#BACConnEx2025

[bac-connex]

Hi, I am Alana Montemayor, I am originally from Monterrey, Mexico and I am currently pursuing my Bachelors of Science in Architecture at the BAC. This is my last year and I am excited to graduate and start my journey in the industry. I am excited about this externship opportunity at Gannet Fleming and look forward to learning.

[bac-connex]

I am Jess

My name is Jessica Anne Guy (but please call me Jess). I am studying to become an architect but currently work as a teacher at an elementary school (you can see this). I am an ambitious person who loves learning new things and always aspires to grow (this is unseen). I am looking forward to this opportunity where I can be a mentor and work with Youth Build Boston!

[bac-connex]

Hi, I’m Liliana Spinelli, but you can call me Lili! I’m a 3rd-year Bachelor of Architecture student at the BAC. I’m originally from Brazil, where I previously earned a Bachelor’s in Science and Technology with a concentration in architecture. I’m excited to begin my externship at PCA and look forward to contributing to a workplace that values diversity and inclusion while continuing to grow professionally.

[bac-connex]

A True Buddy

Alexia was probably one of the best buddies I could have ever had during my entire externship experience. She was always responsive, responsible, and professional. We managed to create our own team within a larger design group, as we were both working on the same project. Since I am a master's student, I mentored her in some aspects of the work.

My experience with Alexia made me realize the importance of creating and encouraging a culture of mentorship. If we can successfully establish a mentorship culture within a workplace or even within a team, the end product will be much more efficient and successful. This is because mentees are better guided throughout the process, leading to greater growth and a more collaborative environment.

[bac-connex]

A Perfect Mentor

A successful mentor should be kind, patient, and friendly. They should act as a friend to their mentees and answer their questions in the best way possible. Patience is essential, they need to be able to answer all questions without hesitation and guide their mentees through challenges. Mentees should also have similar traits. Additionally, they should be curious and energetic, making the most of their experience by interacting as much as they can with their mentors to maximize what they learn.

I was extremely lucky to have the best mentors at Rafael Viñoly Architects. They were all friendly and welcomed me as part of the team from the moment my experience started. They were clear in their explanations, detailing everything and leaving no room for confusion. Even if I did have questions, they guided me and answered perfectly, helping me grow and learn with confidence.

[bac-connex]

An Environment-Friendly Client

The 20 Fenchurch Street building, also known as the Walkie-Talkie, is one of the most recognizable elements of London's skyline. Its design is unique, with the floors expanding as they rise, creating the building’s curved shape. The upper levels are wider and include the Sky Garden, an indoor green space open to the public, as well as other public areas that make the building more accessible.

The client, Landsec, wanted the building to stand out while also being energy efficient. These two goals guided Rafael Viñoly and his team throughout the project. The design reflects the client’s priorities by blending an innovative structure with sustainable features, showing how architecture can respond to both creative and environmental challenges.

[bac-connex]

It Looks Like a Place to Embrace Diversity

Intercultural competence is the ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds while being empathetic to their values. At Rafael Viñoly Architects, this is reflected in their diverse team, which includes individuals from various cultural backgrounds working together in the same environment or on the same projects.

In addition to their diverse team, the firm has projects spanning five continents, demonstrating a high level of interaction with clients from different cultures. They also have an office in Uruguay and regularly work on projects there, supported by a dedicated team that speaks Spanish. I believe this is a highly influential aspect of their intercultural competence, as it showcases their ability to adapt to different cultural contexts and foster meaningful connections through language and shared understanding.

[bac-connex]

Workplace Spirit

One important aspect of creating a workplace culture is the physical environment that the office offers. I was lucky to experience this environment at Rafael Viñoly Architects because the office was designed entirely by Rafael Viñoly himself. He created hexagonal cubicles where people working on the same project or in the same department could collaborate within a shared space. There were no separators, which helped everyone respect each other’s space and maintain a quiet atmosphere. This setup also increased interaction among colleagues, fostering better communication and teamwork.

Another important aspect is the dynamic between colleagues and the events the firm hosts. I felt fortunate in this regard as well, since my colleagues were extremely helpful and friendly. Even though my externship was only five days, I was assigned to a project and felt like I was truly part of the team. I also had the opportunity to attend events like a firm mixer with Buro Happold, a lunch-and-learn session, a team lunch, and a site visit.

All these aspects contribute to creating a successful and effective workplace culture, and I’m incredibly thankful to have been part of it.

[bac-connex]

A Supportive and Fun Buddy

The Practice ConnEx program connected me with peers and staff who were always ready to help. Their warmth and approachability made it easier to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities. At the end of the externship we went to celebrate our week. Inspired by this , I will actively support and mentor others in their journey, helping them grow just like I did.

[bac-connex]

An Inspiring Mentor

The mentors at William Rawn Associates emphasized collaboration and inclusivity. They guided us through their processes, from sustainability to marketing, always encouraging questions. Their willingness to share knowledge and experiences created an environment where learning flourished. Their support highlighted the importance of nurturing talent and fostering growth within the firm.

[bac-connex]

A Collaborative Client

Brookline High School’s design reflected the firm’s dedication to stakeholder engagement. Teachers, students, and staff were actively included, shaping spaces that truly meet their needs. While taking the tour of the schools, we came across the staff and the principal who gave their heartfelt inputs on the design which really made it feel like the project met its needs. The project revealed how listening to the client enhances creativity and builds trust. It showed how a client’s collaborative culture can positively impact the firm’s design process.

[bac-connex]

Memorable Buddies

I will forever be thankful for having such wonderful co-externs. They were some of the kindest and funniest people and I am had a wonderful time with them.

I am ready to dedicate myself to be open to reciprocal mentoring. While my time with Youth Build Boston was an amazing experience getting to help mentor students, it was also an amazing experience to learn myself and I want to continue this practice in the future!

[bac-connex]

A RELIABLE BUDDY

During my time at Safdie Architects, I was able to work with Ta-Hedre. He is a reliable buddy and we often easily had conversations about what the architecture field was like, our prior experiences, our future plans and were able to learn from each other. I was able to learns some software skills in Revit and working with someone who knew how to design and build in real life really put many things into perspective. If I missed anything, I knew I could go to my buddy who would be able to explain and help me learn things.

[bac-connex]

A Personable Mentor

A mentor must be wise and knowledgeable but also someone who you can connect to and rely. Neil Daniels was the best mentor ever! He checked off all of these boxes and so many more. He is always there to answer our most pressing questions or to just have a chat. He is an amazing example for the other mentors at Youth Build Boston for the high school students who come to learn about architecture and the vocational training team. Mentorship is a significant part of YBB, where many people come to learn and grow.

[bac-connex]

Thank You, Safdie Architects!

I just want to say a huge thank-you to Safdie Architects for the incredible experience. The projects, the people, and the energy of the office left such an impression on me. I’m leaving with new insights, a deeper appreciation for design, and a lot of inspiration for the future.

[bac-connex]

A Supportive Buddy

During my time at Safdie Architects, my buddy wasn’t part of the office but another extern named Noushin. We supported each other through the experience, sharing insights, bouncing ideas, and navigating new challenges together. Having someone who understood the process made everything feel more manageable and rewarding. Inspired by this, I’m committing to being a supportive presence for others in similar situations. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to listen, encourage, and collaborate with to make a difference.