11th Kaplicky Internship Offers Prestigious Placement in KKAA, Tokyo

The Kaplicky Internship is organized by the Bakala Foundation, in cooperation with the Czech Chamber of Architects, The Design Museum in London, and the Kaplicky Centre Endowment Fund. For many participants, this opportunity has marked a turning point in their professional journey.

For example, Petra Ross, following her 2016 internship at Zaha Hadid Architects, went on to join the renowned Dutch studio Conix RDBM Architects. Petr Kousal, winner of the 2018 edition, began his career at Adjaye Associates in London before founding his own successful studio, TMD, which now operates between Brno and London. Eva Kvaššayová, the 2022 laureate, became a permanent member of the Foster + Partners team in Madrid after completing her internship.

This year’s edition brings another extraordinary opportunity: a funded internship at Kengo Kuma and Associates, known for its organic design philosophy and deep integration of architecture with nature.

“As a Partner at KKAA and a member of this year’s jury, I look forward to evaluating the submissions and welcoming the winner to our studio in Tokyo. This unique opportunity will immerse a young architect in Kengo Kuma’s design philosophy, allowing them to gain firsthand experience in our collaborative and research-driven environment. We are excited to support emerging talent and foster creative exchange through the Kaplicky Internship,” quotes Marcin Sapeta, Partner at KKAA and member of this year’s Kaplicky Internship jury.

KKAA is world-renowned for its innovative use of natural materials—particularly wood—and for designs that are both minimalist and deeply respectful of local context. Iconic projects include the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, the Yusuhara Community Library, and the Odunpazari Modern Museum in Turkey. In the Czech Republic, KKAA is currently working on its first local project: the Mehrin Moravian Jewish Museum in Brno.

For the fourth year in a row, the Kaplicky Internship is held in partnership with the Master´s Thesis Showcase held by the Czech Chamber of Architects. Applications open on April 8, 2025 via diplom.ky website and will close on July 31, 2025. The winner—who will become the eleventh laureate of the program—will be announced later this year at CAMP in Prague.