People Profile: Amalia Radasanu on working as an Architectural Assistant and studying for a Master's Degree through Chapman Taylor's Apprenticeship programme

In this People Profile, we speak to Architectural Assistant Amalia Radasanu, who is currently balancing a Master of Studies in Architecture at the University of Cambridge with hands-on project work at Chapman Taylor through our Apprenticeship Programme. Originally from Iași, Romania, Amalia brings a rich creative background and a passion for people-focused design. Since joining our Concept Team in 2023, she has contributed to a diverse range of international projects, from urban masterplans in Uzbekistan and Albania to a major mixed-use development in Iraq. Here, she shares her journey so far, her design inspirations, and what she's learned from working within a collaborative and globally connected practice.

Tell us about your background?

I grew up in Iași, Romania, a city rich in culture and history, which influenced my early fascination with the arts. From a young age, I was drawn to anything creative—whether it was drawing, music, or dance. I practised ballroom dancing competitively for 11 years, which gave me the opportunity to travel, perform, and connect with people from all over the world. It also taught me discipline, rhythm, and an appreciation for movement—elements that, in many ways, align with how I now understand architecture.

I have always been captivated by how buildings and landscapes shaped the atmosphere of the places I visited. That curiosity slowly turned into a clearer ambition, and by the age of 16, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in architecture. I started private tutoring to learn technical drawing and composition, which helped me build a strong foundation and prepare for university applications.

At some point, I realised I wanted to challenge myself beyond the familiar and explore new ways of thinking and learning, so I decided to study abroad in the UK. I was completely out of my comfort zone, with new experiences, a new culture, and the perfect environment to grow. It felt like the right step, personally and professionally, and it has been a hugely rewarding journey.

Tell us about your course and the progress you have made to date?

I moved to the UK in September 2020 to begin my Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. After looking into several options, Oxford Brookes University stood out as the right fit—it offered a creative yet grounded approach that I felt would challenge me in the right ways.

Starting my studies in a completely new country was a big change. The first year came with challenges, especially adapting to a new environment and navigating life during the pandemic. But the lockdowns also gave me the time and space to focus on my work and grow independently.

Over the three years, I had the chance to learn from incredibly knowledgeable tutors and connect with a diverse group of peers. Each project pushed me more technically and conceptually, and helped me become more confident in my ideas and the design process. Looking back, the course gave me the skills I needed and opened my eyes to new perspectives and pathways for my future in architecture. It has been a constant learning and discovery journey, and I am excited to keep building on that.

When did you join Chapman Taylor, and what did you initially work on?

I joined Chapman Taylor in June 2023, which was an exciting moment for me. I was thrilled to start this new chapter but felt nervous stepping into such a large international practice. I wasn't sure what to expect or how well I would manage the challenges ahead, but those thoughts quickly faded once I met my team in the Concept Team. From the beginning, I felt supported and inspired by the people around me. Everyone was incredibly open, welcoming, and ready to share their knowledge.

My first project was a large-scale masterplan in Durres, Albania—La Jube. This contemporary Mediterranean destination offers stunning views and a deep connection to the natural landscape. Inspired by the concept narrative ‘Islands in the Sun’, the masterplan creates a diverse mix of both independent and interconnected communities. It features four resort hotels, a range of residential typologies including villas and apartments, a marina, and a waterpark — all seamlessly unified by an 18-hole golf course.

I was involved in shaping the architectural vision and conceptualising facades for several residential and hospitality assets, as well as contributing to the public realm and landscape concept. It was an incredible project to start with and gave me a strong sense of purpose right from the beginning.

Straight after finishing the concept stage for La jube, I joined the Arameras project in Ksamil, Albania—a 60-hectare resort masterplan titled “The village of tomorrow in the land of the eagles.” The project brief was to design a modern resort immersed in nature, rooted in the culture and spirit of its location. The scheme includes two 5-star hotels, apartment buildings spread across three village clusters, villas, a port, community spaces, and hospitality areas.

My role began with researching Albanian traditional architecture to extract key elements that could shape the vision. I was involved in the 3D modelling of the villas and villages, conceptual strategy through diagrams, and producing CGIs that captured the atmosphere of the place. The experience deepened my appreciation for contextual design and showed me how the dialogue between landscape and built form can truly define the identity of a space.

What elements of design are particularly important to you?

Over the past few years, my understanding of architecture has evolved. The more I have learned and experienced, the more I have come to value design that is deeply rooted in people and place. Right now, designing for human needs matters most to me—creating spaces that serve, support, and uplift communities. Architecture, for me, is not just about form or aesthetics—it is about how people feel and move through a space, how it adapts to their everyday lives.

I have also become increasingly drawn to the relationship between architecture and nature. I think the most powerful designs do not try to compete with the landscape, but instead reveal, frame, enhance, and let it speak. There is something wonderful about a building that feels like it belongs where it stands.

Materiality and atmosphere are also key for me. I am interested in how light interacts with surfaces, how textures invite touch, and how a well-considered detail can completely shift a space's mood. Good architecture should not only function well but also evoke emotion—it should make people pause, reflect, and connect.

At the same time, studying for my Master of Studies in Architecture through the Apprenticeship Programme at the University of Cambridge has opened up new layers of interest for me. I have started to engage with the more technical side of architecture—understanding how buildings work, how we can build more sustainably, and the long-term impact of our design decisions.

I am excited to see how my perception of design continues to grow through hands-on experience in Chapman Taylor and the academic depth of my Master's degree studies. I'm only just scratching the surface of what architecture can do.

What interesting projects are you currently working on?

During my time at Chapman Taylor, I've worked on a wide range of projects—from large-scale masterplans to more focused residential, retail, and hospitality developments. Working on such a diverse portfolio has been exciting, contributing to projects across Europe, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Each one has taught me something new and challenged me in different ways.

Currently, I am working in a team that is masterplanning a significant mixed-use project in Iraq. Covering a site of just over 10 hectares, the development aims to become the a sustainable, international-standard mixed-use district. The ambition is to combine residential, retail, leisure, hospitality, and workplace elements into a cohesive and interconnected masterplan, while allowing each component to maintain its own identity and functionality.

I have been involved from the early pre-concept stages through to concept and schematic design, working on both the 3D modelling and the 2D planning and presentation. I also collaborate closely with the team to produce high-quality CGIs that communicate the architectural vision. It's been an incredible experience to contribute creatively to such a bold and ambitious project alongside such a talented group of people.

What is the most important thing you have learned at Chapman Taylor?

It's hard to narrow it down to just one thing because Chapman Taylor has taught me a lot so far. If I had to sum it up, I would say it's the value of collaboration and the power of being trusted to contribute, even early in my career. Working so closely with my team has helped me grow in ways I didn't expect. I've learned how important it is to listen, adapt, and support each other while still bringing your own perspective to the table.

Exposure to such a wide variety of global projects has also been eye-opening. Each project comes with its own challenges and stories, and it's made me much more aware of how diverse and dynamic architecture really is. Through all of this, I've started shaping my own voice as a designer—finding what resonates with me, refining my instincts, and slowly developing my own style.

Even though I'm still at the beginning of my journey, I've been given space to think creatively and leave a real mark on the projects I've worked on. That kind of trust and encouragement is the most valuable thing I could've asked for at this stage.