In this portrait, you’ll meet Cecilie, who has spent the last five months at Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects. Through her thoughtful reflections and personal photos, she shares her experience of a journey where small tasks led to big realizations – and where she found the courage to take up more space than she ever imagined.

What does a typical day as an intern at Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects look like?

"No two days are the same. It really depends on the week, the day – and the phase of the project. Some days I’m deep in Revit, coffee in hand and headphones on, working on floor plans or tricky technical details. Other days I’m out on site or joining meetings with contractors, clients or engineers. That constant variety is exactly what’s made each day so exciting."

"I usually arrive between 8 and 9. After a few good mornings and a quick chat with a colleague, I dive into the day’s tasks which can be anything from updating apartment typologies to preparing submission documents. There’s a great balance between working independently and collaborating closely with the team, which brings both responsibility and lots of learning.

Lunch is at 11:30, and when the sun’s out, we eat on the rooftop terrace with a view over Copenhagen. The conversations range from construction details and weekend plans to reality TV – and I love that mix. Thursdays mean cake at 2 pm – that’s a tradition. And of course, there’re Friday Bars, where you get to know your colleagues in a more casual setting."

What has surprised you about being an intern (any ‘aha’ moments)?

"I was surprised by how quickly I became an active part of the project team. Early on, I was given independent tasks like drawing layouts and preparing submission material – things that were actually used. That gave me a sense of responsibility and made me feel more confident in my own skills.

Another ‘aha’ moment was realizing how much you can learn from small tasks – like setting up a sheet in Rhino and suddenly understanding how much precision and overview it takes. That kind of work showed me that it’s often in the details your skills sharpen.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the openness and culture of knowledge-sharing. It’s okay to ask questions, listen, and learn. That environment made it easier to take initiative and grow – both professionally and personally."

Do you have any favourite memories or special moments you’d like to share from your time as an intern?

"The study trip to Gothenburg was definitely a highlight. It was inspiring and just really fun, and I experienced how relationships change when you're together in a new context. I talked with colleagues I don’t usually cross paths with and felt a strong sense of community.

My first meeting with the contractor was also a key experience. I was excited and a little nervous, but it was amazing to see how problem-solving happens in real-time. It was a reminder that knowing your stuff is important – but so is being able to communicate and adapt."

"And then there’s the sample wall I modelled in Rhino. It was my first time really working in the software, and even though it was a small part of a big project, I spent hours getting it just right. When I showed it to my team and felt their positive response, I was genuinely proud – not because the drawing was anything special to them, but because I’d nailed something I didn’t think I could. Those are the moments that stick with you."

If your internship had a soundtrack, what song would be on it — and why?

"Without a doubt, “Suddenly I See” by KT Tunstall. The chorus perfectly captures the feeling I’ve had throughout my internship: 'Suddenly I see. This is what I wanna be'.

There were so many little moments where things suddenly made sense, and I could feel that this profession really resonates with me. That song plays in the back of my mind on the days I head home thinking: 'This – this is my path'."

What’s one thing you know now that you didn’t when you first started?

"I now know that as an intern, you’re expected to take up space and contribute actively. I thought I’d be more like a fly on the wall, but I was quickly given tasks that pushed the project forward.

I also learned that it’s not always the most technically complex assignments that teach you the most. Sometimes it’s a small tweak to a drawing or a casual chat with a colleague that leads to new understanding." 

Finish this sentence: “I’ll remember my time at Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects for…” 

"…the wonderful people. For being part of a team where you can be both serious and silly. I’ll remember the professional trust, the small wins, and getting praise for something I made myself. I’ll remember what it felt like to put my tiny fingerprint on a big project. And most of all, I’ll remember the feeling of going somewhere every morning that made sense – even when it rained."

Cecilie joined Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects in January 2025 as part of her 6th semester in the Architectural Technology and Construction Management program at KEA. During her internship, she worked on a residential project in Ørestad and contributed to the design of a small extension in tmber.

She now heads into her final semester, where she’ll focus on her bachelor’s project and thesis. What comes next is still to be written – but one thing is certain: she leaves her internship with fresh technical insight, professional confidence, and new friendships to take with her on the journey ahead.