Spending two months immersed in the rhythms of a practice like CWa has been an impactful chapter in my architectural education. I came to the office as part of a two-month Erasmus placement from France, and what I found was not only CWa’s previous works I admired, but a practice rooted in care, curiosity, and purpose - not just in architecture, but also in the way everyone works together.
More than that, I was genuinely looking forward to working in a firm that puts retrofit and sensitive transformation at the heart of its practice. What makes CWa special to me is their focus in reimagining and adapting existing buildings which aligns closely with my own values. And the experience has exceeded my expectations in every way.
Their commitment to retrofit, renovate, and rethink, rather than build from scratch, really resonated with me. It’s a stance that feels ethical, creative, and honest. That mindset has further developed the way I think about architecture and its role today. In France, we often speak of “patrimoine” with pride, but working at CWa made me realise that respecting heritage is not just about preservation, but about negotiation, transformation, and interventions as well, that speak softly but clearly.
One of the highlights of my time here was working on visualisations for the redevelopment of St Nicholas Church in Bristol, particularly focused on the vaulted spaces in the crypt. I loved exploring the vaulted architecture and how the project reimagined the crypt, a space traditionally hidden and quiet, into a vibrant area for collaboration and exchange. That sense of bringing life back into existing structures, of giving them new purpose, felt deeply powerful.
I also had the chance to work on an upcoming project in its very early stage, creating a digital 3D model of the existing site, isometric views, and explanatory diagrams. It was exciting to contribute to the beginning of something, when ideas are still flexible and full of potential. Seeing how concepts take shape, and being able to help communicate the ideas visually was a valuable learning experience.
Furthermore, I created a physical model for Pillar House and absolutely loved the process. There’s a particular kind of focus and satisfaction that comes from making things by hand, and it helped me better understand form and materiality beyond the screen. On top of that, I was kindly involved in conversations, reviews, and site visits throughout my placement.
But beyond the design work, what I’ll remember the most is the atmosphere in the studio: genuine, kind, funny, and full of positive energy. I felt welcome right from the beginning. Whether over coffee, project reviews, or lunchtime chats, the team created a space where it felt easy to be curious, ask questions, share ideas, and simply enjoy the process from day one. For me, that meant stepping into a variety of roles with support and trust, and being able to contribute meaningfully.
The office culture felt different, in a good way, serious, yes, but also generous. There was space for dialogue, curiosity, laughing, and learning. I never felt like “just an intern”, rather, I felt part of an ongoing and meaningful team who welcomed me with open arms.
Returning to university in Bordeaux, I carry with me a renewed appreciation for subtlety, process, and care. I’m grateful not only for what I learned, but for the way I was welcomed into the team with kindness, trust, and encouragement. It’s hard to describe exactly what defines a good architecture practice, but I think this one lives in the balance between intention and openness. I feel lucky to have seen that up close.
To everyone at CWa, thank you - it was a real pleasure to be part of your team. This time with you has left a lasting impression, and I return to my studies with new skills, and a renewed sense of what kind of architect I want to become. I will miss you deeply - Thank you for everything & merci beaucoup!
Maud