Meet Alex, who shares his first impressions and experiences as an architecture intern at the studio. He shares how the balance between independent tasks and collaboration allows him to take responsibility and learn from the different processes.

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

"I usually start early and continue working with the tasks I am already working on – and often, new ones come in as the day goes on. At the moment, I am involved in a project that is still in a relatively early stage, so I spend a lot of time developing ideas as well as programming, modelling, sketching and researching.

My days vary quite a bit, with both smaller tasks and larger projects to work on. I also take part in different types of meetings – both internal team meetings, where we exchange ideas and coordinate our work, and meetings with external collaborators involved in the project."

"Alongside this, all interns regularly meet to share our experiences and give us insights into everything from how the studio operates as a whole – its structure and types of work – to the tools, methods and processes we use. We also go on site visits, where we get to see some of the projects as they are being built."

What was the first thing that surprised you when you started at the studio?

"When I started, I was really struck by how positive the atmosphere was, and how flexible and welcoming the workplace feels. As I got to know the different roles within the studio and see how everyone contributes to the bigger picture, I was surprised by just how many different functions are involved in making everything come together.

What I have particularly appreciated is how supportive everyone is. People are always willing to help, and it is easy to ask your team or colleagues for advice, which means I learn a lot over the course of a single day. Everyone is open about sharing their knowledge, and even when I am working independently, there is always an opportunity to discuss things and get inputs from my colleagues."

What were your thoughts before starting your internship?

"I wanted to go somewhere that would give me room to grow – not just working with what I already knew from class but also adding to that in a practical setting. At the same time, I was concerned whether I would be able to solve tasks at a level that would match a professional studio. But it turned out there was no need to worry – everyone has been very supportive and always happy to help when I am unsure.

When it came to choosing where to I apply, I was torn between going for a large or a smaller studio. I was looking for both breadth and the opportunity to specialise, and for me, Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, offered that balance."

As an intern, you are constantly faced with new tasks. How do you approach the ones that are particularly challenging?

"Sometimes, it helps to give it a bit more time, try things out myself and figure out how to move forward. But if I get stuck or feel unsure, there are always people nearby I can ask for advice, and everyone is good at taking the time to help each other.

So, I usually tackle tasks through a combination of working independently and getting input from my colleagues – and I learn a lot from that. In general, there is always room for me to approach tasks in my own way, and to take the time to learn new methods and deepen my understanding along the way."

Has your internship so far given you a new perspective on working as an architect?

"Yes, I have gained a much better sense of what it is actually like to work as an architect in practice. Already, I feel far more confident working with drawings and software, but also with the processes and collaboration that every project requires.

For the remaining part of my internship, I hope to build on my skills, particularly in digital design and analysis tools as part of the design process. I have already spent quite a bit of time working in Grasshopper, and I find it really interesting how it can open new possibilities and bring more nuance to the way we design.

I would also like to continue refining my sketching and concept work, as that is the part of the process where I can really explore ideas creatively. I enjoy seeing how a project gradually takes shape through discussion and careful consideration – from a wide range of ideas and constraints into a coherent design."

Alex started his internship in February and will be at the studio for a total of four months. The internship is part of his sixth semester on his bachelor’s degree in architecture at the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen.

He is currently working primarily on a large transformation project, alongside a range of other tasks, where he is mainly working in Grasshopper and Rhino.