Furniture Design Internship

🌿 Furniture Design Internship – Bernardo Urbina Design

Location: Lake Arenal, Costa Rica (On-site)
Type: Summer Internship | Full-Time 
Duration: 8–10 weeks (flexible start dates)
Deadline to Apply:  May 2025

About Us

At Bernardo Urbina Design, we craft sustainable, story-rich furniture rooted in Latin American traditions and inspired by the natural world. Our studio is based near Lake Arenal in rural Costa Rica — surrounded by forest, wildlife, and volcanic landscapes. Every piece we design reflects our belief in ethical craftsmanship, slow design, and meaningful living.

What You’ll Do

Join our hands-on summer internship and get directly involved in the design and production of custom furniture. This isn’t a coffee-fetching internship — you’ll be learning, contributing, and building alongside our team of experienced artisans and designers.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting the design process from concept sketches to prototypes
• Assisting in material selection, modeling, and renderings
• Learning sustainable woodworking techniques and working in the workshop
• Researching global design trends and traditional Latin American motifs
• Contributing to branding and presentation materials for clients

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in sustainable design and custom fabrication
• One-on-one mentorship with founder Bernardo Urbina
• A real-world understanding of how slow, intentional design works
• A chance to live and work in a unique natural setting
• Early Friday finishes to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty
• A collaborative, friendly environment where your ideas matter

Who You Are

We’re looking for students or recent grads in industrial design, product design, architecture, or related fields who are:

• Passionate about sustainable design and craftsmanship
• Curious, self-motivated, and not afraid to get their hands dirty
• Open to living in a remote, rural environment
• Excited to work closely with a small, purpose-driven team
• Eager to learn and contribute meaningfully

Compensation & Perks

• Accommodation
• Early Friday finishes for extended weekends
• Opportunity to create a personal design prototype
• Exposure to a one-of-a-kind workshop and international client projects
• Networking with Costa Rican artisans and global designer

Technical & Design Skills

• Basic proficiency in 3D modeling software (e.g., Rhino, Fusion 360, SketchUp, or similar)
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator and InDesign)
• Understanding of materials, especially wood and sustainable alternatives
• Basic sketching or visual communication abilities
• Interest or experience in prototyping, furniture, or product design

Soft Skills

• Curiosity – You love asking questions and exploring new ideas
• Adaptability – You're comfortable working in a remote, rural studio
• Hands-on mindset – You’re not afraid of tools, dust, or diving into the workshop
• Team player – You collaborate well, communicate clearly, and respect others
• Self-driven – You take initiative and enjoy solving problems

Nice-to-Have Skills (Bonus!)

• Photography or video editing (for documenting process or content creation)
• Social media or branding understanding
• Spanish language basics (not required, but helpful in Costa Rica)

How to Apply

Submit your resume, portfolio (or 2–3 design samples), and a short note about why you want to intern with us. Show us your creativity, curiosity, and personality — we want to know you, not just your grades.