assist architecture and urban design teams with geospatial analysis on projects.

Skills

GIS experience

Data visualization

Graphic storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture/Urban Design/Urban Planning or related field

Tools

Python scripting

Git

Job description

We Are

KPF is a leading architecture and master planning firm designing projects of various scales around the world. Our mission as architects is to transform cities through context, craft, and performance.

The KPF Urban Interface (KPFui) team advances this mission through computation, data, and measurable performance. We build the computational tools and data workflows that connect rigorous urban analysis to design action, helping project teams understand what to design, why it matters, and how to make it better. Our work spans performance-based design, urban data analytics, and software development, operating across KPF's global projects and offices.

Role Description

As an intern, you will gain direct exposure to KPF’s practices by using geospatial data analysis and visualization to shape our design and planning strategies.

This is a hands-on role for someone interested in research that informs public policy and looking to build practical expertise in computational urban design. Your work will focus on two primary areas:

Research and Mapping Initiatives

• Support internal urban research initiatives and external collaborations with city agencies.
• Develop maps and visualizations to uncover spatial patterns and inform broader planning strategies.
• Translate complex technical analysis into clear, accessible narratives that empower non-technical clients to make informed decisions.

Project Support

• Run our internal urban data pipelines and scripts to generate actionable insights.
• Support architecture and urban design teams with targeted geospatial analysis across a wide range of active projects.

Required Experience and Skills

Essential:

• Experience with GIS software (QGIS or equivalent) and familiarity with core vector operations.
• Experience with data visualization in any tool or environment.
• Ability to communicate complex analysis through strong graphic representation.
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Urban Planning, or a related field.

Bonus:

• Familiarity with public urban datasets (e.g., open city data portals, census data).
• Experience with Python scripting and/or any other coding languages.
• Git fluency and experience working in a collaborative development environment.

Work Environment:

This position requires you to be in person in our New York office 5 days per week.

Pay Range:

$22.00 - $25.00 Hourly

Why KPF?

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

KPF is an equal opportunity employer.