I am Maria-Alexandra Dumitriu, a top graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at UAUIM, Bucharest, passionate about innovation and architectural design. My goal is to establish my own architectural firm in Bucharest.
My Host, Elena Casanova Garcia together with Jesús Hernández, lead Casanova+Hernandez Studio in Rotterdam, specializing in research, architecture, urban planning and landscape architecture, with a focus on sustainable design.
My business idea is to launch a small, globally engaged architectural firm that balances creativity with strategic business practices.
I discovered the EYE program through research and saw it as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience abroad, learning from professionals and understanding the management of international projects.
The anticipated benefits include developing entrepreneurial skills, mastering project workflows and gaining insights into client relations and cross-disciplinary collaboration, essential for the success of my future firm.
During my EYE stay, I worked on projects like the Museum of Victims of Communism, The Buna River Projects and Ebu Beker Mosque Landscape Project, contributing to design, research, 3D modeling and 2D detailed drawings. I also gained experience in client presentations, renders and project documentation.
Under the guidance of my Hosts, Elena Casanova Garcia and Jesús Hernández, I learned the business side of architecture, including task distribution, time management and coordination of project stages. I observed client relations, negotiations, and efficient team collaboration, gaining valuable insights into organizing and prioritizing work.
This experience has provided me with a strong foundation in both the technical and business aspects of architecture, preparing me to launch and manage my own architectural firm in the future.
During my EYE stay, I developed valuable skills in both the technical and business aspects of architecture, including project coordination, client relations and efficient team collaboration. I gained hands-on experience with architectural tools and software, improving my modeling and documentation skills. I also worked on large-scale projects, which allowed me to understand the complexities involved in each project phase. I learned how to manage project timelines, prioritize tasks, and handle negotiations, essential for running a successful architectural firm. I established meaningful contacts with professionals, including my Hosts, Elena Casanova Garcia and Jesús Hernández, whose mentorship has been invaluable. This experience has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully launch and manage my own architectural firm. I also gained a deeper understanding of international project management, crucial for expanding my firm’s reach globally.
The EYE experience was key in developing my entrepreneurial skills. Working with Elena Casanova Garcia and Jesús Hernández, I gained insights into project management, client relations, organizational structure and running a successful architectural firm, preparing me to launch my own business.