Settling In

House hunting

My traineeship in New York began with an unexpected first challenge: finding a place to call home. Since arriving, I spent my first two weeks exploring the city’s neighborhoods, weighing the pros and cons of each borough before committing to one.

I started by visiting Queens, drawn by its diversity and relatively affordable rents. From there, I looked at Manhattan, where the energy is unmatched but the pace can feel overwhelming for daily life. I also considered Long Island, hoping for a quieter alternative outside the city center. Eventually, I found what I was looking for in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Park Slope

Park Slope turned out to be the right fit. As a result, I now live in a neighborhood known for its leafy streets, historic brownstones, and calm atmosphere, while still being a short subway ride from Manhattan. Overall, the search taught me an important lesson: choosing where to live abroad is as much about lifestyle as it is about logistics.

Finding My Footing at S9

Once settled, my attention turned to work. Since my first day at S9 Architecture and Engineering, I have felt genuinely welcomed into the team. My colleagues are approachable and friendly, and they helped me feel included from the very beginning.

Currently, I am contributing to a competition entry for a residential project, an assignment I am thoroughly enjoying. From concept development to design exploration, the process has already given me valuable insight into how a New York studio approaches competitive work.

Exploring the City Beyond Work

Beyond settling into a home and a new job, I also made time to explore New York as a visitor. Weekends became an opportunity to discover the city’s most iconic spots.

I visited the World Trade Center and walked through the energy of Midtown Manhattan. From there, I spent time in Central Park and, closer to home, in Prospect Park, appreciating how each offers its own version of green space within the city. I also explored Dumbo, the neighborhood beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, taking in the skyline from a new angle.

One of my favorite moments so far was watching the sunset from Battery Park, with the Statue of Liberty in view. Since then, I have come to see these small excursions as an essential part of adjusting to life here, balancing the demands of a new job with the excitement of discovering a new city.