Meet the interns at JAJA
Meet our interns. To get to know them better, we have asked them a series of questions
Magnus Høst
Where are you from, and how did you hear about JAJA?
JAJA is growing in popularity at the architecture schools in Denmark obviously, but I also used Konditaget for working out during the lockdown. The growing mobility department really cemented my interest in JAJA as a studio focusing on green development
How did you get into architecture?
I actually started as a history buff with an interest in the north Italian renaissance. From there it’s pretty logical to get into architecture, but luckily I found interest in the current state of the profession as well
What was it like to start at JAJA?
It was a nice and warm welcome. It was quite different coming from a big firm, but it’s super nice that you get to know everybody so fast, and are surrounded by your colleagues in a more informal manner
When you’re not at JAJA – what do you like to do?
I always say I have too many hobbies, but maybe it’s just that they’re time consuming. I try to focus on making music, sailing and weightlifting. I come from the punk scene music wise, and I’m currently attempting a solo project with more of a cowboy post-punk sound.
Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?
I’m a classy kinda guy, so of course it’s the local pizza and Shrek 2
Judy Labib
Where are you from, and how did you hear about JAJA?
I’m from Austin, Texas in the US. I heard about JAJA when Kathrin had given a talk to my University in Texas! I am participating in an internship residency program with my home university and was hoping to have the opportunity to intern with JAJA for the program. I had also known about JAJA prior to the talk because of projects like Parking House + Konditaget Lüders and Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse.
How did you get into architecture?
Finding my footing in architecture began with photography. I did a lot of photography growing up and in high school, began film photography which was my “in“ to architecture. Lots of the compositional skill in photography was transferable to architecture. Now I shoot lots of medium format films and try to better incorporate my film photography and architectural studies.
What was it like to start at JAJA?
Crazy and wonderful! I was adjusting to living in a totally new country and a new job, so it was overwhelming but very exciting. Everyone was very welcoming. I remember not being able to ride a bike correctly and Camilla took me downstairs during lunch and showed me how to properly get on and off a bike. I love that we have a catered lunch together and breakfast meetings on Fridays! All in all, JAJA feels like an incredibly unique office and I’m super grateful for my time here.
When you’re not at JAJA – what do you like to do?
When I’m not at JAJA I’m probably out scouting for the best cardamom buns. I’m trying to visit as much as I can around Copenhagen, on Sundays I thrift with Evita. I’m also trying to visit as many nearby countries on the weekends while I’m here in Europe. Plenty of times I just tag along to whatever my friends and roommates are up to!
Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?
My favorite meal is a nice bowl of ramen, any day. My favorite Sunday movie is the Parent Trap but during December, it’s Home Alone.
Evita Marioglou
Where are you from, and how did you hear about JAJA?
I come from Greece. I found out about JAJA through their Parking House project- Konditaget Lüders, aka. Park + Play.
How did you get into architecture?
I was about 16 years old when I realized that I would pursue a profession that allows me to create what I envision after taking part in my hometown’s Open House events and exploring the city’s architecture.
What was it like to start at JAJA?
I almost immediately felt comfortable at JAJA. The working environment here is great and I appreciate the feeling of belonging in a team.
When you’re not at JAJA – what do you like to do?
I really like going for bike rides – even though that was something I wasn’t doing before coming to Copenhagen – and discovering nice spots in the city.
Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?
On Sundays I go for pizza and any movie from Marvel.
Arvid Meyer-Gerlt
Where are you from, and how did you hear about JAJA?
I was born in Germany, Berlin but I am a student at the Bauhaus University Weimar. I was introduced to JAJA last semester. One of my tutors used to work for JAJA before she started teaching at our Uni.
How did you get into architecture?
I have been interested in creating and designing for a long time. If I have to narrow it down to one point, I would say improving the surrounding people use and living on a daily basis is the motivation that made me choose architecture.
What was it like to start at JAJA?
It has been a really nice experience working within the JAJA team. In the beginning, I got a warm welcome, everyone introduced themself and I got time to get used to the programs and workflow. Especially in terms of coming to a new country and not speaking Danish, I appreciated the effort to make the interns part of the team as quickly as possible.
When you’re not at JAJA – what do you like to do?
I am going to hockey practice 3 times a week but if I have a free evening, I’ll go home to the CPH Village and sit down with friends in the community room, cook together and perhaps watch a movie or talk about him and her. On the weekends I like to spend my time ether building furniture and convenient things for my room, checking off to-dos I didn’t spend time on during the week or exploring Copenhagen (shoutouts to the other interns at this point).
Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?
Thor Ragnarok + Pasta with red sauce and vegetables (if I have to cook) / Pizza with Rocola, Parmigiano and a little garlic oil (if I can choose whatever I like).