Meet the JAJAs: Get to know our new interns

Meet our new and skilled interns Iva, Birk, Lara, and Sander! To get to know them better, we have asked them a series of questions

Iva Veneckova

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

I come from the Czech Republic. The first time I heard about JAJA was a few years ago when I was searching for references for my project and I was impressed by Parking House + Konditaget Lüders. Of course, I couldn’t miss their participation in the competition for Vltava Philharmonic Hall in Prague this year.

How did you get into architecture?

I was interested in the great architecture in my hometown, especially the combination of historic buildings and contemporary art. I realized how important space around us is and that you can influence people’s feelings by improving it as an architect. That’s the reason why I chose architecture.

What was it like to start at JAJA (and what are you working on at the moment)?

It was a very warm welcome to the JAJA team. I appreciate everyone’s helpfulness and kindness from the first moment. I’m very grateful to be part of this team full of creative people.

At the moment, I am working on the finalization of the exciting project Grønlikaia in Oslo.

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

Since we have no sea in the Czech Republic, I’m excited about it here, therefore I regularly go swimming in the sea. It’s already getting cold, so it’s a bigger challenge every day.

In my free time, I also really like going on small bike trips around the city to discover new places and local architecture. I also go bouldering.

Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?

My great hobbies are cooking and baking, so it would be something that I cook myself and watching Harry Potter. That will never get tiring.

Sander Sinnep

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

I’m originally from Tallinn, Estonia, but I’ve lived in Copenhagen for a few years already. During my studies, I used JAJA’s projects as references quite a few times, so the office has been on my radar for a while.

How did you get into architecture? 

I wanted to go into a field where I could blend my technical and creative skills, while also having a job where my work has an impact. I believe that architecture embodies all those qualities very well & I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

What was it like to start at JAJA (and what are you working on at the moment)?

Starting at JAJA has been such smooth sailing over my first weeks here. The thing that surprised me the most is how similar the work experience is to my time at the school, which has made the transition from academia to the office very easy.

I’m currently working on a very fun project in Copenhagen where we have to come up with flexible solutions for urban sports. The project is really exciting as the community surrounding the project is very engaged and excited to see it all come to life.

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

When not at JAJA I spend a big chunk of my time learning Danish. I also like going for runs close to my home in Amager Fælled, which is a big nature reserve-like area where you can jog alongside horses and sheep.

Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?

Lately, I’ve been having egg quesadillas for all meals, and it is yet to grow old, so that has to take the crown. For a movie, I enjoy any thriller from studio A24.

Lara Herda

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

I am from Germany and have studied in Weimar for the last two years. One of my teachers at the university worked for JAJA a few years ago and I knew the Parking House + Konditaget Lüders project. That’s how I found out about JAJA!

How did you get into architecture? 

I visited an exhibition about Balkrishna Doshi, an Indian architect, at the Vitra Design Museum. It was amazing – and after that experience, I decided to study architecture.

What was it like to start at JAJA (and what are you working on at the moment)?

It was very nice starting here, everyone was welcoming and the atmosphere in the office is super nice too. Right now I am working on a competition for a School/”Community Center” in Oslo.

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

On the weekends I like to visit all the amazing art museums in Copenhagen or go for a swim in the sea together with Iva.

Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?

Maybe some sort of Masala and Kill Bill or Harry Potter.

Birk Christiansen

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

I’m based in Copenhagen but originally, I’m from the countryside on Fyn where I grew up on a farm where we were self-sufficient with most vegetables and fruits.

I went on LinkedIn to look at companies for my internship and stumbled upon JAJA and had a look at their projects. There I saw they had worked on Nyborg Castle – A place I have been to many times through medieval reenactment. I was excited about the project so I sent them an e-mail and got an answer shortly afterwards.

How did you get into architecture? 

As a former carpenter, I have been to many big building sites where everything is mostly concrete, steel and plasterboards. I was becoming super depressed about all these boring maxi-CO2 buildings that were built, and I couldn’t do anything about it.

I was always complaining about this, so I decided to start studying to be a construction architect to get in a position where I can be a part of a change in the industry.

What was it like to start at JAJA?

I was invited to JAJA’s summer party to get to know everyone before starting my internship. From the first half hour, where we had common lunch, it felt like getting a new family, and that feeling just grew for the rest of the evening. My first weeks have been super good, and I’ve been treated like a ‘normal’ constructing architect with a lot of trust and focus on that I was fully into the project.

Right now, I’m working on the Mini Co2 Multi-Storey House in Wood project where I’m putting a lot of work into the BIM model. The project brings out great discussions where I can draw on my experience as a carpenter.

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

I use most of my free time swing dancing which I have been doing for more than 10 years. I teach around 3-5 classes a week in the Copenhagen scene and it’s quite rare for me to have a day without dancing. Also, I enjoy ‘normal’ stuff like having food and beer etc. with friends.

Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?

I don’t like to use my weekends on the couch watching movies. I don’t even own a couch because I wouldn’t use it. I tend to use most of my time at the weekends on dancing or practical stuff.

I really like to cook food but in my later years, I tend to use a lot more time away. So, the food on Sundays is often leftovers or something fast.