2024 Architectural Internship

In 2024, I was one of two Curtin University students awarded a New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship to undertake a 10-week architectural internship at Riyan Private Limited in Malé, the capital of the Maldives. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that blended professional growth, cultural immersion, and personal adventure — and one I’ll never forget.

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At Riyan, I worked closely with the Design, Engineering, and Interior Design teams, guided by Mariyam Irasha Shareef and Namila Gunatilake, whose mentorship and collaboration made the experience especially rewarding. Together, we worked on a range of building types within the new Samana Resort development on Medhafushi Island. The firm was in the process of transitioning from CAD to BIM (Revit), and I assisted in creating and converting architectural plans into the new BIM system — an experience that deepened my understanding of collaborative workflows and project coordination across disciplines.

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During my internship, I also had the opportunity to visit the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), where we were given a tour of their office and an overview of the land reclamation project for Hulhumalé ad beyond. Seeing the full-scale site model and touring the phases under construction was eye-opening. Some apartment buildings had been built rapidly to meet housing demand yet lacked adequate fire evacuation standards and safety measures. What surprised me most, however, was that no significant planning was underway to address rising sea levels — a striking contradiction in a nation so vulnerable to climate change. That visit left a lasting impression on how I think about urban resilience, environmental responsibility, and the long-term role of design.

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Beyond the studio, I immersed myself in Maldivian heritage and daily life. I spent weekends exploring the islands — visiting art galleries, museums, and temples, and learning about the country’s Buddhist history. Living with a local family in Hulhumalé gave me a genuine insight into Maldivian culture, hospitality, and community values. I also experienced life within a Muslim-majority society, where the rhythm of the day is shaped by prayer times. During these moments, workplaces and shops close, and the island falls into a gentle pause. It was a reminder of how deeply faith and daily life are intertwined, and it gave me a new appreciation for the role that spiritual and cultural practices play in shaping community connection and balance.

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As both a student and a mum, I made the most of every moment. I kept up my running, often waking early to train along the shoreline, and even completed two half-marathon races while I was there. I also earned my Open Water and Advanced Diving certifications, exploring coral reefs and marine life across different atolls. Some of my most memorable weekends were spent diving, island-hopping, or joining my female colleagues for a team getaway to Kandooma Island — a trip full of laughter, fun, and friendship.

My husband and kids joined me at the end of the internship to spend Christmas and New Year together — the perfect way to close out a magical chapter. Although I did come down with dengue fever just before Christmas (an adventure I wouldn’t recommend!), it became part of the story — one that reminded me of the resilience and support that make these experiences possible.

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This opportunity came about thanks to Jake Schapper, one of my Curtin University tutors, whom I met on a previous NCP study tour to Mongolia. Jake encouraged me relentlessly — and humorously — to apply for an internship abroad, and I’m so grateful he did. I’m equally grateful to Shanna Mahryn for her local knowledge, support, and kindness, which I hope to one day repay in abundance. And finally, a big thank you to my husband, whose unwavering support allowed me to pursue this adventure while balancing family, study, and work.

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This experience wasn’t just about architecture — it was about growth, courage, and connection. It reminded me that stepping beyond comfort zones creates space for discovery, both personally and professionally.

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