In this portrait, you’ll meet Isabella, who has been part of the studio since her internship in 2023. She reflects on her time as an intern and shares her experiences from everyday life in the studio – from her first impressions and the most important lessons learned to the moments that made the biggest impact on her.

What were your considerations before starting your internship?

"At first, I actually imagined I’d do my internship at a smaller studio. But I ended up applying to Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects on the recommendation of a good friend who was working at DAC (Danish Architecture Center) at the time, where Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects were setting up their 100-year anniversary exhibition. He’d spoken with several people from the studio and gotten a positive impression – and he thought it would be a great fit for me. It turns out he was absolutely right."

"When I went for my interview, I immediately got the sense that this was a really good place to intern. I could tell that interns becomes a part of everyday life and are valued as colleagues on an equal footing with everyone else – that meant a lot to me.

It was important for me to find a studio somewhere well-organised, with a strong culture and pleasant social atmosphere. I was also drawn to Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects because of the variety of projects and typologies – I knew I’d get to try my hand at many different things."

What makes Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects a special place to be an intern?

"From day one, I was welcomed into what feels like the Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects family – and that’s one of the things that makes it such a special place to be an intern. You’re always listened to and appreciated, and if there’s something you’re unsure about, there’s always a team of skilled and supportive colleagues ready to help.

The culture here is really something unique – there’s a strong sense of community, where people support and help each other. There are also plenty of opportunities to socialise outside working hours through various clubs and social events. When being new to the studio, that makes it easy to feel at home and like a natural part of the community."

What is the most valuable thing you learned during your time at the studio?

"Professionally, I’ve learned an incredible amount in a very short time. I was quickly thrown into competition teams, working closely with a small group of people. My very first project was Wieselgrensplatsen Community Hospital in Gothenburg – a competition we ended up winning. It was an exciting project with lots of new challenges and technical requirements that I wasn’t used to from my studies."

"It was an amazing learning experience – my colleagues were always so generous with their knowledge and advice, helping me grow and improve. That’s one of the things I look back on as the absolute highlight of my internship.

And of course, I’ve made so many wonderful new friends at the studio, which makes going to work every day something I really look forward to."

Do you have a special memory from your time at the studio you’d like to share?

"I have so many amazing memories, but one that stands out is our study trip to the Faroe Islands in the summer of 2024. The entire collective – Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects, STED, and Kjær & Richter – went together to explore exciting projects and construction techniques. It was a fantastic trip where we experienced and learned a lot but also simply enjoyed spending time together."

"The trip was special because it brought us closer in a different way than working at the studio does. It was great to share our professional interests outside the studio while strengthening the community that already means so much in our daily work life. It’s truly an experience I’ll never forget."

What is your best advice for architecture students about to start their internship?

"My best advice is not to be afraid to ask for help – or to make mistakes. Everyone at the studio is eager to help, and the more questions you ask along the way, the more you learn.

That applies both to understanding how the industry actually works and how workflows in a studio are structured – but especially also when it comes to learning how to use tools and software in the smartest way. That’s something I personally gained a lot from."

Isabella began her internship in February 2023 as part of her final semester on the bachelor at the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen. During her internship, she primarily worked on office buildings, competitions, and models.

After completing her internship, Isabella joined Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects full-time as a bachelor architect before beginning her master’s at the Royal Danish Academy. Alongside her studies, she continues to work part-time at the studio, currently contributing to a façade project and helping to share stories about various projects on Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects’ Instagram. She is now about to finish her graduation project.