Internship evaluation - Nadia Helga De Montgomery

Internship Evaluation

Nadía Helga De Montgomery

Architectural Intern Spring 2021.

Field of education:

Architecture 

School:

Royal Danish Academy - Architecture, Design, Conservation

Describe your school and field of study:

I am currently studying Architecture at the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen. My program is called 'Taking Place' at the Institute of Architecture and Culture. As the name indicates, the program focuses on the relationship between architecture and culture, cultural heritage, the site-specific, and history.

Why did you apply for an internship at DOMUS? 

I applied to DOMUS for an internship bevasue i was searching for a company that has its focus on social and environmental sustainability. I wanted to gain an insight into what it is like working for a company that has that focus, because is it the field I would like to work in after I graduate. In addition, I was also thinking about what master program to apply for, and I had a particular interest in a master program called Cultural Heritage, Transformation and Restoration, but I was not completely sure if it was the right choice. When I found DOMUS through my school, and I red about the office on their webpage, I was sure I would like to do my internship there, because it would give me an insight into the aspects of architecture, I was interested in. 

Can you list some of the projects you worked in during your internship at DOMUS, and your role in them? 

Throughout my internship, I was involved in many different projects. What almost all the projects had in common, was that they were renovation/transformation projects. Most memorable is the renovation of the apartments of Ved Kirken in Gladsaxe, where I had the opportunity to work on proposals for masonry decorations for the new gables and making visualizations and drawings. I also worked on Ballerup Byvej, where I sketched ideas for how to transform the old structure into new apartments. 

What kind of assignments and tasks have you worked with during your internship at DOMUS?

Some of my tasks for these projects included sketching possible design solutions for transformation projects, sketching detailing for facades, making 3D models, visualizations, illustrative facade drawings and sections, site plans, and presentations. 

Describe the difference between studying and working as an intern at DOMUS?

I feel like there is a vast difference between studying and working as an intern. I felt more responsibility working as an intern knowing that the projects will become a reality. Whereas when you are a student, they don't become reality, so you can experiment more with ideas, but you can also lack the practical elements. 

Another thing that is different, is that when you are a student the projects move on really fast. When you are working in an architectural office, the projects move much slower. When you are an intern for only a few months, you'll be jumping between projects but also given guidance and support and all the information you need to do that effectively. 

What did you learn at DOMUS?

I gained some valuable insights into the inner workings of an architectural office, and project development. Furthermore, I would say that through this internship I acquired more skills in many architectural methods and learnt how to use some new digital programs. 

Did the internship change your perspective on the building industry? 

Yes, my time at DOMUS helped me understand better the different roles the architect, the engineer, the client and the residents play, and how they can all collaborate and affect the quality of a project. 

Did the internship expose you to unknown areas within the building industry or unexpected interests?

During my years of architecture school, I had never worked with existing structures. Every project was started from ground up and with more design freedom. At DOMUS I got to work on both transformation projects where the use and purpose of the building is changed and renovation projects where the existing strcture gets a 'makeover'. Transformation and renovation projects are challenging in a way that you must work within a certain framework, but I think it is also really fun to see how far and creative you can go within these frames.

Did the internship teach you something you can use in your future education/career?

Trough my internship, it became clear to me that I would like to work more with transformation/restoration projects and therefore my experience at DOMUS is really relevant for my masters degree. I also got exposed to a professional workflow and design processes that I am sure will stay with me thoughout my studies and career. 

Which skills did you acquire during your internship at DOMUS?

During my internship, I got a lot of practival experience which will surely help me in my future career. During my internship I got to strengthen some of my digital skills I had already been using such as AutoCAD and the Adobe package and learn some new ones such as SketchUp and Enscape.

Other comments?

I would really like to thank DOMUS for this opportunity. Everyone who I worked with were very supportive and professional, and all the employees were so welcoming and made me feel a part of the team. I am sure this experience and everything I've learned will have a great impact on my future professional career.