The Architecture of Ireland

“I have always been interested in the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind our built environment which led to my studies in both architecture and engineering. This interest gave me a deep appreciation for the cultural landscape and the heritage buildings that reside within it. My interest in heritage buildings and their adaptive reuse led me to seek a co-op in Europe where I would gain a deeper understanding of designing within a historical fabric.” - Jordan Junek

Jordan Junek is a second-year Architecture student who recently completed a work term in Cork, Ireland. She took some time to discuss her experience with us. 

“I worked in the residential design team during my six months with Wilson Architecture. The projects I was a part of were varied: developments of 2000+ units to single-family homes, and everything in between,” said Jordan, “These projects involved new builds and adaptive reuse efforts of decommissioned heritage properties. I was fortunate enough to also participate in every project delivery stage between feasibility and tender. This variation in project scale, delivery stage, and the additional learning of working within a different country’s standards provided an extremely enriching work term.”

During her time with Wilson Architecture, Jordan gained valuable knowledge that can only be obtained through hands-on experience. “I learned a considerable amount about the architect’s relationship with consultants and the importance of this in project delivery,” she said, “The role of the planning consultant is highly valued in Ireland and learning about the process to be granted planning permission and seeing the influence that a consultant has during this phase, cannot be taught in the classroom.” 

“Likewise, learning about the tender process and how to produce this type of drawing, where to rely on consultants and how to manage this network of relationships is a subject that is not touched on in class,” Jordan continued,  “These two subjects, the before and after design phases, cannot be taught in class. This exhibits the value that a co-op work term has in the professional growth of young architects.”

“Moving to a different country and adapting successfully to the procedures, regulations, and systems unique to our office and to Ireland was a significant achievement.” - Robert Nagle

Robert Nagle, Jordan’s supervisor, discussed her growth throughout the work term. “Our student internship programme involves an initial set of assessment tasks to evaluate the student’s strengths and opportunities, and Jordan performed admirably in these, displaying her excellent technical and knowledge-based skills,” said Robert, “As a result, she was able to jump straight into projects and be productive from the off. Throughout the term Jordan’s upward progress was evident, allowing us to entrust her with more complicated and diverse tasks. By the end, she had fully integrated into the office workstream, with valuable contributions to the projects she was involved in. And she even learned a few Irish words to compliment her architectural learnings!”

“I would be happy to recommend Dalhousie for hiring Co-op students,” said Robert, “I was impressed by the program set up, Jordan was provided with great support during her term. And for us as employers, communication and paperwork with the Co-op team was clear and hassle-free.”

Interested in hiring an Architecture Co-op student? Learn more