‘This trip changed me in more ways than I could’ve imagined’

My time in Vuadomo Village in Fiji taught me lessons I’ll carry with me for life.

Over the summer, I spent eight weeks helping to construct three timber buildings for a community-owned tourism development.

This project was about creating something that will benefit the community for generations. It was run by CAUKIN Studios, an architectural practice which I’d connected with before university.

I have an ambition to travel throughout my career and I’m aware of the impact that international projects can have.

I chose to work in Fiji as it seemed like a place I wouldn’t likely visit without the enticement of the project, as well as the chance to work with timber.

Hands-on learning

I was involved in everything from the start: foundations, timber joinery, roofing, cladding… you name it.

The work was physically demanding, which was difficult at times with the sun glaring down and high humidity.

Being so involved in the practical side of construction helped me realise just how important it is to really understand the details of construction when designing.

I thought I had a good grasp on this from previous experience, but working in Fiji with limited resources and traditional methods completely changed my perspective.

It was a reminder that design is about creating solutions that are practical, especially in challenging environments, rather than what looks good on paper.

Learning from locals

One of the most rewarding aspects was working with the locals, who showed us the ‘Fiji way’.

Without the advanced tools we take for granted in the UK, we had to rely on their knowledge of vernacular (local) design and trust that it would work out.

Through unassuming conversations with the Kaiviti (Fijians), they shared generational teachings about how to adapt to the environment and the materials at hand.

Getting immersed in the culture

I was able to live with a local family in Vuadomo Village, an opportunity that allowed me to fully immerse myself in Fijian culture.

I was welcomed into a community that felt more like a family than anything else. Doors were rarely closed, and neighbours were like extended relatives.

The short morning commutes became a series of warm “Bula!” greetings, reminding me of the genuine openness and sense of togetherness that can be found here.

I learned so much about how our buildings fit into the lives of the people who will use them. This experience has given me a new appreciation for what it means to design for people.

The warmth, openness, and sense of community in Vuadomo is something I’ll never forget. It’s a far cry from the often isolated, fast-paced lifestyle back in the UK.

They work with what they have, and nothing goes to waste. It was humbling to see how happy people can be without the constant push for more.

The value of being community-driven

Our daily routine started with group questions. One that particularly stood out to me was, “What is one thing you’d bring from Fiji to the UK, and vice versa?”

Most of us wanted to bring back Fiji’s laid-back, community-focused lifestyle while imposing very little of our own.

It highlighted how impactful this cultural exchange had been on our perspectives.

During my time off, I managed to explore some of Fiji’s stunning nature, like the nearby waterfall that forms the centrepiece of Vuadomo’s tourism model.

Whether it was washing off the day’s sweat in the waterfall or sharing kava with villagers under star-lit skies, every moment felt like a precious reminder of why community-driven projects like this matter so much.

Don’t hesitate to take opportunities

The Kenneth Watson Fund has hugely supported making this experience possible for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

I left Fiji with a full heart, a stronger set of skills, and a renewed passion for civil engineering, especially in the context of community-driven, international, sustainable projects.

If I could say one thing to anyone considering a similar opportunity, whether you’ve got a passion for travel or a desire to make a big impact, don’t hesitate.

My experience in Vuadomo has reminded me of the immense value of stepping outside your comfort zone, working collaboratively, and designing with people in mind.

Fiji’s lessons of community, resilience, and optimism are ones I’ll carry with me throughout my career and my life.

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