THE REGION
El Terreno is nestled on a hillside in Bolívar province, just outside the charming colonial town of Guaranda in central Ecuador. Surrounded by traditional farmland and indigenous communities, it offers stunning views of the majestic Chimborazo Volcano, the closest point on Earth to the sun.
However, due to multiple challenges related to health, organisation, infrastructure, ecology, education, economy and equality - many (if not most) young people are migrating to the cities and abroad in search of a better life. Through the use of cultural exchange and social innovation, we are working with low-income communities to transform them into vibrant, prosperous and sustainable places to live.
THE PROBLEM
Before the industrialisation of construction, Andean people built charming and durable houses out of the clay-rich soils available to them. But globalisation has meant that local people now choose to build single-skin, concrete buildings. Whilst these are quicker to build and considered 'modern', they are less thermally efficient, sustainable, anti-seismic and cost more in materials. In the area, there are hundreds of vernacular adobe buildings that have been left to ruin, and as these traditional techniques are lost, so is the cultural heritage captured in the building's architectural beauty. Meanwhile, 40% of local people live in poverty.
THE SOLUTION
We are restoring these neglected buildings, not only to preserve the cultural heritage, but also to provide much-needed income to families through tourism. With support from our experienced team, you will take on a design and/or build project where you will learn about how these traditional homes are made in the Andes and help us restore buildings that would otherwise fall into ruin.
A PERSONALISED PROGRAMME
Now more than ever, employers are looking for a candidates with real-world experiences and strong references that an internship provides. That's why we will work with you to co-create a hands-on internship that matches your unique passions with local community's needs. You will receive a professional mentor throughout your internship and we arrange frequent site visits to other projects to expand your learning.
We want your internship to be an unforgettable experience where you make an impact, and something that will give you a head start when applying for the job of your dreams!
OUR PROVEN METHODOLOGY
Our internship programs are built around the transformative Design Thinking methodology, ensuring that every solution meets the unique needs of low-income populations. You’ll engage deeply with local stakeholders to understand root challenges, co-create ideas, and test solutions that drive real impact. Through immersive guided tours, social innovation workshops, and hands-on prototyping, you’ll collaborate to build and refine sustainable initiatives. By the end of your experience, you’ll not only gain professional skills but also create lasting resources that empower communities and future interns to continue this meaningful work.
LOOKING FOR A DEEPER EXPERIENCE?
If you're excited about this internship but want to dive even deeper into sustainable architecture and make a lasting impact, we also offer a comprehensive 12-week cohort program in summer 2025.This extended opportunity includes all the hands-on experience and cultural immersion of our shorter program, plus additional benefits like 4x the amount of mentoring, weekly Spanish classes, Design Thinking & personal development workshops, and several site visits to sustainable building projects, all alongside a group of your peers passionate about revitalising vernacular architecture. It's perfect for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the challenges and rewards of architectural conservation in the Ecuadorian Andes.
¡FIND OUT MORE!
Interested in developing your career while making a meaningful impact in low-income communities? Schedule your free discovery call to begin co-creating your personalised internship in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.
