Hi! I’m Neta. When I first joined Cowema Studio Arsitektur at the end of May 2026, I knew my internship would be an opportunity to put what I had learned into practice. As a graduate of the Professional Architect Program at Universitas Islam Indonesia, I was ready to explore the professional world. But over the next six months, I discovered that designing an interior involves much more than making a space look good.
Schematic Design Interior
Most of my time was spent working on interior construction drawings, contributing to around six projects. Cabinetry and kitchen sets quickly became some of my biggest learning experiences. What seemed like simple furniture at first turned out to involve countless details, dimensions, and technical considerations. Whenever I got stuck, Kak Theo and Kak Dhila were always there to help me work through the drawings, one detail at a time.
Material and Furniture Selection
Then came material and furniture selection. I learned to balance a client’s preferences with the project’s budget, a process that required far more consideration than I had expected. Working on luxury residential projects also gave me a new perspective on pricing. Furniture I once thought was reasonably priced could turn out to be surprisingly expensive. It was an eye-opening introduction to the realities of high-end design.
Site Visit
I also began to understand that a beautiful design must work beyond the screen. Decorative lighting, for example, requires careful consideration of installation systems and site conditions. Through coordination with vendors and guidance from Rani, I learned how technical requirements can influence the final result. I also assisted with architectural drawings, developed 3D bathroom concepts, and joined Kak Nindy and Kak Romzy on site visits to check ongoing work.
Learning to Find Solutions Together
Some of my most valuable lessons came from discussions, particularly with Pak Welly. He often encouraged us to look at design problems from different perspectives rather than settling on the first solution that came to mind. One important lesson I learned from him was the importance of truly understanding a client’s character, habits, and needs. As designers, our role is not simply to follow every request, but also to offer thoughtful solutions and professional input. The challenge is finding the right balance between what clients envision and what we believe will work best, whether in terms of concept, functionality, technical requirements, or site conditions.
I also learned that there is rarely just one correct answer in design. Different situations call for different alternatives, and finding the most suitable solution requires careful consideration and discussion. These conversations taught me to think more critically, understand problems more deeply, and stay open to different possibilities.
I gained valuable architectural experience from Nindy as well. She guided me through developing floor plans, elevations, and sections, helping me understand how these drawings relate to one another to create a cohesive design. Joining her on site visits was another highlight. I got to see firsthand how drawings developed in the office are translated into actual construction, while learning about site inspections and coordination between the design team and the people on site.
I also had the chance to join client meetings, consult with the structural team, and follow project progress through regular discussions. Seeing how everyone contributed their perspectives showed me that good design is rarely the work of one person. It grows through collaboration, adaptability, and a shared effort to find the best solution.
Of course, not every memorable moment involved drawings or site visits. Life at Cowema was surprisingly relaxed, too. Kak Dhila and Kak Pita’s spontaneous jokes often made the office livelier, while the second floor had its own little ritual: ordering snacks through GoFood.
Sometimes Kak Rani would suddenly hand over her phone to place an order, and Kak Debora and I would often invite each other to grab something to eat. These small moments made busy workdays feel lighter and reminded me that learning also happens through the people around us.
Looking back on my nearly six months at Cowema, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from a team that welcomes questions, shares knowledge, and works through challenges together. I leave with a better understanding of technical design, project coordination, and professional collaboration.
More than anything, this internship has taught me that becoming a better designer is a continuous process, built one drawing, one discussion, and one shared experience at a time.
