BNIM Research Fellow

Are you interested in how research transforms the built environment?
BNIM is seeking a visionary Research Fellow to help us formalize our firm-wide research infrastructure. This isn't just a "support" role — you will be working collaboratively with BNIM leaders to create a system that strategically builds and houses our collective intelligence. You will work directly with firm leadership to define our research priorities, build a centralized knowledge hub, and draft the charter that will guide BNIM’s innovation for years to come.

The Ideal Candidate:
You are an inquisitive, organized, and proactive student (Undergraduate - beginning 4th year 2026 - or Graduate) with a passion for exceptional collaborative design, data, and strategy. This position requires joy in big-picture thinking but requires the discipline to help build the organized systems required to make that thinking actionable.

Why BNIM?
BNIM, the 2011 National AIA Firm Award recipient, is an employee-owned firm known for its commitment to high-performance design and beautiful integrated environments that inspire change and enhance the human condition. This fellowship offers the opportunity to consider important transformative design research, provide a positive impact on architecture, and leave a lasting legacy on the firm’s operational DNA.

The BNIM Research Fellow will work with firm leaders in the development of a structured research system for BNIM. The primary goal is to transition from ad-hoc project research to a centralized, strategic framework that allows the firm to capture, analyze, and apply industry-leading data across all studios. The responsibilities listed below will be completed collaboratively with other BNIM staff, but the Research Fellow will need to be a self-starter.

Key Responsibilities

• System Design & Centralization: Create a centralized knowledge repository (digital library/database) to house firm-wide research, white papers, and project data.
• Strategic Facilitation: Assist firm leaders in organizing and facilitating internal and external focus groups to identify key research pillars (e.g., sustainability, wellness, material science, equity, etc.).
• The Research Charter: Draft the formal BNIM Research Charter, outlining the firm’s philosophy, methodology, and ethical standards for conducting research.
• Industry Analysis: Conduct deep-dive market and academic research to benchmark BNIM against industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Project Management: Identify potential research partners (universities, NGOs, or manufacturers) and develop preliminary budgets and milestones for high-priority initiatives.

Skills & Qualifications

• Academic Background: Currently enrolled in a program for Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Engineering, Data Analytics, or a related field.
• Analytical Rigor: Ability to synthesize complex data into clear, visual, and actionable insights.
• Communication: Strong writing and graphic skills and the confidence to assist in facilitating discussions with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency in programs and other knowledge management tools (e.g., graphics / presentation tools, productivity tools, survey tools, UX tools, Generative tools, specialized research databases, etc). Working knowledge in all examples is not required, but provided to reflect the types of tools anticipated to assist the work of the position.
• Initiative: A self-starter mindset with the ability to manage a project from a blank slate to a finished framework.

Deliverable Goals by End of Summer

• A Functional Knowledge Repository: A pilot version of the firm’s new research hub.
• The BNIM Research Charter: A finalized draft document ready for adoption.
• The 2027–2028 Research Roadmap: A list of prioritized topics, partners, and budget estimates.

EEO/AA/Veterans