I am an architect and craftsman from Greece focused on natural building, earthen techniques, and timber construction. My host was CRU Atelier, a natural-building studio specializing in raw earth, lime, and local materials. My business idea is to establish an atelier operating across the Mediterranean and Balkans that integrates sustainable design, hands-on construction, research, and education. I discovered EYE through a friend and decided to participate because natural building practice is still limited in Greece. Lacking prior experience in running a business, I expected to understand better project management, budgeting, client relations, and workflow coordination. The expected benefits, which were fully realized, were mastering daily studio operations, refining my technical design-build skills, and creating an international network to launch my practice.
During my stay at CRU Atelier, I worked on several key projects. Until mid-June, my main focus was the Terra Crua exhibition at MAC/CCB. I spent two months on site physically executing earth installations (mixing soil, setting formwork, ramming earth, and applying natural plasters) across five raw earth systems. In parallel, I worked on the preliminary study for a rural house renovation, developing design proposals and material strategies, and started developing my own business plan. During my extension, I joined the Évora 27 project doing material tests and assisted in a public intervention in Casa Branca. I also helped with daily studio tasks like documentation, budgeting, and workshops planning. Once a week, I had direct guidance sessions with my host to review progress and refine my business plan!
Through my exchange, I achieved essential technical, business, and soft skills for starting my own practice. On the technical side, I gained extensive hands-on experience in earth construction. Also, working closely with my host, Tania, was invaluable for developing my business plan and studying CRU Atelier provided a clear model of how a small practice operates. This helped me understand initial setup steps, potential risks, and financial dangers while I am starting out. I gained practical skills in budgeting, payment processes, client communication, pricing my work, and organizing workshops. Working across diverse project teams strengthened my adaptability and teamwork. Connecting with a wide range of people significantly expanded my network and opened up new professional and educational opportunities.
Working with CRU Atelier was an amazing journey! Beyond gaining invaluable hands-on earth building skills, I expanded my network and gained practical business insights. The experience gave me the exact clarity and foundation I needed to start my own design-build practice.
