Meet the JAJAs: Get to know our new and skilled interns

Meet our new interns Greta (Sweden), Sabrina (Germany), and Rebeca (Mexico/USA). 

To get to know them better, we’ve asked them a series of questions

Rebeca Perez

Where are you from, and how did you hear about JAJA?

I grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico, but I’ve been living in Texas for the past 13 years. I heard about JAJA through my school; Kathrin gave a talk there a few years ago and I was moved by the projects, so it has been on the back of my mind since then. 

How did you get into architecture? 

I originally chose to study architecture because it seemed like a crossover between art and math, but as I got into the career, I grew to appreciate the cultural role that architecture has, and that’s what got me to continue. 

What project are you working on right now?

Right now, I am on a project focused on bio-based materials. It’s still in the beginning stages, so my task is to use GIS to gather data for the project. 

When you’re not at JAJA – what do you like to do?

Since it’s still summer in Copenhagen and there’s so much to see, I like to go out and get to know the city (and try to get more comfortable riding a bike everywhere). But I imagine in the winter, I’ll go back to my usual indoor hobbies of knitting and baking.

Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?

On weekends I usually like to cook or bake new recipes that I find on the internet, and for movies, I will always enjoy watching Mamma Mia!

Sabrina Lang

Where are you from, and how did you hear about JAJA?

I’m from Hannover in Germany and have been a fan of Danish architecture for quite a while. While I was researching, I came across a few of their projects and also got a recommendation from a former employee. That’s how I heard about JAJA.

How did you get into architecture?

I guess I’ve always been quite interested in different types of arts and design. What fascinates me most about architecture is that it can have a direct impact on people’s well-being and how they perceive their environment.

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I am working on further detailing the interior of the Kirke Hyllinge Activity Center, which is planned as an extension of a communal sports hall.

When you’re not at JAJA – what do you like to do?

Right now, I just love to get to know Copenhagen a little better and just bike or walk around the different city districts. Also, I love to do some yoga or cook with my roommates.

Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?

I really love vegan spaghetti bolognese or lentil dal with homemade naan and I’d be down for any movie from Pride and Prejudice to Lord of the Rings.

Greta Ståhlbom

Where are you from, and how did you hear about JAJA?

I’m from Stockholm, Sweden, but moved to Lund in the south of Sweden as I started my university studies. I first heard about JAJA during a study visit to Copenhagen, where we visited their project Parking House + Konditaget Luders. After that, the office’s projects kept popping up as I was looking at references for school projects. When it was time to apply for internships during my third year, I knew from the get-go that I wanted to apply for JAJA.

How did you get into architecture?

Honestly, I should’ve realized that I was into architecture when I as a child spent my free time looking at floorplans in realtors’ magazines and drawing houses. I didn’t though, and later moved on to studying social sciences in school. As someone who has always been creative, I was however thinking of ways to avoid working in a stereotypical academic environment. At that point, architecture as a field of work seemed like a good option for me to combine academics with a more creative line of work. I did soon realize that architecture as a subject perhaps always have been an interest.

What project are you working on right now?

Right now, I’m an assistant in a team working on a competition to redesign Copenhagen’s old national archives. To work on such an official project, with a site that is so important for the Danish community and identity, is in many ways nerve-racking since you feel a great expectation to perform. It is thankfully also an extremely fun and learning experience!

When you’re not at JAJA – what do you like to do?

Currently, I’m moving apartments so right now I would say my biggest interest is looking for cups and vacuum cleaners on Facebook Marketplace. Otherwise, I prefer to spend my free time exploring new places, hiking, birdwatching and eating chocolate. Preferably all at once!

Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?

On a perfect Sunday, I cook and eat dinner together with friends and family – hopefully with dessert included. For movies, I tend to instead watch television series that I can simply drop if I feel that the Sunday tiredness gets too heavy. I am however on a constant life mission to finish watching all the Marvel movies, so if nothing else, that’s usually what I end up watching.