In French architecture schools, the very first internship has to be in a construction firm. The thought that one must see, experience and master a technique before giving people instructions has been stuck with me ever since. It is after all what Frank Lloyd Wright taught his apprentices at Taliesin.
The very first internship I executed as a student architect was in an expert cabinet making firm. I have been passionate about woodworking ever since, filling up more and more of my free time, and slowly taking over my habits and practices in architecture. Thus, after getting my architecture Masters degree, I undertook a specialized Masters in the Engineering of Wooden Architectures in Épinal, France (ENSTIB).
After a city life in the home of Art Nouveau (Nancy), I was off to the Vosges, France’s mountain side in the east. I there learned all about wooden architecture, as well as the aspects this specific material. And let me tell you, wood is the future, of that I am sure.
The United States of America are the world leaders in heavy timber construction, with an impressive 25 story building in Milwaukee in CLT (Cross Laminated Timber). In the last few years, timber buildings have made a huge comeback in the architectural landscape, and this applies to New York City too – wood is taking over !
At the beginning of the year, I took it upon myself to apply to heavy timber construction studios in the big city, and was lucky enough to get offered a six-months architecture internship at Mesh Architectures, Brooklyn. They designed the very first CLT building in NYC, the Timber House.
All went very fast from then.
With the help of Architect-US, I was able to get a J-1 Visa in no time.
I was ready. Emptied out my apartment, said a few heartbreaking goodbyes to friends and family, packed, and here I am !
Got to New York a few days ago, visited some apartments and I am starting my first day of work tomorrow. What an unbelievable adventure !
