Reflection Letter:
Greetings everyone, I am Rizal, and I am currently a fresh graduate from the Professional Architect Education Programme (PPAr) at Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung. It was a little late and quite a short period for me to apply for an internship but it’s better late than never, right? Hahaha.
Let me tell you one or two things about myself. I was born in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Can you imagine how life unfolds in that place? Throughout my life, I’ve always been an amateur traveler. Every time I finished a school level, I moved to a different city. I enjoy dynamic environments and constant change and I think I am the type of person who gets easily bored staying in the same environment for too long.
This time, I have been given a very big opportunity: to be able to work at one of my most wanted architecture firms, the infamous and spectacular Realrich Architecture Workshop (RAW). At first, I was thrilled, I had applied to several firms for internships or short-term architectural apprenticeships, but it was very difficult for me to find one and get a real interview.
I found out that one of my friend had ever joined RAW’s internship program in 2023, and I have known RAW since then. What truly attracted me was the incredible craftsmanship and the mastery of architecture in its natural form. It amazed me the very first time I discovered RAW. And of course who doesn’t know the iconic “Omah Library”? It represents the essence of RAW’s architecture, thoughtful, soulful, handcrafted, and truly one of the best office concepts in the world.
I will never forget the first time I stepped into Guha the Guild and Omah Library. I was stunned, the sense of place and space is truly unique. Every room has its own distinct character, yet still feels connected as part of one continuous spatial journey. I was deeply impressed with how Guha was crafted as a single building, yet composed of rooms with different spatial atmospheres and physical expressions. The presence of handmade raw concrete, glass, custom timber work, and terracotta bricks creates a marvelous visual and sensory experience complete with natural elements such as plants and water.
These past three months, RAW has become one of my dearest places not only as a workplace, but also as a place to learn, observe, and grow. I didn’t only learn about architecture, but also about communication, coordination, work ethics, and life values. I am truly grateful that I chose RAW, and that RAW accepted me as part of its incredible journey. I have gained so many insights, and I have experienced perspectives that opened my eyes in ways I never imagined. I learned things that can only be gained through hands-on practice and real case studies.
I am very thankful to all the senior designers at RAW who guided and taught me through their experiences and knowledge who showed me that architecture is not only about designing buildings, but also about people, teamwork, and community. The fluidity and broadness of architecture as a discipline is reflected wonderfully within RAW and its community.
I also want to express my gratitude to Kak Rich, who shared with us one of the most valuable lessons about architecture and its correlation with life, the meaning behind the four cardinal directions and the philosophy within them, and their connection to personal growth. I was also deeply inspired by the way Kak Rich reflected on the works and spirits of the late Pak Eko Prawoto (Alm.) and the late Romo Y.B. Mangunwijaya (Alm.) in his writings “Eko Prawoto and the Village: Future Architectural Methods for Indonesia” and “Romo Mangun: Footprints of Architecture That Humanizes” offered a new way for me to understand architecture, especially when experiencing Guha the Guild which also gives comfort not only for the human inside but for nature throught its micro climate, also the concept of Wastu. As someone who has visited Romo Mangun’s and Pak Eko’s works such as Pari Klegung and Gua Maria Sendangsono, I could feel their essence echoed in the soul of Guha.
I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to the dearest teams I had the privilege to work with Episteme and Techne. Those teams have been my mentors throughout these past three months. I would be able to forget about The experiences, wisdom, laughter, and memories we shared which are priceless. Your humility and kindness made me feel at home.
Once again, thank you to everyone. Thank you for welcoming me into RAW. No words can fully express how grateful I am to have been part of this journey even if only for a brief moment.
I look forward to the possibility and opportunity to collaborate again with this marvelous team and firm in the future.Until next time,
Rizal Virgyanto
Motivation Letter:
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My Mayonnaise Jar 