In this portrait, you will meet Julie who graduated as an architect this past summer. She generously shares her experience finding her own professional path, growing through projects and responsibilities, and how it is to develop your skills a little every single day. And about how a particular mindset at the studio has made her more aware of everything she can contribute – without having to master it all. 

How did you start at the studio?

"In the summer of 2022, I was working as a BA architect at a small studio, but I was curious to experience everyday life, and see how projects take shape, at a larger studio. That curiosity led me to get in touch with some people I knew from school who were working at Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects. In the end, I was fortunate enough to be offered a full-time position as a BA architect, which I gladly accepted.

When I first started, I immediately noticed the special energy rising when many different people work together. I really value how the diversity in age, background, and expertise make the projects both more dynamic and enriching."

"I have been part of the studio ever since – first as a student assistant during my master’s degree, and since the summer of 2025 as an architect full time – and I am truly grateful that I followed my curiosity and ended up here." 

What has been the biggest change for you, going from student to architect at the studio?

"While studying, I always had part-times jobs alongside my studies, so I suddenly found myself with far more free time, because when I was not at the studio, there were no job or exam I had to consider. It took a little getting used to, but it has given me a new kind of energy and enthusiasm for this profession. It is a great balance – I can give my full attention to my work when I am there and allow myself to switch off when I go home.

Now I enjoy having time for friends and family, travelling, yoga, running, and museum visits. My free time is filled with things that give me energy and inspiration, and it feels as if it all comes together, helping me approach my work with renewed appreciation and focus."

What has been the most valuable thing you have learned at the studio?

"The most valuable thing I have learned is that I am still on a journey of learning and developing myself as an architect. I highly appreciate the way people here talk about process and about learning. Both colleagues and managers often remind me that there is room to make mistakes, and that no one is expected to know everything. 

In Danish, the term that would translate into ‘to set off’ is used for when you graduate from the School of Architecture. In other words, you are not finished or complete, the learning continues, just in a different setting.

That has been an important realisation for me, and something I try to remind myself of all the time: that I am still learning, and that I get more skilled day by day – now simply through working in practice."

"At the studio, there is a belief in how working as a collective is essential, that no single person or discipline can carry a project alone. This mindset has made me more aware of the value of collaboration and the importance of contributing what I can – without feeling the need to master everything."

Looking ahead, what kind of projects do you hope to be part of?

"Right now, I dream of getting involved with competitions. I imagine it to be a very educational part of the profession and a great opportunity to learn from my talented colleagues.

But I also hope to take part in as many different types of projects as possible, to explore my own abilities and to see what architecture in practice has to offer. Mostly, I am just excited to keep developing my skills, to get better at drawing and communicating my ideas on what good architecture is. Every day I practice a little bit."

Is there a project from the archives you particularly admire and wish you could have contributed to?

"I would have loved to be part of designing the People’s House, or what we now know as VEGA, back in the 1950’s. The building embodies everything beautiful about architecture as a profession, and it celebrates craftsmanship. I think it is so wonderful how the building brings people together and holds both large and smaller communities."

"I believe most Copenhageners have some kind of relationship with VEGA – it is simply a magical place. And imagine having the opportunity to design everything from lamps, handles, and panel to tiles, staircases, and furniture. That truly sounds like a dream job.

As it turns out, I have still had the chance to get involved with the building after all. We had the honour of contributing to the charity Christmas tree decorated by VEGA for the Danish Red Cross Youth. As part of our contribution, I made some ornaments for the tree, including 3D-printed miniature versions of the iconic VEGA chair designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen, recreated at a 1:100 scale. The Christmas trees are being sold at auction, and the proceeds go towards activities for children and young people who must spend Christmas in refuges, hospitals, and orphanages. It feels like a special way to send a greeting to the building and to the impact it has had."

If you were to give a piece of advice to new architects who are where you were not long ago, what would it be?

"My best advice is to approach new things with the mindset: I have not tried that before, so I can probably figure it out. I have learned that it is important to trust my own abilities and be honest about what I have yet to learn.

Everyone was a beginner at one point, and no one is great at everything – fortunately. There is enormous potential in being open to different kinds of tasks and reminding yourself that every project contains new knowledge and experience. And it is important to remember that it is always possible to ask for help. It is not about knowing everything from the beginning but about growing and finding your own path as an architect."

Julie graduated as an architect from the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen and has been part of the studio since 2022 – first as a BA architect, then as a student assistant during her master’s, and is now an architect as well as responsible for model-space and internships here at the studio. 

During her time here, she has contributed to the renovation of Realdania’s headquarters at Jarmers Plads 2, the exhibition at DAC for the studio’s 100th anniversary, and a new proposal for the transformation of the former Danish Aquarium.