Reflection: Sustainable Conservation Trust Internship
As I'm reflecting on this time I had with Sustainable Conservation Trust, I’ve started to see design in a much more grounded way. It wasn’t just about producing drawings or completing tasks, but understanding how every decision connects to people, place, and the environment around it.
The skatepark project really brought that to life. Visiting the site, even though the walks there felt long and tiring at times, cause I did go there twice, made a difference. It gave me time to take things in properly and understand how the space works beyond drawings. When we later discussed it in meetings, it felt less abstract because I could actually picture people using it. That experience strengthened my site analysis skills in a way that studio work alone hadn’t fully done before.
At the same time, the drawings themselves were not easy. The skatepark design was quite complex, and there were moments where I genuinely didn’t know how to approach certain parts. Instead of working in isolation, we leaned on each other a lot as interns. That pushed me out of my comfort zone because I usually prefer working alone, but it helped me improve my teamwork skills without even realising it. It became less about getting everything perfect individually and more about figuring things out together.
It’s also important to note that the skatepark project is still ongoing. The process hasn’t been fully completed yet, and the drawings are still not approved. Because of that, there’s still a level of uncertainty in the design, and it made me realise that architectural work doesn’t always follow a neat or finished timeline. Instead, it often continues to evolve even after your direct involvement with it.
Working on the elevations in SketchUp was another challenge. Since it’s the software I’m most confident in, I expected it to feel straightforward, but it still required a lot of patience and problem-solving. I had to think more carefully about accuracy and clarity, which improved my attention to detail and how I produce 2D drawings from a 3D model. There were frustrating moments, but also a real sense of progress when things started to come together.
Outside of the design work, there were also unexpected experiences, like helping move offices. Carrying desks, computers, and tables was physically exhausting, but it made me feel more involved in the team. It showed me that being part of a practice goes beyond just sitting behind a screen, it’s about contributing in whatever way is needed.
