My name is Maria Alexandra Dumitriu and I am a recent graduate of the Faculty of Architecture within “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urban Planning, Bucharest, Romania. I completed my studies as one of the top students in my university, consistently driven by a passion for growth, learning and contributing with innovative and ingenious ideas to architectural design. I consider myself a creative, sociable and team-oriented individual. Architecture is not just my passion but the very essence of my career goals. My ultimate aim is to establish my own architectural firm in the future. The EYE program has presented me with an invaluable opportunity to develop in this direction and helps me to gain hands-on experience in an architectural office as a young entrepreneur preparing for my future practice.
This experience offers me insight into how an architectural firm operates, the responsibilities involved and the dual professional and entrepreneurial skills required to succeed in this field. Working in a renowned architectural office allows me to learn how to build a successful business from the ground up.
The first 15 days in the office have left a lasting impression on me. I have had the privilege to learn from exceptional mentors who, with patience and guidance, have encouraged my professional and entrepreneurial development. Helena and Jesus are warm and welcoming individuals who consistently support me and help me understand what it means to embody the attitude of a visionary architect and leader. Alongside the entire team, they have inspired me to pursue ambitious goals for the future.
Our team is cohesive and the working environment is ideal for achieving the objectives I have set for myself, including establishing a successful architectural practice. I have been involved in two projects, until now, where I have contributed directly and gained invaluable knowledge about managing a successful firm with an international portfolio. For instance, I worked on impressive projects in Albania, where I was captivated not only by the architectural approach, but also by the organizational structure within the firm.
Helena and Jesus doesn’t just teach; They inspire. They taught me how to align design with investor goals while creating projects that resonate with community values—a balance I continue to explore under their guidance. Through their mentorship, I have come to appreciate the importance of collaboration across disciplines, balancing creativity with practicality to achieve meaningful results. Public projects, in particular, have shown me how to develop sustainable solutions that become integral to the spirit of a community. These lessons will undoubtedly influence how I approach future endeavors in architecture.
The working process has also deepened my understanding of entrepreneurship. I’ve started to see architecture as not only an art form but also a business—a discipline that requires careful planning, resource management and strategic thinking. The way they are collaborating with professionals from different disciplines has shown me the value of integrating innovative ideas while maintaining a grounded approach to budgets and deadlines. Moreover, I also had the opportunity to learn about client discutions and how to work efficiently.