After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University in Lithuania, I graduated cum laude from TU Delft. During this time, I gained experience at several prestigious firms in the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Finland. Studying, teaching, and working across three different countries has taught me a great deal about the diverse facets of architecture. The special focus on wood structures, craftsmanship, and natural materials in Finland sparked my interest in materiality and sustainability. In the Netherlands, I deepened my understanding of sustainable architectural approaches. At Paul de Ruiter Architects, I want to combine this international knowledge and experience into powerful designs. Besides sustainability and materiality, I am fascinated by the influence of architecture on people’s quality of life, particularly in education. We are involved in a variety of educational projects, where I enjoy applying my experience as a lecturer. The new Fontys building is a great example of a future-proof learning environment. It has become an inviting building where meeting others—and the surrounding environment—is central.