PRP NOW! Isabella Main // ADEPT

Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working? 

I am working at ADEPT in Copenhagen, Denmark! ADEPT is a large firm of around 70 people, but it feels much smaller because of how well everyone gets to know each other. They emphasize holistic and sustainable design while working across multiple disciplines and scales of intervention.

Do you enjoy the city you’re working in? Favorite aspects? 

Living in Copenhagen has been so much fun. I have really enjoyed spending time in cafes, visiting museums, taking the train up the coast, and admiring all of the beautiful architecture and nature throughout the city. In the winter months, the city leans in to celebrating coziness, which makes you want to spend time out exploring, even in the cold. 

What is currently on your desk? What are you working on? 

Currently on my desk, I have some landscape plan printouts, my notebook full of sketches, a bunch of sticky notes with ideas for my next tasks, and my cup of coffee. I’ve been working on a variety of different digital models and renderings for a public plaza at the center of two towers. We’ve been developing how to integrate the new towers and podium with the existing public space, while maintaining a human scale with lots of green areas and good pedestrian connections. 

Describe the firm culture? The office atmosphere? 

The firm culture is very collaborative and interdisciplinary. Everyone is very welcoming and will strike up a conversation or be there to help each other out. We eat lunch all together each day, and that allows you to get to know people who you may not work with directly and make friendships quickly. There are many fun traditions like candy Tuesdays and Secret Santa, and we end early on Friday’s which is so nice for work/life balance. 

What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT? 

The first thing I’ll be sure to tell my classmates is that Copenhagen is a must-visit city and that I’ll definitely be going back to visit in the future. 

As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend? 

I’m nearing the end of my adventure here, so I’ll be going back to visit my favorite parks, stores, and cafes one more time before I leave. I'll also join some friends for a bike ride to the harbor and a quick cold plunge, and then mandatory coffee and cardamom bun.