Our intern Alex shares his experience and reflections on working at NarrativA architecten. After completing his studies in architecture at the University of the Basque Country in San Sebastian, he sought to deepen his expertise in sustainable design, a journey that brought him to the Netherlands.
Choosing NarrativA
“I wanted to stay within Europe, and NarrativA immediately stood out because of its clear focus on biobased architecture,” Alex explains. “In Spain, I hadn’t had much exposure to sustainable design, so this was the perfect opportunity to learn and gain practical experience.”
His goals for the internship were twofold: to grow professionally in sustainable building practices and to continue developing personally by living abroad. Having previously spent a semester in Ghent, Belgium through the Erasmus program, Alex was already familiar with living independently in a foreign country. Still, this internship felt like the next step in his journey.
A supportive and collaborative team
Alex speaks warmly about the atmosphere at NarrativA. “Everyone is always willing to help when I have a question. That creates a really positive environment,” he says. Team lunches, bouldering sessions, and other shared activities have made his time even more enjoyable.
Attending the ‘Beurs Eigen Huis’ fair was a standout experience: “It was insightful to learn how to communicate with potential clients and understand their concerns. It really showed me how important the role of the architect is in explaining what we do and building trust.”
Learning new skills
During his internship, Alex also took on unexpected tasks, including 3D modelling for printing. “I had never done that before,” he shares. “Learning new software and methods has helped me develop practical skills that go far beyond what I was taught at university.”
A deep dive into biobased construction
What fascinates Alex most is the detailed process behind biobased construction. “It’s not just about making drawings, it’s about truly understanding how everything fits together: the construction sequence, how vapor, rain protection, and aesthetics are integrated into a single detail,” he explains.
For Alex, biobased design is the future. “Sustainable practices are becoming essential. We’re shifting from traditional materials like concrete and brick toward natural alternatives like wood, and this change is only going to accelerate.”
From theory to practice
While his university touched on sustainable materials, most of that knowledge remained theoretical. “Here at NarrativA, it’s much more hands-on and in-depth. Sometimes the ideas are ambitious, high in the clouds, but there are always two feet firmly on the ground,” he says with a smile.
Alex especially enjoys new construction projects: “Starting from a blank slate and turning an idea into a real building, that process is what excites me most.”
He’s also gained a solid understanding of passive house principles like orientation, insulation and the right installation. “These concepts are essential, and very different from typical building practices back in Spain.”
Looking ahead
Alex sees a clear future in sustainable architecture. “Even in Spain, things are changing. Some studios are already adopting these practices, and eventually, everyone will have to. Even if I don’t start with sustainable materials right away when I return, it’s the only way forward if we want to keep building.”
He highly recommends an internship at NarrativA to other students and graduates. “In a small studio like this, you really get to be part of everything, from the first ideas to figuring out the layout and ‘playing around’ with the 3D model. That’s a kind of experience you rarely get at larger firms, where roles are more divided.”
We thank Alex for his valuable contribution and look forward to continuing our collaboration on meaningful, beautiful, and sustainable designs.
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