College Projects, Live Projects, Competitions — The Three Classrooms of Architecture

I still remember my very first architecture project in college. The site was just a plain stretch of land, and our professors told us we could design anything we wanted. That freedom felt both exciting and overwhelming. Some of my classmates jumped into designing cafés or libraries, while I quietly chose a residence — something simple, but close to home for me. I can still picture myself sitting in the studio late at night, sketching endless ideas, trying to make sense of what architecture even meant to me back then.

College projects had a kind of innocence about them. We weren’t worried about budgets, clients, or contractors. Instead, it was all about exploring concepts, experimenting with forms, and telling stories through our designs. I still remember standing in my very first jury, nervous, clutching my sheets, trying to explain not just my drawings but the thoughts behind them. The focus was always on the narrative — the way we presented ourselves as young architects and how our ideas came alive on paper. Looking back, college gave me that safe space to dream fearlessly, to imagine without limits, and to begin building a design language of my own.

Things begin to shift during internships. This is usually the first time architects realize how much responsibility a drawing actually carries. Every line and annotation has meaning, because someone on site — whether a contractor, carpenter, or mason — depends on it. Unlike college, drawings are no longer just for presentation; they become working tools that guide construction. Internships are often where young architects first learn the importance of precision, communication, and deadlines. It is also the stage where one begins to observe how architects interact with clients, consultants, and vendors — understanding the coordination, the negotiations, and the patience that the profession demands. It becomes the first taste of how design transforms into construction, and it instills a new respect for the process.

Later, during practice, these lessons grow even deeper. Live projects are no longer just exercises or observations — they become real responsibilities. Clients bring their aspirations, budgets, and timelines, and the role of the architect is to balance those with practicality and design integrity. On site, challenges are constant, from last-minute changes to unforeseen issues that require quick decisions. It is no longer just about creating drawings, but about leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Architects find themselves navigating between clients, contractors, consultants, vendors, and labourers, realising that communication is as important as creativity. Practice is where the profession becomes truly holistic — a blend of design, management, and responsibility — while still holding on to architectural ethics and the joy of creating meaningful spaces.

And then there were competitions. They felt like stepping back into the energy of college but with more maturity. The briefs were ambitious — cultural spaces, urban interventions, public landmarks — and they demanded both imagination and technical skill. Working in teams often meant late nights of brainstorming, debates over ideas, and constant iterations. Competitions were exciting because they gave me room to experiment and think boldly, without the limitations of budgets or client approvals. Of course, not every entry won, but every attempt left behind growth, resilience, and fresh perspectives. They reminded me why I fell in love with architecture in the first place — the thrill of creating, of imagining new possibilities.

Looking back at all these phases — college projects, internships, practice, and competitions — I can see how each shaped me differently. College gave me the courage to dream. Internship taught me humility and precision. Practice grounded me in responsibility and people skills. Competitions pushed me to innovate and never stop questioning. Together, they’ve built the foundation of the architect I am still becoming.

Architecture, I’ve come to realise, is about moving constantly between these worlds — sometimes we dream, sometimes we build, and sometimes we push ourselves to imagine differently. And in that balance between imagination, reality, and innovation, we keep learning. Not just as architects, but as people growing through every drawing, every site, and every project we take on.

By Ar. Rinisha Mariam Tharakan

Junior Architect

Amalgrain Studio