Intern stories

• 

  Dasha Taraskina

  How did you join Wowhaus?

  - After thoroughly researching all the studios in Moscow, I decided to try myself as an intern a few years after graduating university.
  
  

  What did you particularly like about Wowhaus? Why did you decide to stay?

  - The well-structured design process based on the “Wowhaus method” quickly helps you adapt to the needs of the client, the city, and the local community, making the workflow both comfortable and engaging. Also, the studio has a strong corporate culture, which developed quite naturally. Everyone just genuinely enjoys spending time together. When we’re not pressed by deadlines, we often organize artistic dinner parties where we discuss (non-)work-related matters.
  
  

  What was your first project?

  - One of the most fascinating ones was the master plan for the village of Tukhard, located 150 km from Norilsk in the Far North. This project gave me a chance to see the region’s stunning nature from a helicopter. I observed permafrost lakes and winding rivers. I also was able to meet locals and learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the indigenous peoples of the Far North.
  
  

  What do you enjoy most about your work?

  - Despite everyone being highly independent, there's a strong sense of trust when it comes to bold, creative ideas. Colleagues are always supportive.

• 

  Katia Kovbashina

  How did you join Wowhaus?

  - My path to architecture wasn’t exactly straightforward. Initially, I wanted to be a designer and enrolled at Stroganov Academy. My first degree was in Environmental Design. After graduation, I got a job as a visualizer at Strelka KB. Around that time, I found out about Wowhaus and their Internship Program. Even though I wasn’t a traditional architect, they accepted me.
  
  

  What was your first project?

  - The first project I completed independently was the New Year decorations for GUM and the Christmas tree on Red Square. Since this project aligned with my original field of study, I handled it with ease. That experience helped me form a team and establish a department focused on exhibition design and conceptual development.

  
  

  How did your career grow?

  - Over time, as the team gained experience, we started taking on interior projects for public spaces and small-scale landscaping. I completed a Master’s in Architecture and Urbanism at MARCH and went on exchange to London Metropolitan University. While in London, I continued working with Wowhaus and by the time I graduated, I had already completed a major project, which was a submarine museum.

  Now my team has grown and we specialize in architecture, interiors, landscaping, and exhibition design.

  
  

  What do you enjoy most about your work?

  - After joining the studio, a completely new world opened up for me. I fell in love with both the profession and Wowhaus, and I’ve been working here since 2018.

  Every day I’m inspired by my colleagues, the projects, and the overall vibe. The passion for the profession demonstrated by the leadership is incredibly motivating.

  What connects me to Wowhaus is that we never settle, we’re always evolving. I know I still have room to grow and learn, and I’m grateful the studio gives me that opportunity.

• 

  Lina Privyaznikova

  How did you join the Internship Program?
  - While I was studying, I took part in a summer student internship at Wowhaus. I immediately knew I wanted to come back, because I was impressed not only by the projects, but also by the vibe at the office. The student supervisors told me about the Internship Program.
  
  

  What was your internship project?
  - Over three months as interns, we both studied and worked on real projects under the guidance of experienced architects. We also developed and presented our own project with support from the internship mentors. We participated in creating the concept for the Spiritual Consistory building in Arkhangelsk. During that time, our team conducted research on the city, developed a concept, and even traveled to the site to run participatory design sessions with local residents. It was an invaluable experience that greatly contributed to my professional development.
  
  

  What happened after the internship?
  - Like many students, I had concerns about my career prospects after graduating. The internship at Wowhaus helped me gain confidence. When it ended, I joined the Wowhaus team and am now working on the Gorky Park project.