From Madrid to Manhattan
Hey everyone! I’m Dunia. I just finished my Master’s in Architecture this past January at the ETSAM in Madrid. I’ve always been into fashion, art, and the most creative, aesthetic side of architecture. I always knew that moving abroad was the move to complete my education. Now I’m about to start an internship at Studio Gang in New York City, which is honestly crazy.
How it all started
I first heard about Architect-US through some talks they gave at my university. One day, I just decided to submit my portfolio to see what would happen. I wasn’t even 100% sure I’d actually go through with it. But as soon as they accepted me into the program and it was time to make the first payment, I just decided to keep going.
The process was pretty straightforward. They reviewed my portfolio, gave me some tips to improve it, and then they sent it out to several studios. At the same time, I was also applying to the firms that interested me from the lists they provided.
Then came the email: Studio Gang wanted to interview me. A few days after the call, they sent over the offer letter. That’s the exact moment you realize: “Okay, this is actually happening.”
The Paperwork & The Embassy Interview
From that point on, it was all about payments and sending over documents. Architect-US handled the management and provided the necessary paperwork to get the visa going.
The U.S. Embassy interview went well. I had a quick prep meeting with the sponsor beforehand, so I knew what to expect. The interview itself was smooth, and a few days later my visa was ready, so I just started making travel arrangements.
Next Stop: Brooklyn!
I’m so excited for this next chapter. I’m starting out in Brooklyn doing a sublet, which is perfect because NYC is very “month-to-month” and I want to feel the vibe of the city before committing to a long-term spot.
I’m mostly looking forward to seeing how a major studio works from the inside, learning about American architecture scales, and just experiencing the energy, the art, and the people in the city. It’s definitely going to be fun!
