PRP Now! Cameron Benson // JAJA Architects

PRP Now! aims to showcase the great experiences students encounter within the Professional Residency Program. PRP offers upper-level architecture students a unique opportunity to expand their education through work experience in the architectural profession. Over the past twenty years, our students have been linked with 260 firms in 29 countries. We will feature a handful of students within each session, graduate and undergrad, domestic and international firms. PRP staff mostly recently had the pleasure to speak with Cameron Benson [B.Arch. '16] about his experience.

PRP: Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?
JAJA Architects in Copenhagen is an amazing small to midsize firm. There are between 8 and 15 people there on any given day. The firm is also quite international, with half to two thirds of the office being from other places in Europe. The office is located in the Nørrebro neighborhood of Copenhagen which is a lively area with a good sized immigrant and Danish population, a melting pot of cultures and a great place to work.

PRP: Do you enjoy the city you’re working in? Favorite aspects?
Copenhagen is an amazing city to live in. I commute to work by bike along with about 40% of the rest of the city. Nothing is more incredible than a bike rush hour!

The city is also very lively with tons of parks everywhere you go. There is always something going on. The city is deffinately an international city so you meet people from everywhere, and everyone here can speak excellent English. Danes are also the most sincerely kind people you will ever meet. 

PRP: What is currently on your desk? What are you working on?
On my desk? A succulent, a jar of American peanut butter, my sketchbook, some plans and sketches to work on, and the book I'm reading right now. I'm off and on working on finishing the last design work on a swim center in the nearby city of Roskilde. The project is nearing the construction phase, so much of what I am testing and designing will go into the finished project. I have also recently been pulled to start on two new urban design projects in Norway.

PRP: Describe the firm culture? The office atmosphere?
JAJA is like a family. The office is not too large so you can get to know everyone quite well and there is no drama between people. Everyone is friendly and willing to help out with anything if you ask. The atmosphere is also really relaxed. Lots of laughing, talking, joking around, and music. It is rarely quiet.

PRP: What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT? 
Copenhagen has been a great and fun adventure opening my eyes to different ways of life and design than in America. 

PRP: As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?
Friday drinks with the office before going to a free concert in the city. Then a Saturday bike ride in a park ending up at the Ørestad area to see BIG's Mountain, V, and 8 Housing complexes. Last, Sunday going to the gym, and relaxing reading a book, Netflix, you know how it goes.

PRP: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Do the PRP program! It is an amazing opportunity to help you get out of the university and into the real world. There's nothing better than going outside your comfort zone to experience new cultures, people, and design ideas. You will love it.