Out & About: Is there anything you can tell me about your decision to study architecture?

Christine: I originally wanted to study Psychology, I had even sent out applications and received an offer. I was (and still am) very interested in mental health, people, communities and societies, but I also really enjoy designing and problem solving. However with Psychology and generally with seeking help – although becoming increasingly better, is still to the average person costly and often not readily available. Whereas I once read that the average person spends about 90% of their life indoors – so I thought to myself how do we make these spaces/places healthier and more pleasant to be in or around? How do we make schools more inspiring? Cities more fun? Prisons and rehabilitation centres more hopeful?

What is one architectural project that you especially enjoy and why?

The Puppeteer’s Outpost, the project involved designing temporary architecture for a maker. I was assigned a puppeteer and the site of the project was Margate, I had the freedom to decide the program and how it informed the design. The facades mimicked the stages of puppet therapy, the compartments catered to different needs; it just made sense.

Through my research I found that Margate (and close by coastal towns) were facing issues such as a shortage of teachers, a drug problem, and poverty. It is children who are helpless and suffer the consequences of these issues. I landed on creating a mobile outpost for a children’s therapist – intended for the therapist to travel to different coastal towns, helping children through her puppets.

Did you feel prepared for your university after you graduated?

Not really, I was not planning on studying architecture, so I did not take most of the recommended subjects for architecture. However, I remember being very excited and eager to learn once I was at university.

What was your first thought after you finished your studies?

I was pretty worried. I completed my Bachelor’s studies about 3 months into the Pandemic. I wanted to gain architecture experience in the real world, but many firms were closing or in the progress of moving online due to the pandemic. I was nervous, that I would not find a job.

In addition, I was worried that my grades or portfolio were not good enough.

During my internship, I was lucky to have the chance to work on competitions with junior architects in a small team. This gave me the chance to take on more responsibility and I was also given a lot of freedom.
Christine Dopple

Which criteria did you have for the architecture studios that searched for internships?

I was very much aware that I still had a lot to learn. My intention was to develop my skills and learn more about the design process. I made sure to highlight this during the interview. I also made it clear that I would need guidance and time to learn certain skills.

Do you know how many applications were out before you got the internship and did you have references from teachers of your university in your applications?

I think I sent out about 10-15; most were in the UK and a few in Switzerland. Due to the Pandemic, the last few months of my studies were quite stressful and not very well organised. I did not manage to get any reference letters from university – this was fine with me.

We also had a system at university where we would swap tutors quite often, I didn’t really get to know my tutors that well and didn’t think they knew enough about me to write a recommendation letter. However, in hindsight it is always a good idea to request a recommendation letter, it may help in the process of applying for a job or further studies at a university. I did, however, make sure to get one from each internship – I was very happy with this, as I had learnt a lot and had worked on some very impressive projects during my internship.

«However, in hindsight it is always a good idea to request a recommendation letter, it may help in the process of applying for a job or further studies at a university.»

When you got your internship in Switzerland. Did you have a few obstacles to overcome with moving?

Yes, there was a lot of paperwork to fill out and finding suitable and affordable accommodation took some time. I was also a little home-sick and had some problems understanding the language.

Could you describe the best part of your internship?

During my internship, I was lucky to have the chance to work on competitions with junior architects in a small team. This gave me the chance to take on more responsibility and I was also given a lot of freedom – to experiment and learn new skills at the same time.

Is there something you would like to change in the architectural work field generally or specifically in Switzerland?

Switzerland has some of the best working conditions for architects in the world. Although I did not have any bad experiences, I think in general a work-life balance is important and employees and employers should take precautions to ensure they remain healthy.

How did you cope with the times of stress and pressure that you were under in your job and do you have tips for others in a similar situation?

I often talked about it to someone I trusted – i.e. a coworker, a friend or my flatmate. I would often receive helpful advice and tips. I also think that it is important to have other things going on in your life other than work, like a sport or hobby – I think it can be helpful to have an escape and provides the opportunity to return to your work (university or job) feeling refreshed.

“I think in general a work-life balance is important and employees and employers should take precautions to ensure they remain healthy.”

Do you know the next steps after your internship in Switzerland?

I recently began my Master in Architecture at the Università della Svizzera italiana in Mendrisio, Tessin. So far it is quite exciting and at the same time intensive. I am very grateful to be learning from very good and international architects, historians and theoreticians. I look forward to expanding my knowledge and eventually being able to solve real-world problems.

Dear Christine, thank you very much for your inspiring answers! We wish you much success on your further way as an architect.

Interview: Martha Kapfhammer