Summer internship at Outerspace

I was attracted to Outerspace by their diverse portfolio, character of graphics and award history; particularly their recent Pro Landscapers award for ‘Landscape Architecture Practice under 20 Staff 2019′.  The company appeared to be the perfect size where I could best experience a range of high-profile projects and broaden my skillset.  Three months on and luckily I was right.  I’ve learnt a host of new skills by working on a range of exciting projects; from small private gardens through to high density public realm developments.

As soon as I started, I was pleasantly surprised by the Outerspace approach to staff development.  In my first week we cycled off to Hampton Court for the Garden Festival, which, as well as being a good excuse for Pimms, was also an opportunity to expand our planting palette.  Two weeks later we had a day trip to East London to tour built Outerspace schemes and discuss lessons learnt. More recently team members Matt and Ignacio gave an internal Biosecurity talk, from the recent Landscape Institute event at Kew; a thought-provoking discussion into what we can do as Landscape Architects to manage pests and diseases.  And in my last week we had a rainwater harvesting seminar from Watermatic, which was another engaging CPD and provided the team with information for making positive step towards making Outerspace schemes more sustainable.

Another benefit from the placement has been to see my university lecture theories applied in practice.  For instance, we’re often taught about community engagement but seeing it in action is another thing.  Luckily in August I was able to attend a workshop with Nick, one of the Associates.  The workshop was for the Parkside Lewisham project, an estate regeneration scheme with a neighbourhood park at its core.  Recent survey works found a slope within a woodland area to be unstable.  The workshop was run to explain how the Outerspace stabilisation strategy would enhance local biodiversity and not damage it as some residents may have feared.  Sitting in and watching proceedings really highlighted the importance of keeping residents informed as a project unfolds; it was a great example of successful community engagement.

Working in a practice has also hugely improved my software skills.  I can now confidently take on a plan to draw up and render.  Special shout out to Ignacio, the software wizard!

At Outerspace graphic individuality is championed which gives great personality to their visuals; it has also taught me a plethora of creative tricks which I’m looking forward to using at uni. Furthermore, working under the realities of tight deadlines has been an education in achieving a balance between producing a beautifully detailed graphic and just drawing what is necessary, an aspect of the working world which probably a lot of students find hard to acclimatise to.

This week I have been kept busy on the design concept for one of three mixed use developments in a major town centre.  Contributing to the design process and watching everyone’s creative energy translate to paper has been really rewarding.  As always, the team is matching the client brief whilst also addressing the wider social and environmental issues; exactly the reason I chose to become a landscape architect!  Its probably been one of my favourite projects to work on and I’m looking forward to seeing how it progresses.

Lastly, working at Outerspace has not just been about the work.  The Boathouse is an incredibly active workplace, where you can yoga on Tuesdays, football on Wednesdays, sketch club on Thursdays, and table tennis everyday – rain or shine!  The open plan studio supports a great ‘one big family’ culture with the other design companies…people even take turns to cook lunch for everyone on a Friday!  Its truly been a unique place to work which I will sorely miss.

Written by Alex Lowenhoff, Outerspace Intern and Landscape Architecture MA Student