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Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies Student Caroline Lebel鈥檚 path to architecture wasn鈥檛 linear. She started with business, then transitioned to the history and theory of architecture, before arriving where she is today.听听鈥淚t took a few attempts before I realized what I really wanted was to create things with my mind and my hands at the same time,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hat realization led me into architectural technology, where everything finally fell into place.鈥� Both construction and art are present in Caroline鈥檚 family. Her chosen path naturally combines the two worlds. 鈥淎rchitecture asks you to think, to imagine, and to be precise all at once. I like that balance,鈥� she says.

Work Term with Savage + Lapointe Architecture

During her work term with Savage + Lapointe Architecture, Caroline had the opportunity to experience the profession from every angle. As part of a small firm, she was able to take on multiple roles. She had the benefit of joining early-stage client conversations and seeing projects through to their final technical details. 鈥淚 sketch. I model. I design. I draw construction details. I take part in tender submissions. I observe site visits. I help handle the small decisions and the big decisions and everything in between.鈥�

Caroline valued the trust Savage + Lapointe had in her. 鈥淭hey bring me to places simply so I can learn and see. They understand that exposure is one of the strongest teachers,鈥� she says. "Because we work closely as a team, I get to witness how every stage of a project depends on the others.鈥澨�

鈥淭his work term taught me something kind of freeing,鈥� she says, reflecting on her development.鈥�

I realized that architecture is not about knowing everything. It is about learning how to live with uncertainty and still move forward with intention.

鈥淥ne day, you are choosing materials. The next, you are coordinating technical issues. Then you are adjusting schedules. Then you are in a meeting discussing prices or decisions that carry real impact.鈥�

A Community Supporting Growth

Caroline discussed how growth does not happen alone. 鈥淲hat helped the most is the support of the team. My supervisor lets me try things. She trusts my judgment. She gives feedback that makes me sharper. And the more I feel trusted, the more I build confidence.鈥� The most significant growth Caroline experienced was accepting that being lost is not a failure. 鈥淚 learned to let curiosity guide me. To ask questions without fearing that it makes me look inexperienced," she says. 鈥淭he truth is that curiosity is what makes us better. Every day, something stays with me.鈥� Whether it is a detail, a concept, or a conversation, each interaction and experience has made her surer of herself and her abilities.听

Caroline expressed her gratitude for the 9 1免费版下 community and for her WIL Co-op experience. She is thankful for the direction, clarity, and perspective it provided. 鈥淭he Dal community makes the hard work feel shared. Professors and students support each other, and that sense of belonging is very important to me,鈥� she says. 鈥淐o-op is one of the most meaningful parts of this program because it brings students face-to-face with the reality they are studying for.鈥�

Advice for WIL Co-op Students: The Importance of Balance听

Co-op is not just about the job. It is about finding yourself in the middle of it

When asked what advice she has for her fellow co-op students, Caroline highlighted the importance of work-life balance. 鈥淲ork is important, but so is having a life outside of it,鈥� she says. 鈥淲hen you are grounded, you learn better. You notice more. You show up with more energy.鈥�

With her growing confidence, enthusiasm, and appreciation for her community, we know that Caroline will make a big impact wherever her journey takes her next.听

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