School of Architecture, Building and Design Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture Internship Training and Report (INT 60105)
Internship Report 7th Jan 2019 – 22nd Feb 2019
DP Architects Sdn Bhd One Global Studio | Johor Bahru Led by Ar. Lim Wei Liang and Noor Azhar
Kalvin Bong Jia Ying 0327822 Tutor: Ar. Mohamad Zafarullah Mohamad Rozaly
THIS REPORT CONTENT SHALL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL AND NOT DISCLOSE TO ANY THIRD PARTY.
Abstract As a mandatory part of the module, this report presents my precious and commemorable work experience I have gathered as an intern in a locally-registered and Singapore-based architecture firm, DP Architects, from January 7, 2019 until February 22, 2019. This 7-weeks industrial attachment has exposed me to the commercial architecture world, working with experienced architects and personnel that are willing to share their knowledge and experiences that would aid on my professional identity development and able to obtain the chance to learn from being in the field with clients and supervisors. During the internship, I would get to participate as a fully-fledged member of the team here, with being responsible for my own projects and dealing with clients, designing, drawing, joining meetings and visiting construction sites. My most impressive corporation culture here is the top focus on design innovation which I have constantly gained feedbacks on my own designing abilities. From basic analysis of client’s instruction and schematic design development, to tender negotiation and contracts initiation process, I was able to appreciate much about the designbuild process. In all, I am very grateful to have this precious internship opportunity to explore the commercial architecture world whereby the field dynamics and workplace etiquette are very much different from my study environment in the university and to develop my teamwork capability as well as enhancing social skills and relationships at work.
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Table of Content 01
Acknowledgement
02
Introduction
03
3
2.1 Company Profile
4–5
2.2 Weekly Overview of Internship
6–8
Training Summary 3.1 Week 1
9 – 16
3.2 Week 2
17 – 19
3.3 Week 3
20 – 25
3.4 Week 4
26 – 28
3.5 Week 6
29 – 33
3.6 Week 7
33 – 39
04
Reflection
40
05
References
41
06
Appendix 6.1 Appendix A – Event Photos 6.2 Appendix B – Testimonial Letter
41 – 42 43
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01/ Acknowledgement Having such an enjoyable and enriching experience at DP Architects over these few weeks, I would like to offer my most heartfelt thanks to the following people who have supported me whilst completing my project and introduced me to the realms of working industry in spite of being extraordinarily busy with their duties. If they hadn’t made the decision to select me for the internship, I would not have had this opportunity at all. Ar. Lim Wei Liang, Director Noor Azhar, Associate Director, also my team leader William Chua, Associate Director Lokman Hakim, Architectural Associate, also my mentor Muhammad Afiq Bin Abd Halim, Architectural Associate, also my project team member Lam Jiih Kui, Architectural Executive Chai Xin Ying, Architectural Associate Chen Ai Chun, Architectural Associate Izzat Asyraf Bin Mahyuddin, Architectural Associate It is also under their patient guidance and constant encouragement that helped me to pick up the necessary skills in such a short time, while making the whole experience fulfilling and satisfying. I perceive as this opportunity as a big milestone in my career development. I will strive to use gained skills and knowledge in the best possible way, and I will continue to work on their improvement, in order to attain desired career objectives. I would also like to acknowledge Ar. Zafar’s involvement and supervision of my internship, as well as giving invaluable advice during his visit to DP Architects in early February.
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02/ Introduction 2.1 Company Profile Before launching any further into the report, a brief background on the firm at which I am serving my internship, is crucial to justify the design philosophy behind the following content. One Global Studio | Johor Bahru Address: Suite 22.06, Level 22, Johor Bahru City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru Tel: (+60)7-2219268 Email: johorbahru@dpa.com.sg Design Partnership (DP) Architects Sdn Bhd is a professional consultancy managed by locally registered architects which started its operation in Malaysia in 1975 and was incorporated in 1994 with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. Like its Singapore-based parent company, DP Architects, it is also founded on a deep-rooted belief in design and service excellence. This spirit of excellence has been and remains paramount in its delivery process. Over four decades, DP Architects has consolidated its resources and developed consummate professionalism in providing holistic design solutions. Its dedicated and competent team is wellequipped to undertake projects of varying scales and complexities, and deliver projects in accordance with international quality standards. Beyond architectural design, it also plays a key role as a consultant on planning and design issues across a diverse range of building typologies. At the core of its work, DP Architects also believes in building relationships. The firm recognizes the importance of understanding the stakeholders’ corporate values and requirements. In return, the trust from stakeholders has been rewarding, as many are repeat clients. The firm also expanded its portfolio of works to include design projects for retail shopping centres, hotels, work places, high-density residences, religious institutions, recreational and mixed-programme developments.
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Figure 1: DP Architects and its eight established specialist companies to serve clients better.
Figure 2: Group photo with directors, associates and colleagues of DP Architects Johor Bahru.
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2.2 Weekly Overview of Internship The summary of progress throughout this short but enriching 7 weeks of internship is noted as follows. Detailed working hours are recorded in the attached log sheets. Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Embun Residence, Desaru Flintstone Raffles University Iskandar BCB Toppen
Chart 1: Project timeline overview throughout my internship at DP Architects Week
Task Overview
Week 1
Embun Residence, Desaru o
Produce RCP of Type A and Type B units, complete with annotations, positions of lighting fixtures, labelling of ceiling height and materials
o
Amendment of satellite office floor plans
o
Update on 3D model according to new satellite office floor plans
The Flintstone’s House, Mersing o
Produce plans and sections of rocket lift with existing site plan
Others o
Attend annual project review and way forward plans (Refer to Appendix A)
Week 2
Embun Residence, Desaru o
Continue with amendment of satellite office floor plans and update on 3D model according to the director’s instruction
o
Attend meeting with client and take note of their requests and feedbacks
o
Model-making for massing and design exploration of container office
6
o
Prepare design proposals in the format of presentation slides, complete with various design options and descriptions
Others o
Attend occasional completed project review on building defects (Refer to Appendix A)
Week 3
Embun Residence, Desaru o
Produce plans and 3D models for the proposed Option 1 and Option 2 satellite office design, as preferred by the director
o
Calculate floor area and estimate costs required for the construction of each option
o
Compile plans, elevations and perspectives of Option 1 and Option 2 in the format of presentation slides, as ready to be reviewed by the director
Raffles University Iskandar o
Study model making for in-depth understanding of roof profile and structure
Week 4
Raffles University Iskandar o
Continue with study model making
Embun Residence, Desaru o
Produce 3D massing model and plans for proposed Option 3 satellite office design as back-up plan
o
Produce 3D massing model for proposed Option 4 satellite office design as back-up plan
o
Produce two proposed site section and 3D contour model
Others o
Attend monthly birthday celebration (Refer to Appendix A)
Week 5
CNY Break
Week 6
Embun Residence, Desaru
7
o
Amendment of satellite office floor plans and 3D model as agreed by clients, as well as compilation in slides
o
Amendment and rendering of cluster home floor plans
o
Calculate floor area for different type of cluster homes
o
Update on 3D model according to new cluster home floor plans
Others
Week 7
o
Attend general office meeting (Refer to Appendix A)
o
Attend Chinese New Year celebration dinner (Refer to Appendix A)
Embun Residence, Desaru o
Produce section study drawings for cluster homes
o
Produce plan drawings of cluster homes for BP submission, complete with annotations, dimensions, labelling of ceiling height, floor materials and floor drops
o
Produce finishes schedule for cluster homes
Tang City, BCB Wellness City o
Amendment of floor plans for bomba submission
Toppen Shopping Centre, Terbau o
Attend construction site visit
Table 1: Weekly task overview throughout my internship at DP Architects
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03/ Training Summary 3.1 Week 1 My first task begins with assisting the project team in the production of tender drawings of a residential project monitored by my mentor. Prior to the commencement of work, I took up the initiative to understand the project background and brief which are summarized as follows: Client: Desaru North Course Residence Sdn Bhd Project Name: Embun Residence, The Maris, Desaru Location: Desaru Coast, Mukim Pantai Timur, Daerah Kota Tinggi, Johor Darul Takzim Project Description: Proposed Garden Villas (Cluster Homes) Residential 1 Development Current Project Status: Tender Negotiation (Cluster Homes) & Schematic Design Stage (Satellite Office)
Figure 3: Location of Embun Residence (labelled 2) on Desaru Coast masterplan
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With concept of integration with nature, Embun Residence aims to create an enhanced living experience that serves as a retreat away from the dense city setting. Surrounded by proposed pedestrian pathway, every cluster home unit features a garden regardless of Type A or Type B, providing the future residents a peace of mind.
Figure 4: Typical Type A cluster home (30’ x 62’)
Figure 5: Type B cluster home with entrance from sideways (30’ x 60’) With guidance from my mentor, I did amendments on the reflected ceiling plan (RCP) detailed drawings for both Type A and B units, along with annotations, dimensions, updates on position of lighting fixtures as set out by M&E engineers, and labelling of ceiling height and materials.
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Figure 6: RCP drawings ready for tender purpose However, the clients later called for an immediate halt to the current stage of the project because the response from their latest market survey shows that property with strata title is less preferred in the buyer’s market. The clients have also conducted research on the pros and cons of the individual title development in the vicinity, and eventually they decided to make a shift. As different titles have different legal requirements and regulations affecting the design, therefore design that are already viewed and approved by the clients have to be relooked at. This is also one of the unavoidable challenges to a smooth running and implementation of a project that I have observed. Throughout the time, there may be conflicting feedback or concerns from the different buyer’s markets. As such, it can be frustrating for both the clients and architects as we are unable to proceed with the rest of the project as originally scheduled. It is thus apparent that as an architect, much patience and flair are needed to handle such challenges and yet still be able to ensure that clients’ expectations and demands are met.
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Aside from the cluster homes, I was then assigned to amend floor plans of the satellite office and update the 3D model accordingly as there were comments on its preliminary design through internal review earlier. The output of this practice is undoubtedly an opportunity for me to pick up my intermediate digital skills for both AutoCAD and Sketch-Up.
Figure 7: Comments on the last phase of work from internal review
Figure 8: Ground floor plan of the satellite office after amendment
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Figure 9: First floor plan of the satellite office after amendment
Figure 10: Perspective view of the satellite office based on the amended plans Throughout the process of modelling, I find the main structure – shipping containers very interesting as it offers multiple design possibilities that create uniqueness to the usual workplace, be it stacking, positioning, connecting at an angle or integrating with other building materials. Shipping containers are indeed useful tools that would help clients to save costs and to distinguish it from other site offices, possibly making it an Instagrammable spot.
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In addition, I had been told to extract key dimensions from the site photos and on-site measurement records of an A&A (Additions & Alterations) enhancement project that I am not involved in to produce required drawings. I began with understanding the project brief which are elaborated as follows: Client: Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar of Johor Existing Building: The Flintstone’s House, Mersing Location: Mukim Jemaluang, Daerah Mersing, Johor Darul Takzim Project Description: Proposed Rocket Lift Connecting Ground Floor and First Floor of Existing Flintstone’s House Current Project Status: Design Development
Figure 11: Perspective view of the rocket lift attached to the existing Flintstone’s House
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Figure 12: Existing site plan with site photos and measurement records which were used to produce lift plan and section connecting the building Besides extracting key dimensions from the existing plan with site photos and measurement records from the previous site visit, I also took reference from the schedule of technical specifications provided by lift supplier to obtain dimensions of the lift and estimate its structural core size. By then, I was able to find out the length and width of the extended platforms that are required to connect rocket lift and the existing building’s levels. To me, this is a relatively challenging task as initially I struggled to understand the curvy surface of the building at different levels. In the measurement records, certain key dimensions are left out or remain inaccurate which results in difficulty especially when it comes to the production of drawings. However, with aid of the architect-in-charge, I have learned to improve flexibility in problem solving which would eventually generate useful and interesting, sometimes surprising results and outputs.
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Figure 13: Floor plan showing extended platform connecting rocket lift and existing building
Figure 14: Section showing elevated platform connecting rocket lift and existing building
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3.2 Week 2 After proceeding with amendment of satellite office floor plans and update on 3D model based on the internal review, I was brought to attend meeting regarding progress updates on the project. Besides learning about the importance of clarity and teamwork, I have also come to realize that effective and tactful communication skills are also required to liaise between the clients and the architect, especially when the clients are difficult to appease or handle.
Figure 15: Progress meeting with clients, engineers, landscape architects and surveyors Taking note of client’s requests and feedbacks during the meeting and later translate into design brief were some of the essential tasks I had to nail down. The client’s comments on the design of satellite office are as follows: o
Avoid overhead container as sense of grandeur will be affected
o
Add two discussion rooms that are convertible into a board room
o
Reduce the number of containers used for meeting room (20 pax) from 3 to 2
o
Design preferred with central courtyard
o
Try to reduce number of containers to save costs
o
Consider noise effect resulted from spatial arrangement
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Over time, I was tasked to monitor the satellite office project and given much independence and responsibility for it. I had to learn to explore and challenge design limitations, writing proposals, prepare presentations on my own, and ensure that I am working within the given time frame and producing designs or refinements accurately and according to the client’s brief or feedback from the last phase of work. To ease the massing exploration of the container office, I made scale container models from different color papers that represent different spaces. Having it from scratch, searching for imagery on books that would help in generating design ideas and surfing internet to discover relevant case studies are other ways I used to look for inspiration and gather further insight into the design project. Subsequently, I have compiled different proposed massing options along with descriptions and ready for internal review. There are as follows:
Proposal 1
Proposal 2
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Proposal 3
Proposal 4
Figure 16: Massing proposal of satellite office with 4 options Based on the internal review, proposal 2 and 3 were preferred and had potentials to develop. It was then brought to the following week for drawings and 3D model production. I also took a short reflection on this assignment: the process was actually rather similar to what we did in school for our studio projects but the restrictions in the real world are tighter and have to be adhered to more strictly as it is no longer just accounting for myself.
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3.3 Week 3 Continuing from the previous satellite office design proposals that were preferred, I further translated the proposals into proper and readable drawings together with 3D model for better understanding on the spatial quality, which are later compiled in sequence in the format of presentation slides and ready to be used for the upcoming meeting with clients. Not only have I gained practical knowledge, I am fortunate enough to witness and experience the usual practice of getting a design from scratch implemented onto real work drawings which I could never had the chance to do in school. The following attached figures – Option 1 and Option 2 are the end products of translation from the design proposal. As part of the presentation slides, I was asked to do a rough estimation on the required construction cost for both options, depending on the number and type of container used. Also, calculate the floor area of each space for client’s convenience to estimate its size. Option 1 comprises of 6 shipping containers of 12m x 2.4m (length x width) arranged in a Lshaped, with two stacking on top forming a cantilevered structure. With an open courtyard at one corner, users of all spaces get to enjoy the spectacular view of sea along the Desaru Coast without any blockage.
Figure 17: Perspective view of satellite office for Option 1
12m x 2.4m Shipping Container M&E & Structure
Cost Per Unit
Amount Required
Total Cost
RM 8000.00
6
RM 48,000.00
RM 10,000.00
6
RM 60,000.00
Overall Cost
RM 108,000.00
Table 2: Estimated cost for Option 1 which is the lowest among all options and back-ups
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Figure 18: Ground floor plan for Option 1 with spatial planning and circulation highlights
Figure 19: First floor plan for Option 1 with spatial planning and circulation highlights
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Option 2 is a combination of 3 shipping containers of 6m x 2.4m (length x width) and 6 shipping containers of 12m x 2.4m arranged in a square shape, with one long container stacking on top forming an overhead bridge to act as roof to cover the passageway below. With a courtyard and staircase at the center, public and private spaces are clearly defined. Only the viewing deck on top offers the spectacular sea view.
Figure 20: Perspective view of satellite office for Option 2 Cost Per Unit
Amount Required
Total Cost
12m x 2.4m Shipping Container
RM 8000.00
3
RM 24,000.00
6m x 2.4m Shipping Container
RM 6000.00
6
RM 36,000.00
RM 10,000.00
9
RM 90,000.00
M&E & Structure
Overall Cost
RM 150,000.00
Table 3: Estimated cost for Option 2
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Figure 21: Ground floor plan for Option 2 with spatial planning and circulation highlights
Figure 22: First floor plan for Option 2 with spatial planning and circulation highlights
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Other times, I had the opportunity to assist in an educational building category project predesigned by the renowned firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM). I was first briefed by the architect-in-charge about the project details which are then summarized as follows: Client: Raffles K12 Sdn Bhd Project Name: Raffles University Iskandar Location: PTD 189155, Mukim Pulai, Daerah Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim Project Description: Proposed Private University Comprising of 3 Phases Current Project Status: Design Development As the structural engineers had difficulties in understanding and designing the roof structure, I was asked to craft a physical model showing the proposed roof truss structure in connection with the columns. At first glance, it seemed to be an usual slanted roof profile. Soon, I found out that the slanted roof is not a flat surface but with different angles at each edge, thus troubling the structural engineers to design its structure. This practice has allowed me to experience much of the technical side of design and understand about architecture is not merely just about designing, but also involves a much heavier responsibility of problem solving. I have also come to realize the importance of model-making being useful to a better understanding of structural composition in the real working field because I always assume that model-making is meant for fun during my study.
Figure 23: Rendered bird eye view of Raffles University Iskandar by SOM (left) which is then translated into a physical model (right) in scale 1:250
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Figure 24: Rendered perspective of interior learning spaces by SOM together with roof profile and proposed truss structure
Figure 25: Physical model showing proposed roof truss structure in connection with columns
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3.4 Week 4 In addition to the two design options of satellite office prepared in the previous week, I did another two alternative plans on the design this week just in case that the clients are not satisfied with the output. For the following two alternative options, I have input more focus on designing interesting office layout rather than the typical square plan which I have done for Option 1 and 2. Also, more considerations were made on relating the site with design approach. For instance, Option 4 uses site’s natural topography to create a cantilevered structure for views of the sea. Option 3 is made up of only short shipping containers of 6m x 2.4m (length x width) arranged in a zigzag form, with an open courtyard and staircase at the center. Although it looks exciting, however due to the fact that zigzag form restricts and challenges the use of space so much whereby the spaces eventually could not achieve its optimum quality and comfortability that present to the users, hence Option 3 is not preferable as compared to the other options.
Figure 26: Digital massing model of satellite office for Option 3 Cost Per Unit 6m x 2.4m Shipping Container M&E & Structure
Amount Required
Total Cost
RM 6000.00
12
RM 72,000.00
RM 10,000.00
12
RM 120,000.00
Overall Cost
RM 192,000.00
Table 4: Estimated cost for Option 3 which is the most among all
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Figure 27: Ground floor plan for Option 3 with spatial planning and circulation highlights
Figure 28: First floor plan for Option 3 with spatial planning and circulation highlights
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Later on, I had an overview understanding on the building site and its surrounding more indepth by reviewing the information provided by the clients, which then eased me to model the site digitally and propose two suitable sites for the satellite office. As the proposed satellite office of Option 1, 2 and 3 are typical two-storey building designs, therefore a flat surface of ground with convenient accessibility suits the current design most.
Figure 29: 3D model of the site (left) and sections of the two proposed sites (right) Having brainstorming with the architect, this exercise thus allowed the creation of another alternative design option taking advantage of the existing site contour. Option 4 has all the services arranged below the working and meeting spaces, clearly defining boundary with a staircase. The viewing deck is at one end with views opening towards sea without obstruction. Unfortunately, there is insufficient time for me to develop further prior to meeting with clients.
Figure 30: Massing model of Option 4 taking advantage of the existing contour
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3.5 Week 6 It was a pity that I was unable to attend the presentation meeting with clients regarding the design of satellite office because the meeting has been scheduled on week 5 which I had a week break for Chinese New Year celebration. However, feedbacks from the clients were then passed down to me and amendments were made as changes occurred. Among all the options provided, the clients eventually decided on Option 1 as their preferred design of satellite office. Option 1 was then further developed and compiled in slides for internal review.
Figure 31: Comments on the last phase of work from the clients
Figure 32: Perspective view of updated satellite office for Option 1 with site context
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Figure 33: Amended ground floor plan for Option 1 according to clients’ comments
Figure 34: Amended first floor plan for Option 1 according to clients’ comments
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Apart from that, this week I was assigned a new intern to assist me in my project. We have to work together before, during and after all subsequent reviews during the satellite office project. As such, respect for one another, keeping to scheduled reviews or meeting times, and being prepared for each meeting, are all essential in ensuring that we work well together and not get into conflicts even when we have different opinions on the same issue. Soon I realized that a happy team ultimately relies upon compromise and flexibility among its members, and great teamwork definitely makes the running of project smoother! As partial amendment works were done by her, I was tasked to assist my mentor in amending floor plans of all types of cluster homes, which were then rendered to be ready for presentation in the upcoming meeting. Continuing from the previous phase, Type A and B were developed into Type A, A1, B and C to fulfill the regulations requirement. As a guideline for the floor plans, I calculated the floor area of each individual space in order to ease the clients to have a quick grasp of the size of each space. By end of the week, I was asked to update on 3D model of the cluster homes in accordance to the latest floor plans that I have amended.
Figure 35: Latest 3D model of Type A cluster homes
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Figure 36: Amended and rendered floor plans for Type A with floor area tabulations
Figure 37: Amended and rendered floor plans for Type A1 with floor area tabulations
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Figure 38: Amended and rendered floor plans for Type B with floor area tabulations
Figure 39: Amended and rendered floor plans for Type C with floor area tabulations
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3.6 Week 7 In the final week of internship, I had section study in reference to all the revised floor plans of the cluster homes from last phase of work. As the stair headroom is insufficient to allow passable way below, I have made adjustment that fits the least changes for the amendment of floor plans later. In total, I have produced a longitudinal section and a transverse section for each type of cluster homes.
Figure 40: Section study for Type A, A1, B and C of the cluster homes
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I was then briefed to assist my mentor in producing drawings for BP submission according to the updated floor plans due to the staircase adjustment. With reference to the previous project submission, I completed the floor and roof plan drawings for all 4 types of cluster homes, along with annotations, dimensions, labelling of ceiling height, floor materials and floor drops. Aside from producing drawings, I also helped in documenting finishes schedules for all type of cluster homes in accordance to the detailed finishes proposed by suppliers.
Figure 41: One of the plan drawings done for BP submission
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Figure 42: Finishes schedule for ground floor of Type A, A1, B and C
Figure 43: Finishes schedule for first floor of Type A, A1, B and C
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In addition, I was asked to assist in amending drawings of other project for bomba plan submission as the submission deadline was around the corner. As the architect-in-charge was busy, hence I took up the initiative to look into the project background and brief which are summarized as follows: Client: Iskandar Seafront Assets Sdn Bhd Project Name: Tang City, BCB Wellness City Location: PTD 208530, Mukim Pulai, Daerah Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim Project Description: Proposed Business Centre with 5 Strata-Titled Commercial Blocks Current Project Status: Bomba Plan Submission
Figure 44: Perspective view of Tang City which comprises of 5 commercial blocks Tang City is part of the International Cultural Centre proposed within the precinct of BCB Wellness City. This project stresses on commercial development with details to East Asia culture, specifically traditional Chinese architecture. The client also intends to create a balance between economy and culture as main features of the development. It is definitely an eye-opening experience to have a closer look on the details of traditional Chinese architecture, yet merging with typical contemporary shophouse design. As the project team received comments from the bomba department on the imprecise drawing submission, hence a week’s time was given by client for the amendment of drawings before submitting to bomba in the following week again. From this practice, I learned to identify different annotations on bomba plan drawings as well as the bomba drawings submission requirement.
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Figure 45: One of the amended floor plans for bomba submission During the last weekend of my internship, I had the opportunity to attend a construction site visit to one of the undergoing projects. I was fortunate enough to visit such a big scale project and I never expected that it would be so satisfying as I learned a lot of construction techniques from the visit. Before the scheduled site visit, all of us were first briefed about the project details which are noted as follows: Client: Ikano Johor Jaya Sdn Bhd Project Name: Toppen Shopping Centre Location: Lot 102078, Jalan Desa Terbau, Taman Desa Terbau, Mukim Terbau, Daerah Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim Project Description: Proposed 4-Stories Shopping Centre Connecting Existing Ikea Terbau Current Project Status: Under Construction
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Figure 46: Rendered bird eye view of Toppen Shopping Centre
Figure 47: A 3-hours construction site visit to Toppen Shopping Centre
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04/ Reflection In summary, it has been a really fulfilling internship experience here at DP Architects. Not only have I gained practical knowledge and real-life experience of designing and dealing with real clients instead of tutors, I have also managed to develop relationships with my colleagues and honed my social skills. Besides, a lot of independence was given to me despite the fact that I am only an intern. It also helps my mentor and supervisor seldom direct me or oversee my work after few weeks I entered the firm because I had to learn to deal with client’s instruction by myself and I am not protected or shielded from the reality of the working world. Sometimes, it also feels as if I am actually one of the staffs here rather than an intern because of the level of trust they have in me and the responsibilities they delegate to me. I am pleased that the firm does not have the typical narrow-minded belief that an intern should always be “governed” and treated as a level beneath its staffs, and be given mundane tasks to do to while away the time. Instead, DP Architects has given me much room to explore and discover the perks and difficulties of the entire design-build process, especially when it comes to dealing with clients. Before I started this internship, I never expected that it would be so satisfying and that I would be so fortunate to meet such friendly and helpful colleagues and actually be extending my internship period for another month. However, now it feels as if the weeks have passed too quickly and this internship is too short as I still have much to learn and observe. It is with pleasure and gratitude that DP Architects has given my internship extension. I believe that knowledge and experience gained through this time at DP Architects would come in handy and be able to put to good use upon my graduation, as it has opened up my horizon towards my future career path.
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05/ References DP Architects. (n.d.). One Global Studio | DP Malaysia. Retrieved February 9, 2019, from https://www.dpa.com.sg/one-global-studio/?country=malaysia Glints. (n.d.). DP Architects Pte Ltd. Retrieved February 9, 2019, from https://glints.com/my/companies/dp-architects-pte-ltd/4b0454bc-03e3-4349-9e5c-ea7fffa411af Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. (n.d.). Official Website of SOM. Retrieved February 12, 2019, from http://www.som.com/
06/ Appendix 6.1 Appendix A – Event Photos Adapting and adjusting well in the new environment of working life is not just about having the necessary skills and technical capabilities, but more importantly, having good social skills and being able to develop and maintain good and harmonized relationships with others in the workplace. Apart from meetings, project and design reviews, there were also several dinners and mini gatherings that helped us to bond and develop closer relationships with one another beyond the workplace, even though some are much more experienced and older. There are recorded as follows:
Figure 48: Annual project review and way forward plans meeting on Week 1
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Figure 49: Occasional completed project review on building defects on Week 2
Figure 50: Monthly birthday celebration on Week 4
Figure 51: Office meeting (left) and CNY celebration dinner (right) on Week 6
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6.2 Appendix B – Testimonial Letter
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