Full Circle Moments and Firsts: A Conversation with Anastasia, Intern at Nellis Architecture

She wouldn’t call it a turning point exactly, but it planted a seed. And when the time came to choose a path, she found herself drawn to architecture ... and eventually, to Nellis Architecture.

A Warm Welcome

“From the start, I felt like I had a plan. Valentina created a structured schedule for me, which made it so much easier to contribute.” It helped that Valentina, a senior team member, is also a female Russian architect.

“It made asking questions easier. We even spoke the same language. Seeing someone like her in that kind of role was quietly inspiring.”

That sense of welcome extended beyond language. At Nellis Architecture, Anastasia found herself in a space where interns weren’t sidelined. I wasn’t just observing. I was producing drawings, learning new tools, and working on real projects. I even got to be part of a villa on Palm Jumeirah, that’s something most students only dream of.”

Designing with People in Mind

When we asked what surprised her most about the work, her answer was immediate:

“It was how deeply the team tries to understand the people the building is for. It’s not just about what looks good, it’s about what will feel right for that person or family. That completely changed how I think about design.”

Anastasia also worked on a live project in Emirates Hills, contributing to early-stage conceptual development with Pieter, senior architect at Nellis Architecture. "I learned so much from that. Watching how an idea moves from a sketch to something layered and intentional, it was one of the most exciting parts of the internship.”

Seeing Materials in Context

“I have hopes of doing my Master’s degree in Japan. I’m especially inspired by the way Japanese architects work with materials, particularly wood. During my time at Nellis Architecture, I had the chance to visit a construction site for the first time. It was eye-opening to see the process up close, to touch the materials, observe the finishes being applied, and understand how choices about texture and detailing are made. It gave me a deeper appreciation for how design decisions are shaped not just by aesthetics, but by the way materials behave in the real world.”

A Studio That Works Differently

This wasn’t her first internship, but it felt different.

"At one of the last places I was exposed to, AI did quite a bit of the design work. It was a great experience, don’t get me wrong, but it felt disconnected. Here, everything is more human. You see the back and forth. You see how people challenge each other’s ideas, how everyone’s input matters."

One thing she noticed early on was the way the teams are built.

“Each team is balanced, someone focused on clients, someone on the technical side, someone leading concepts. It means they complement each other. There’s a natural way people grow together.”

Lessons She’ll Carry Forward

When asked what she’ll take with her, Anastasia smiled: “I want to remember how open everyone was. At Nellis Architecture, you’re allowed to ask. You’re encouraged to think out loud. That’s when the best ideas happen, when people feel safe to share.”

“There’s also something about how the studio is run. It’s compact, but you get to see everything. That’s rare as an intern.” And the best advice she received? “Don’t be scared. Just start. That helped me every time I doubted myself.”

A Quiet Full Circle

Before we wrapped up, Anastasia circled back to the moment that started it all.

“I didn’t meet Lee that day years ago. But now, to be working in the studio he’s built, and with a team like this — it feels like a full circle. That one visit made me curious about architecture. This month made me want to be an architect.”

Thank you, Anastasia, for being part of the Nellis Architecture team and for reminding us how meaningful these early moments can be. We can’t wait to see what you do next.