Ane, our current intern at NarrativA, shares her journey and experiences during her time with us. After recently completing her architecture studies at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Ane moved to the Netherlands with the goal of deepening her knowledge in biobased architecture and putting her academic background into practice. Each morning, she cycles from her apartment in Utrecht to our office in Houten, a true Dutch experience. Curious to hear what it’s like to intern at our agency? We asked Ane a few questions.
Academic background
“In Spain, becoming an architect involves a five-year bachelor’s program followed by a master’s degree,” Ane explains. “The master’s is essential because it qualifies you to be registered as an architect and to officially sign off on your own projects.”
Why NarrativA?
“Spanish architects generally view Northern European architecture in a very positive light, particularly when it comes to sustainability,” she says. “Working here provides valuable experience that I hope to bring back with me to Spain.”
Ane’s expectations for her internship included gaining practical insights into biobased sustainable building techniques and learning how to navigate a different cultural and professional environment. Though she had previously spent six months in Buenos Aires, living and working in the Netherlands presented its own unique challenges. Fortunately, the supportive environment at NarrativA helped ease the transition.
“The team has been incredibly helpful, from finding housing to figuring out public transportation,” Ane says. The warm, inclusive atmosphere extended beyond work, with shared lunches and activities like indoor climbing bringing the team closer together.
Tasks and activities
“One highlight was taking part in the national fair Beurs Eigen Huis, which is aimed at private homeowners,” Ane shares. “It was a great opportunity to see how architectural firms present themselves and connect with potential clients.”
While she anticipated doing classic architectural tasks like rendering and designing brochures, Ane found her role expanded in unexpected ways. “Attending the fair was a surprise, but a very valuable one. It gave me real-world experience in how NarrativA shares its knowledge and projects with the public,” she says.
A key goal for Ane during her internship is to gain a deeper understanding of the technical side of biobased construction. “During my master’s program, we had one project where we had to make a conventional building more sustainable, but it was very theoretical,” she explains. “At NarrativA, I’m finally learning how buildings are truly designed and built to be healthy, energy-efficient, and highly sustainable.”
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Ane cycling in Utrecht.
A vision for ecological architecture
Ane is optimistic about the future of ecological design. “It’s the only way we can secure a good future for ourselves and the next generations,” she says. She emphasizes the environmental and economic benefits of biobased passive houses, noting their reduced dependence on expensive energy and installation systems for heating and cooling.
While she worked with wood and sustainability concepts during her studies, she admits they were mostly superficial. Now, she’s getting hands-on with real materials and real challenges.
When asked whether she prefers new construction or renovation, Ane sees the value in both. “Designing something entirely new is exciting because all is possible, but renovating existing buildings is incredibly important. There are so many outdated and unused buildings that can be transformed. Reuse is a much more sustainable way to build,” she reflects.
She’s especially enthusiastic about learning more about new biobased building materials. “In Spain, construction is mostly concrete-based,” she says. “Here, I’m learning about alternatives: wood structures, insulation made from natural fibers, and other biobased materials I’d never encountered before.”
Team spirit and collaboration
Ane describes the work environment at NarrativA as open and collaborative. “It’s easy to ask colleagues for input,” she says. “Sharing your project and getting feedback can completely shift your perspective. Sometimes you’re so deep in your own design that you miss things. Having someone else take a look helps a lot.”
She emphasizes how valuable it is to hear different perspectives and how comfortable she feels approaching anyone in the studio, even with non-work-related questions. “Teamwork is crucial, it’s a creative process that benefits so much from shared ideas.”
Looking ahead
Ane sees a strong future for biobased architecture, particularly as awareness grows. “In Spain, sustainable architecture is getting more recognition. There are even awards for it now,” she says.
She encourages other students or young graduates to consider internships at smaller studios. “At a small firm like NarrativA, you get involved in every part of the process: from meeting clients to working with municipalities, handling permits, and collaborating closely with the whole team,” she says. “It’s great preparation for whatever comes next, even if you move on to a larger company later on.”
Thank you, Ane, for your dedication and enthusiasm!
We’re happy to have you with us and look forward to the rest of your internship journey.
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