Thank You, Auckland School of Architecture!

Over the last fortnight Stephenson&Turner took part in the ‘Open Desk Programme’ of the Auckland University’s School of Architecture. Two  fourth-year students,  Adrian and James,  joined forces with us to work on current projects, which was a great experience for all of us. The students got insights into how to prepare presentations for clients; the processes to create buildings; what is important to successfully manage projects and much more. They contributed their skills and their unlimited playfulness to our work.

At Stephenson&Turner we create designs with ‘a long lead’, we start on an empty white screen and everybody in the team has her/his say; the best idea counts not the rank of the contributor. After a short time of orientation both new team members felt welcomed and able to share creativity.

This is the way that I once learned myself and it still works its magic. It is more than just assisting the production of plans or projects, it’s the participation in the atmosphere of practiced architecture. There are always thing to learn and discussions to get involved in.

I was taught much more by observation of reality than by delivering assignments and I guess today, as architecture has become increasingly an ‘open-source’ creation, a well-balanced extension of study by attending internships is even more valuable.

We at Stephenson&Turner enjoyed having Adrian and James and hope they got some impetus for their further success. We also appreciate the closer connection with academia to contribute to shaping the next generation of upcoming talents: Thank You, School of Architecture!

- Posted Sept. 12, 2011