Meet the JAJAs: Interns Fall 2025

A warm welcome our new interns! Meet Vanessa (Germany), Namratha (USA), and Tine (Denmark).

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

Vanessa Erb

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

I grew up in a little town in the South of Germany. An excursion in university brought me to Copenhagen one year ago and we visited the Konditaget Lüders. I was impressed by the building – wouldn’t think I would intern at JAJA one day.

How did you get into architecture? 

While other kids dreamed of becoming princesses or astronauts, I wanted to be an architect – at least that’s what my oldest friend from school says. Through high school, I enjoyed art, math and physics, which strengthened my desire to study architecture. Nowadays, coming up with ideas and actually seeing them take shape in the real world is making me happy and fulfilled.

What project are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m working on a really interesting project located in a beautiful natural setting. Unfortunately, we can’t share much about the project yet – but hopefully soon.

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

Once a week, I go for an early morning cold dip because I thought it was the Danish way of living – turns out, not that many Danes actually do it. After work, I enjoy going for long runs or practicing yoga. On weekends, I love to read, explore new cafés around Copenhagen, bike through the city or visit art museums.

Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?

I usually fall asleep halfway through movies, but I love cooking. So ideally, I’d make a fancy dish like fennel risotto or eggplant orzo and watch a “must-see” classic. Still, there’s nothing wrong with re-watching a Harry Potter movie or a few episodes of Gilmore Girls.

Namratha Thrikutam

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

I’m from Dallas, Texas originally, but I currently live in Austin, Texas for university and I love it there. That’s also how I initially heard about JAJA, because many people from my program have come to work at JAJA before. I saw and loved the work, so I applied to come here! 

How did you get into architecture? 

I’ve made art since I was around 6 years old, with lots of sketching and painting in media like pencil, pen, charcoal, acrylic, and oil. I was also pretty decent at math in school so it sort of made sense to me to combine the two. As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve been really interested in issues of housing and community and done advocacy work in Austin and around Texas. I’ve found an interest in how architecture and urbanism can intersect with advocacy in really successful ways, and I hope to pursue that in the future. 

What project are you currently working on?

I’m working on a couple projects right now. One is the Amager urban traffic plan, which has been super interesting because I love thinking about community space and urban networks, so I’ve been learning a lot through that project. 

Read more about Amager Mobility Plan here

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

I love to be outside, whether it’s running or paddling or just relaxing, all of which have been great to do here in Copenhagen! I also love going to concerts and watching movies whenever I can. 

Favourite meal and movie on a Sunday?

This is a hard question for me as I feel I’m very indecisive, but I always love tacos in Austin and a couple movies that bring me a lot of comfort are Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs. 

Tine Olsen

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

My mom is from Bornholm and my dad was born and raised in Jylland. I´m from the Suburbs around Copenhagen – more specifically Smørum – which of course is the epic center of the whole while world – so I´ve been told. Now I live in Copenhagen Østerbro which I love. The calmness of the district, except for concerts and football matches, sooths my soul.

I heard about JAJA in Spring 2025. As I was preparing to find internship as part of my education to become a Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Manager at EK (former known as KEA). I discovered JAJA through both teachers and a fellow student wo praised the company with its interesting solutions towards sustainability and a different approach in general. I thought about it for a second and sent an application, got an interview and got the internship which I was very happy about of course.

How did you get into architecture? 

I have always wished to become an architect. I have an interest in drawing and creating things with my hands and from younger days had an idea of what I wanted to pursue in my professional life using these skills. In my earlier years I decided to find out if I could become a Landscape Architect, but instead was recorded on a different education as a horticulturist with a focus on horticulture and fruit growing at Den Kongelige Veterinær og Landbohøjskole in Frederikberg.

As this wasn´t really the right choice for me I decided to go with my other big interest – MUSIC. I went through different entrance exams to qualify for entering “Det Rytmiske Musikkonservatorium” in Copenhagen for a 4 year period where I trained my skills further in solo singing, piano, drums, different instruments, band practice, ear training, music theory, music arrangement, concert practice and polyrhythmic training. Afterwards I taught in many different music schools for many years, had concert activities and workshops until it didn´t fulfill my dreams any longer.

I thought about my first interest and decided to go for it. KEA emerged and of course I decided, with no doubt in my mind, to do the transition into building construction and architecture. I am very happy about my decision.

What project are you currently working on?

I am working on a Sports center to be used in Wintertime. I can’t share a lot about the project yet, but we are making the project proposal right now for the Municipality it is located in.

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

When I´m not here I like to meditate, go swim in the sea, paint pictures, sing with different ensembles, write songs, read books, make ceramics, enjoy my time with family and friends, laugh a lot, dive into Feng Shui with an idea of building a Feng Shui house in the near future, to knit and sew, and just trying to find the ultimate balance in life.

Favorite meal and movie on a Sunday?

My favorite meals in general are spinach soup, smoothies, deliciously made salads and soups, lasagna with couchettes and mangoes, ayurvedic dishes and just really well prepared meals rich in nutrients and flavor. Then I am also very much into CHOCOLATE and FISH.

When it comes to movies I´m into strong character building, plots that are complex and well written. With that in mind I also like to watch cartoons, fantasy, food programs, and documentaries.