My Reflection Letter
Dear RAW Architecture,
My time here didn’t begin with formal orientation but with a crowded lunch table and a sudden realization that everyone here was both a mentor and a peer. Hello! My name is Clarissa Mutiara Oswari, however everybody calls me Tiara. I’m a third-year interior design student from Pelita Harapan University. These past three and a half months have been an unforgettable milestone, marking my very first step into the professional design industry. As an interior design student, I was fascinated by RAW Architect’s unique style of creating. They take simple, rough materials and turn them into works of art with flowing curves, expressive geometry, and a philosophy that is both grounded and poetically alive. What started as quiet admiration of the RAW Architecture’s portfolio early this year has now matured into a profound respect for its living methodology, its collaborative team culture, and its commitment to authentic design.
Although entering RAW Architecture as a new approach for me initially brought a wave of anxiety. I was worried about the cultural transition from interior design to architecture and whether I was able to adapt to a studio dynamic with such a distinct philosophy. Fortunately, those fears evaporated quickly thanks to the incredible warmth of the designers themselves. Rather than treating me as just an assistant, they welcomed me as a friend, a peer, and a true student. Their humility created a safe, open space where curiosity was always encouraged. One of the moments that has stayed on my mind for months was during the site visit; I felt completely comfortable asking endless questions, and the designers patiently unpacked complex site conditions with genuine kindness.
This supportive mentorship completely expanded my design perspective. I arrived assuming my passion lay purely in 3D visualization and concept development, but diving into the execution phases opened my eyes to the beauty of technical precision. I developed a newfound respect for technical drawings, mastered proper AutoCAD workflows, and discovered efficient shortcuts I had never encountered in school.
Nevertheless, the real revelation happened out on the field. Experiencing active constructions ites taught me that design in the real world goes far beyond drawing aesthetically pleasing spaces on screen; it is a living, dynamic process. I witnessed firsthand how unpredictable site conditions require real-time problem solving, proving that even a perfectly drafted plan must stay adaptable. I learned the delicate art of micro-detail adjustments on-site, such as fine-tuning door hardware, resolving tactile material transitions, and recalibrating color and finish shades to respond to real-site lighting and physical constraints. I realized that a profession’s practice is equal parts spatial vision, technical execution, and field adaptability.
Furthermore, this experience shifted how I understand scale. I learned to look beyond interior envelopes to understand how interior choices directly influence structural tectonics, daylighting, and overall architectural integrity during construction. RAW Architecture also pushed me past the familiar comfort of residential homes and boutique retail spaces into large-scale commercial projects, industrial facilities, and most surprisingly, an educational institution. Designing a school was certainly not on my 2026 bucket list, but it quickly became one of my absolute favorite projects, challenging me to think about human behavior, safety, and community at a macro scale.
Beyond the technical and designing experiences, what I am most grateful for is the culture upon which RAW Architecture is built. It is a studio grounded in genuine kindness, empathy, and thoughtful care for everyone who steps through their door. Thank you for making my internship about so much more than just work; the warmth, laughter, and everyday moments outside of designing made my time in the office incredibly vibrant and lively.
Walking into the studio alone on my very first day without any starting batchmates felt daunting, but the interns immediately embraced me with incredible warmth. I am grateful for their kindness, which instantly turned an intimidating beginning into a deep sense of belonging.
I’m deeply amazed by how the designers managed to guide and mentor us interns while carrying the weight of their own intense deadlines. Even on the most exhausting, high-pressure days, your sense of responsibility never wavered. You still found the patience and energy to teach us, answer our endless questions, and support our growth. I want to express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart to the incredible team of designers who helped shape my journey.
A special thank you to all the interns and designers: Kak Shafira, Kak Chai, Kak Novi, Kak Revi, Kak Joshi, Kak Rizka, Kak Ikhsan, Mas Beng, Kak Ken, Kak Putra, Kak Mel, Kak Riyan, Kak Vela, Ko Edho, Kak Tyo, Kak Tim, Kak Ziyadi, Kak Gabby, Kak Zikri, Kak Aul, Kak Gaby, and Kak Ezra for making this experience far exceed anything I could have hoped for. Thank you for every piece of constructive feedback; I receive each critique as a gift that will help me mature both as a designer and as a person.
Last but certainly not least, thank you so much, Kak Rich, for accepting me into the RAW Architecture family. I am constantly inspired by your leadership and the way you lead with profound empathy and human connection. I will never forget your reminder to always treat others with unconditional kindness. You taught me the value of grace and acceptance, learning to let go of what has already transpired, trusting that everything happens for a reason, and holding onto the firm belief that the good we put out into the world will always find its way back to us.
As I close this chapter and step into the next, I am leaving with far more than rolled-up drawings and updated technical skills. I carry a holistic understanding of spatial craft, a newfound confidence in execution, and deep gratitude for a team that felt like family. Above all, RAW showed me what it truly means to approach both life and work with heart. That spirit will remain as my guiding compass wherever my design journey takes me next. Once again, thank you for your generosity, patience, and for giving me a place to grow.
With deep gratitude,
Clarissa Mutiara Oswari
My Mayonnaise Jar 