#Industrial Architecture Firm

[k2homedesigncenter]

K2 Design Centre is a famous and highly organized architectural firm in Patna, Bihar. We are a team of professional architects focused on sustainable and eco-friendly architecture design.

[profitable-tips-for-you]

Architects in Delhi NCR- A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Delhi NCR (National Capital Region) is a hub of architectural diversity, where architects play a crucial role in shaping the urban and suburban landscapes. From residential complexes to commercial hubs, these professionals bring creativity, technical expertise, and sustainability to the forefront of design. Key Areas of Specialization 1. Urban Development Architects in Delhi NCR are pivotal in…

[shellandcore]

A Guide to Residential Interior Design

Dubai's dazzling skyline is a testament to architectural innovation, but true luxury lies in creating a haven within your own walls. This is where residential interior design steps in, transforming your living space into a reflection of your personality and a sanctuary for the soul.

Beyond Aesthetics:

Residential interior design is more than just choosing pretty furniture and color palettes. It's about understanding your lifestyle, needs, and aspirations. A skilled designer working within a reputable architecture and interior design firm in Dubai will:

Optimize space: Whether you have a sprawling villa or a cozy apartment, a well-designed layout maximizes functionality and creates a sense of flow.

Embrace natural light: Dubai's sunshine is a precious resource. A designer will utilize natural light to create a bright and airy atmosphere.

Incorporate cultural influences: Dubai's rich multicultural tapestry offers endless design inspiration. Your designer can create a space that reflects your heritage or global tastes.

Prioritize comfort and functionality: Your home should be a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. The design should cater to your everyday routines and hobbies.

Dubai boasts a vibrant design scene, with architecture and interior design firms specializing in various aesthetics. When selecting a firm, consider a team that:

Listens to your vision: The best designs are a collaborative effort. Your designer should understand your unique needs and translate them into a tangible reality.

Offers a comprehensive approach: Look for a company that handles everything from space planning to furniture selection and project management.

Showcases a diverse portfolio: Explore their past projects to ensure their design aesthetic aligns with your vision.

Investing in professional residential interior design from an established architecture and interior design firm in Dubai can transform your home into a space that reflects your personality, fosters well-being, and becomes a source of pride. By partnering with the right design firm, you can create a haven that inspires you every day.

[fazalkhan2914]

Aracome - Architectural Consultants Abdul Rahim Architecture Consultants (ARACO) is a consulting company in the United Arab Emirates with a focus on project management, Engineering Consultant, Architectural firm, and supervision. We take great satisfaction in our devotion to strict local and international construction standards. Contact us at ARACO to assist you completely. https://www.aracome.com/services/architectural-design

[hitechbimservices]

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become an invaluable tool for architects. By creating a digital representation of a building, BIM enables greater efficiency, collaboration, and insight across the entire design and construction process. This article explores the key benefits of BIM solutions for architects and architectural firms - from conceptual design, clash detection, and 3D visualization to cost estimation, construction sequencing, and facilities management. Adoption of BIM solutions provides architects with a competitive edge through enhanced project delivery.

[kalgreensarchitects]

A Guide to Choosing the Best Construction Company in Ontario

Are you looking to embark on a construction project in Ontario? You have to select a perfect construction company. It is considered one of the most significant steps that will enable you to ensure a hassle-free and successful endeavour. After going through this well-crafted comprehensive guide, it will become easy for you to simplify the whole decision-making process. This way, you can take a deep dive into the essential factors such as- evaluation of past projects, get the meaning of communication styles, and consideration of timelines of projects.

So, whether you are travelling into commercial or residential construction, this blog will assist you in empowering you with plenty of knowledge required to choose the ideal construction partner. Be ready to navigate the landscape of construction confidently and also make informed decisions for an unbeatable project that will stand out in the coming time. It will undoubtedly enable you to choose the most significant construction company in Ontario.

Buckle up to build success collaboratively! 

Critical Considerations for Choosing a Construction Partner

Project Compatibility: 

It is the heart of a successful construction. It ensures your visions align by evaluating if the construction company shares your aims, approach and style as well. If you have the desire to set the foundation for a successful and harmonious construction journey, for this, you have to select the construction partner carefully. Besides, you must conduct an initial meeting to understand the project scope or your home renovation or apartment building.

Quality Assurance:

QA is the key to attaining peace of mind in construction. To ensure that the construction partners meet your standards, you have to evaluate the past projects of a potential partner. You can also look for delighted & satisfied clients, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. If you pick a  construction company with a proven track record, it will enable you to ensure that your construction project is in safe & capable hands from beginning to end.

Transparent Communication: 

Transparent Communication is the backbone of a successful construction partnership. Ensure clear and open dialogue from the beginning. A reliable construction company keeps you informed, listens to your ideas, and addresses concerns promptly. Choosing a partner with transparent communication builds trust and ensures a smooth, collaborative construction journey.

Timeline Alignment: 

It is crucial to complete any project within the given deadline. It enables you to ensure that your construction partner shares your vision for timelines of construction projects. If your construction partner has clarity about your expectations, it prevents you from starting from delays. So, selecting a construction company dedicated to your schedule guarantees an efficient & smooth building process. It saves your time as well as stress.

Budget Harmony: 

It ensures a hassle-free construction experience. So, select a partner who understands your financial aims & offers transparent cost estimates if you want to avoid surprises, you have to align your budget with the pricing structure of a construction company. Picking a builder with budget harmony guarantees not only a cost-effective but also a smooth journey for home renovation or other project.

Credentials and Certifications: 

These are the benchmarks of a trustworthy construction partner. For this, you have to seek licensed, certified, and insured companies. With these credentials, you can signify professionalism, standards, and a commitment to quality. If you select a construction company with the proper certifications, you can ensure a secure & credible building experience. 

Client Testimonials:

It offers valuable insights into the reliability of a construction partner. You can explore feedback from previous clients for gauging satisfaction levels. With positive testimonials, you can be able to affirm the competence of the company and customer care. This way, you can select a construction company with glowing client reviews and also ensure a reliable & rewarding construction journey.

Technology Integration: 

It can enable you to set modern construction partners apart. Select a builder who embraces the latest & innovative tools for communicating, designing & enhancing project management. With the incorporation of technology, you can streamline processes, make better efficiency, and ensure a seamless building journey. Ultimately, by picking a tech-savvy construction company, you can pave the way for a cutting-edge & successful project.

Sustainability:

It matters a lot in construction partnerships. Choose a builder who is devoted to performing eco-friendly practices. For this, you can go for energy-efficient designs, sustainable building methods, and recycled materials. You must prefer to choose an apartment building or construction company that primarily focuses on greenery, not merely a beautiful project. It is advantageous for the environment as it leaves a positive impact on the environment.

Essential Factors in Choosing a Construction Company in Ontario

Ontario's Construction Landscape: 

The construction landscape of Ontario is helpful in canvasing your building project. For this, you have to get familiar with native regulations, trends, and specific considerations. With the navigation of this landscape, you can certainly ensure that your construction partner is well-versed in the codes & practices of constructing buildings in Ontario. So, go for a builder who can easily harmonise with the diverse nuances of construction in this vibrant province.

Local Expertise: 

In Ontario, local expertise is your construction compass. Select a builder familiar with zoning laws, the intricacies of local building codes, and community laws. A construction partner with deep local knowledge can ensure smooth navigation of the project, compliance, and a perfect understanding of the construction terrain of Ontario.

Budgeting: 

It is the cornerstone of a thriving Ontario project. Select a construction partner who assists you in navigating costs, offering transparent estimates, and guiding you through potential expenses. If you understand and manage your budget with a trustworthy builder, you can ensure a smooth construction journey without financial uncertainties.

Timelines and Seasons: 

It has a direct influence on your Ontario project. Choose a builder who plans around the weather patterns of Ontario and also ensures project completion on time. After getting familiar with seasonal challenges and opportunities, you can ensure a smooth construction journey. So, I prefer to pick a partner who adapts to the rhythm of the seasons of Ontario for a project that stands firm in all weather.

Licensing and Certification: 

With licensing & certification, you can safeguard your Ontario apartment building project. Select a builder who has proper licensing & certifications. It will help you to ensure legitimate compliance and professionalism. With valid credentials, you can signify a commitment to quality & adherence to the standards of the industry. Prefer to opt for a construction partner in Ontario who can construct buildings with credibility & expertise.

Communication: 

It is the heartbeat of a thriving Ontario project. Select a builder who is able to listen & communicate clearly and values your input. Start communication with the constructor from beginning to end, which will enable you to ensure a harmonious construction journey. By choosing a partner with effective communication, you can build trust & also guarantee your vision is listened to & understood correctly.

To conclude,

Selection of the top-notch construction company in Ontario includes a careful balance of alignment of budget, local expertise, and a shared community to quality. With the proper consideration of essential factors such as communication, safety & sustainability, you can pave the way for a successful project. Do faith in a construction partner who can understand the unique landscape of Ontario and also be able to resonate with your vision.

[ifindtaxpro]

🏛️✨ Architectural brilliance meets financial savvy! Explore tax planning strategies tailor-made for architecture firms. From sustainable design incentives to project-related deductions, build success with smart financial planning. #ArchitecturalTax #TaxIncentives

[designforuminternational]

Top Architecture Firms in India: Design Forum International

We, Design Forum International is a long-time Architectural firms in india, which offers best services to our customers in Architecture, with a desire of pioneering in design innovation and creation of customer experience. We encourage our staff and partners with the liberty to think and act in an exceedingly team based environment.

website: https://www.designforuminternational.com/

[kaurwreck]

fun fact! the contemporary Japanese constitution as amended does not and can't exist in bsd. this isn't conjecture— there are institutions that still exist in bsd that were dissolved by Japan's current constitution, and the events leading to Japan's current constitution have not happened in bsd.

Japan's constitution was rewritten by US General Douglas MacArthur in 1946, in the aftermath of WW2. But WW2 hasn't happened in bsd. (This is also not really conjecture; it's evidenced by there being a Great War and Fukuchi's aims to prevent a second would-be-greater war— irl, the Great War was only called that prior to WW2 because it was, until WW2, the most destructive, widespread war in the modern world. We then had an even greater war and so began numbering them.)

but, it's not even only that WW2 hasn't happened. you might have noticed bsd's Great War parallels but doesn't mirror irl!WW1— in bsd; the international alliances were different (ex: France was allied with Japan and Germany); Japan disengaged from the Great War before its conclusion (after Fukuzawa killed Japan's war hawks); the subsequent peace treaty was between France, Germany, and England (in lieu of the Treaty of Versailles); different nation states arose in the aftermath (the Republic of Nares only exists in bsd, it never existed irl— but WW1 did collapse empires and beget several new nations); the Great War beget the United Nations instead of the League of Nations; etc.

it's not clear precisely where bsd's alternate history breaks from ours— or if there was ever even a break or if it's an entirely parallel timeline—but it is canon that the Port Treaties that forcefully opened irl Japan exist in bsd but were never abolished like they were irl in 1899. it's canon that Suribachi City formed after itty bitty baby Chuuya black hole kaiju'ed a foreign settlement in Yokohama since there wasn't any appetite to rebuild it— which means that as recently as approximately a decade prior to canon, there were still foreign settlements in Japan. this is further confirmed by the Colonel in 55 Minutes.

all of this to illustrate: any claim regarding bsd!Japan's laws based on irl!contemporary Japan is incorrect unless specifically affirmed in canon. Based on the information we've been given thus far, the two Japans are operating on completely different legal frameworks.

in other words, there's no basis for deciding same sex marriage is illegal in bsd!Japan until Kafka Asagiri writes it into canon.*

*For example, I'm fairly certain Yokohama's municipal tax laws and regulations are similar enough to irl!Yokohama because Kunikida mentions a specific tax zone in Osamu Dazai's Entrance Exam that seemingly aligns with a tax zone specific to some contemporary Japanese municipalities, including Yokohama.

*Random fanfic of any gay BSD ships getting proposed to/are married/seems like they are married

“it’s cute and all but you’re forgetting that gay marriage is illegal in Japan”

Stfu, they are literally part of the mafia and have killed poeple, you really think they’d care about that💀

[useless-catalanfacts]

Did you know that the Catalan vault can be found in many buildings of the United States of America?

Here's some examples:

Grand Central Terminal, New York City. Photo from Getty.

Boston Public Library. Photo by Michael Freeman/Boston Public Library.

Ellis Island Registry Room, New York. Photo by Mike Ward on Flickr.

City Hall station of the New York subway. Photo by Michael Freeman.

The Catalan vault is a brick arch that is widely used in traditional Catalan architecture. It's also present in other parts of the Mediterranean, but not as common. Its main characteristic is that it's built with the longest side of the brick facing down (usually, ceilings are made with the shortest side facing down) and with a very gentle curve, resulting in a strong self-supporting vault that allows covering a whole room without needing columns or pillars in a way that would be impossible with other kinds of masonry, and also makes it possible to build it quickly and without needing centering (the wooden structure used to support the vault or arch while it's being built, and which is removed once it's made).

So how did it make its way to the USA?

It was brought by the Valencian architect Rafael Guastavino i Moreno (1842-1908). He had already designed important industrial buildings in Catalonia, including the factory that later became the Industrial School in Barcelona and La Massa theatre in Vilassar de Dalt, among others. At the time, in Catalonia, the Catalan vault was being widely used to cover ceilings in factories.

In 1881, Guastavino moved to New York City (USA), where he used the Catalan vault to cover big ceilings, which made him gain some fame for it. He patented the vault in the USA with the name "Guastavino system".

At the time, Americans were very worried about buildings catching fire, because it often happened and had caused a huge destruction in the Chicago 1871 fire. As a response, in 1883 Guastavino bought a patch of land in Connecticut, built two houses in it using the Catalan vault, and set them on fire. He took photos of the whole process to document it and prove how this architecture style is efficient in the case of fire. He wrote about it in the magazine Decorator and Furnisher and soon won the contest to design the Progress Club's building in New York City, which made him famous among architects in the area.

He created his own company (Guastavino Fireproof Construction Company) which was focused on building the Catalan vault. He was hired for many buildings and this architectural element spread. Most churches with stone vaults built between 1890 and 1940 in the USA were designed by Guastavino's firm, as well as many other buildings across the country, particularly New York and Massachusetts.

He's buried in the St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville (North Carolina, USA), a building he designed.

[profitable-tips-for-you]

The Role of Industrial Architects in Delhi’s Growth

Delhi, a city synonymous with rapid urban and industrial growth, relies heavily on the expertise of industrial architects to drive its expansion and modernization. These professionals are tasked with designing facilities that not only meet the functional demands of industrial operations but also adhere to sustainability and efficiency standards. Here’s a closer look at the multifaceted role of…

[probablyasocialecologist]

Building at great height requires a massive amount more material than a typical high-rise. The upper storeys of super- and megatall buildings – which often include hundreds of metres of unoccupiable ‘vanity’ height – are buffeted by ferocious wind loads, with any sway at all introducing enormous destabilising forces into the structure below. They are home to hefty services that raise water, coolant, people and air to great heights, and these heights must be offset by deep underground foundations. ‘If you’ve ever seen any Revit models [of London high-rises, there is pretty much as much concrete in those foundations as there is above ground,’ says Natasha Watson, an engineer at Buro Happold who leads the firm’s efforts to measure and reduce embodied carbon in its projects. Even in areas  with firmer ground than London, Watson explains, the awe-inspiring physics of skyscrapers has a huge material cost.

In an industry that is chronically lacking in transparency around its ecological, social and labour impact, it is difficult to find good data on the carbon footprint of skyscrapers. But the assessments that are available bear out the physics. Watson and her colleagues’ modelling shows that the efficiency of structural material usage, by floor area, drops above just three storeys. According to a 2015 study commissioned by the CTBUH, the whole life emissions of both energy use and materials for a 120m concrete and steel structure are nearly five times higher than those of its 60m equivalent. Who knows what the cost becomes at 600m? 

It is not yet possible to avoid this cost by using less ecologically destructive materials. Although some 100m-tall timber buildings are beginning to appear, they are nowhere near the 600m ‘megatall’ mark. According to Watson, finding a sufficient volume and quality of reused steel and concrete structural components for such a large, high-performance building would also likely be challenging.

Even at city level, the huge carbon cost of skyscrapers fails to outweigh any potential benefits that they might achieve from restraining urban sprawl. A study in npj Urban Sustainability in 2021 showed that the most carbon-efficient way for cities to grow is by developing densely built low-rise environments. The carbon cost of taller buildings is greater than carbon savings from restricted land use. This means that high-density low-rise cities such as Paris are more carbon-efficient than high-density high-rise cities such as New York. 

[visit-new-york]

This Skyscraper is New York Blue

The form of this building is unconventional. While it features a traditional setback at the base of the office section, the design departs from convention with three volumes that recess at loggias instead of stepping back. This approach, though rare, has some precedents—One Madison in New York, the Silberturm in Frankfurt, and Calatrava's Turning Torso in Malmö offer similar gestures. The result is a visually striking and highly functional design that includes large decks for fresh air, with additional balconies on alternating floors to ensure outdoor access is easy.

As FXCollaborative’s Gustavo Rodriguez explains, the goal was to "break down the massing so it becomes more digestible." They aimed for a design that felt personal, giving tenants the ability to say, "That’s my floor" or "I’m two floors above that," fostering a sense of identity and ownership within the larger structure.

By 2023 standards, the building has remarkably little glass—just 33% of the facade. The rest is brick, carefully patterned and paired with pre-cast concrete spandrel panels. Inspired by the decorative brick piers of Ralph Walker’s designs, the facade isn't flat; it features a pleated brick pattern designed to interact dynamically with light. Avoiding disruptions at the building's corners posed a challenge, so the team created custom hand-pressed chamfered bricks to ensure a seamless look. This attention to detail extended even to the choice of brick shade, with Rodriguez noting, "We needed a New York blue; it couldn’t be a Texas blue or a Mexico blue."

The design also incorporates traditional methods, wrapping the building in elegant sunshades. These sunshades, reminiscent of divided-light industrial windows, maintain the visual integrity of the 16-to-18-foot-high windows while only attaching to mullions between panels. This approach allowed the use of low-reflectivity glass, which significantly boosted the building's energy efficiency.

Thanks to these thoughtful design elements, FXCollaborative’s office in One Willoughby earned the first LEED Platinum v4 Interior Design and Construction certification in New York City and the highest-scoring LEED v4 Commercial Interior Design and Construction rating in the country.

FXCollaborative Brings it All Together

FXCollaborative embraced an unconventional approach for One Willoughby, adding an unusually high number of exterior columns—spaced every 15 feet instead of the typical 30. This decision allowed for fully unobstructed, loft-like floors spanning 140 by 60 feet, creating expansive open spaces without sacrificing structural integrity.

The design also includes internal open staircases that connect the firm's three floors, a feature that can be replicated on other levels throughout the building. The floorplates, while open, are modest in size. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm questioned the value of massive floorplates. Gustavo Rodriguez notes, “A lot of people realize they don’t need 300 desks; they need 150. They’d rather have a smaller floor plate where they can see each other than one that wraps around a huge core, where visibility is limited.”

Flexibility was a key consideration throughout the design. Larger tenants can connect office floors with staircases, while smaller tenants can easily subdivide spaces. Now, about 60 percent of the building is leased. Before the pandemic, only FXCollaborative and a public school had committed, but the building has since attracted tenants like the Architectural Research Office, the Ms. Foundation for Women, Propel, and Gemic. Additionally, a loggia-level amenity floor provides an extra incentive for potential tenants, as highlighted by Adrian Madlener in Metropolis.

Rodriguez describes the building as a culmination of FXCollaborative’s recent work across various projects, saying, “This is the first time we were able to bring some of our areas of exploration into one building. It was a chance to synthesize all of our ideas.”

The only challenge? “The biggest trouble,” Rodriguez quips, “is having 120 architects as your clients.”

[windowlessatmosphere]

Something Real

Summary: Sky is thrilled to have his very first internship, earned entirely on his own. This is dampened slightly by the fact that he keeps getting hit on by the boss' son. When he eventually decides to drop in the fact that he has a boyfriend, his entire workplace decides that he must be making the whole thing up. Sky's not really sure whether he should be more amused or offended. Prapai has chosen offended.

It was a good feeling, to have done it on his own.

Prapai had offered to connect him with multiple architecture firms, and Payu had all but straight up told him he could come work with him.

He’d done it on his own, though.

His grades, his interview, and his letters of reference had been enough, and he had finally started his first internship. Rain had secured one, too, though not at the same firm. Not at Payu’s firm, either, much to Payu’s disappointment and Rain’s insistence.

So, they wouldn’t be working together. That was fine. Sky had already made a few friends, mostly the other interns, as well as a few of the assistants.

It had been a great experience, overall, and he was learning a lot. His resume wouldn’t suffer either, what with the company’s reputation in the industry. There was only one problem, really.

“He’s so annoying,” Sky complained, stuffing his mouth with noodles.

“Just tell him you have a boyfriend,” Rain suggested, rolling his eyes.

“He hasn't actually done anything yet,” Sky replied moodily. “He just keeps making these weird comments.”

“Just bring it up in passing, then,” Rain pivoted. “Maybe he’ll drop it.”

Sky shrugged, considering it. It was a fair point, after all, just one he hadn’t gotten the chance to try. Win had been a slight annoyance since the beginning of his internship, but he’d never really stuck around long enough to have an actual conversation.

Eventually, though, there’d be an opportunity for Sky to mention it, and then things would resolve themselves.

-----

“You look nice today.” Win flashed him a smile as he walked by, passing him before Sky could open his mouth to reply.

He glanced down at his outfit, trying to gauge whether he looked different enough today to elicit a genuine compliment, or if it was definitely flirting.

“You don’t look that nice,” Jem deadpanned, not even sparing a glance at him.

He rolled his eyes. He was wearing a new shirt today. Maybe that was it.

-----

“How about Sky?” Win suggested, fixing him with a beaming look. “He’s done so well on all his current projects.”

Sky’s boss, Sakda, fixed him with an evaluating look before agreeing with a slight nod. The initial rush of pride faded quickly. While Win was technically just a junior architect, the fact remained that his father owned the company, and Sakda was likely just agreeing with him out of deference.

Of course, there was the possibility that he was impressed with Sky’s work, but that was nearly impossible to tell. With the amount of praise Win heaped on Sky, the lines were far too blurred.

-----

“We should have coffee sometime,” Win suggested, leaning against the counter in the kitchen.

“We’re having coffee right now,” Sky pointed out, raising his own mug with a lifted brow.

Win let out a short laugh, giving him a fond smile.

“Really, though,” he continued. “Maybe on Saturday?”

Sky blinked, trying to figure out if that constituted a date or just a friendly hang-out.

“I can’t this Saturday,” he decided. “I’m going to the beach with my boyfriend.”

Win was silent for a moment. “Oh,” he said, sounding caught off guard. “Yeah. Maybe another time.”

Sky nodded, and they made light chitchat for a bit until Win made an excuse and dashed off somewhere. Sky let out a breath, the tension in his chest easing a bit now that the awkwardness had dissipated. He shot off a text to Rain with an update and immediately got back a bunch of thumbs-up emojis.

-----

“Excuse me,” he heard a voice call as he walked through the front doors. “You tell me nothing,” Jem informed him, pulling on his arm.

“Good morning to you,” he responded, a light tone of amusement clear in his words.

“Since when do you have a boyfriend?” she asked accusatorily.

“For like…two years?” he replied, furrowing his brow. “We’ve talked about him,” Sky said. They must have talked about him. “P’Pai,” he prompted her, tilting his head.

“He’s your boyfriend?” Jem asked, sounding surprised. Sky nodded, and she continued, “I thought he was just a friend.”

“Why?” Sky asked, laughing a little as they got on the elevator.

“You complain about him a lot,” she pointed out.

“He deserves it,” Sky defended himself. “Besides, he’s used to it.” The elevator doors opened, and they got out, heading to their desks.

“Show me a picture,” she said, just as they were passing Ying’s desk.

“A picture of what?” Ying interjected. “Sky’s boyfriend?”

“Why does everybody know about this?” Sky wanted to know.

“You turned Win down,” Ying pointed out.

“Finally,” Jem butted in.

“And nobody even knew you had a boyfriend.”

“Exactly,” Jem agreed. “So. Picture.”

Sky sighed, sliding his phone out of his pocket and pulling up his photos. He scrolled through a couple recent ones of the two of them before landing on one of Prapai at the park. Sky had taken it when they’d gone for a picnic, and Pai was smiling widely at the camera. It was a nice picture.

“He’s cute!” Ying said approvingly, while Jem raised a suggestive eyebrow in lieu of a comment.

“What does he do?” Jem asked, nodding towards Sky’s phone.

“He’s in business,” Sky said vaguely, continuing when Jem and Ying both stared him down. “He works for his dad’s company.”

“Who does?” Alpha’s voice came from behind him, and Sky groaned internally. 

There was really very little actual competition in the internship program. Axis Architecture encouraged a collaborative atmosphere of teamwork and communication–according to the website, anyway. Alpha, however, had made it her mission to compete with Sky at every opportunity, despite his complete and total lack of interest in reciprocating.

“Sky’s boyfriend,” Ying chimed in, ignoring both Jem and Sky’s fervent looks to say nothing.

“I heard about that,” Alpha gave him a tight smile. “Odd we hadn’t heard about him before,” she commented with a slight shrug. Sky resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Sue him for not bringing his personal life into work.

“We should probably get going,” Jem interjected, not bothering to give Alpha a fake smile. “I need to go over some things with Sky before the morning meeting.”

Sky confirmed the half-truth, figuring she probably did want to go over some things. They were just likely to be completely unrelated to work. They walked off, waiting until they were completely out of earshot before either of them spoke.

“She’s the worst,” Jem informed him, as though he was unaware. “And so are you.”

“Hey,” Sky protested.

“You tell me nothing,” she reminded him.

“I tell you things,” he defended himself. “You just assume other things.”

“Fine, fine.” She waved him off. “So tell me things, then.”

“Like…?”

“Like, what’s he like?” She rolled her eyes at him.

“He’s great,” Sky answered automatically. “He’s sweet, thoughtful, supportive, he’s got a great relationship with his family—”

“He’s hot,” Jem interjected.

“Sure,” Sky allowed. “We communicate well, and he’s in touch with his emotions and—”

“Rich,” Jem added, causing Sky to furrow his brow.

“Yes?” It came out as somewhat of a question.

“Hobbies?” she questioned, squinting her eyes as she studied Sky.

“I mean…” Sky thought about it for a moment. “He rides motorcycles? And he likes working out.”

Jem sighed.

“I support you,” she said, completely unprompted.

“Thank you?”

“And I totally get it,” she continued. “You don’t like Win, but he’s still the boss’ son. It’s cool.”

“Okay?” he replied.

“But maybe dial it back a little with the whole ‘boyfriend’ thing,” she suggested. “It’s a good idea,” she hurried to explain. “But you don’t need to make him hot and rich and into motorcycles and emotionally available.”

Sky blinked.

“I’m not—” he started.

“It’s fine,” she reassured him, giving him a hard pat on the back. “I get it.”

She walked off, leaving Sky utterly confused and standing by himself. Win rounded the corner and spotted him, giving him an awkward nod before passing him without making eye contact.

So. At least that was happening.

Jem had some weird idea that Prapai…didn’t exist? Wasn’t actually dating him? Wasn’t actually that great? At this point, he wasn’t too sure. Regardless, it would be fine. He would clear things up with her later, if she was still confused, and Win would leave him alone, and everything would be fine.

-----

His workplace had not gotten the memo.

For the rest of the day, despite the hushed voices, he heard far too many people whispering when he walked by. Speculating over whether he had a boyfriend or not, whether he’d grabbed some guy’s picture off Instagram and made the whole thing up, whether Win had been harassing him so much that it had warranted that.

Alpha was the worst of them all, of course, not bothering to make her comments to anyone other than Sky. She didn’t come right out and say it, but it was clear she thought Sky was full of shit and wanted everyone else to think so, too.

It was infuriating, especially so because no one—excluding Jem—had actually accused him of lying about anything. He couldn’t exactly start brandishing pictures of him with Prapai at people when they were just talking amongst themselves.

I mean, he could. It just probably wouldn’t go that well.

“So, Sky,” an incredibly annoying voice interrupted his musing. He sighed, bracing himself before turning to face Alpha.

“Yes?” he asked, raising an eyebrow and trying to keep his exasperation from bleeding into his tone.

“I’ve been hearing so much about your boyfriend lately.” The amount of false brightness in her tone was insufferable. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

Sky resisted the urge to laugh. Like that was happening. His disbelief must have been evident on his face, though, as she clarified, “You’ll be bringing him to the gala, right? Everybody gets a plus one.”

He racked his brain, finally pulling up a vague memory of a quickly-skimmed email from a while ago.

“Right,” he said. “The gala.”

“Everyone’s so excited to meet him,” she emphasized, raising a challenging eyebrow.

“Well,” he replied. “He’ll be there.”

-----

“I can’t be there.”

“P’Pai!”

“I’m sorry,” Prapai said, looking contrite. “If you had mentioned something sooner…” Sky shot him a withering glare. “I am sorry,” he reiterated. “But I’ll be in London that whole week for work. It’s unavoidable.”

Sky groaned, ignoring Pai’s raised eyebrows when he slid off the couch onto the floor, defeated.

“You don’t usually want me at these things,” Prapai reminded him. That was true. It wasn’t that Sky didn’t enjoy his presence, it was just that he liked to keep his work and his personal life separate. Until now, apparently.

“There’s this guy…” he trailed off, shaking his head. It was fine. Pai couldn’t come, anyway.

“What guy?” Prapai wanted to know immediately, eyes narrowing.

“The boss’ son,” Sky explained. “He was kind of…hitting on me.” 

Prapai grumbled under his breath.

“So I told him I had a boyfriend,” Sky continued, rolling his eyes at the way Pai immediately brightened. “And now everyone thinks I made you up.”

“I’m not made up,” Prapai said, clearly offended at the idea. “I’m real! I’m right here.”

“Yes, I’m aware,” Sky said, half-laughing as he shook his head. “It’s fine. I promise.”

-----

“It’s fine,” Sky told Jem through gritted teeth. She gave him a doubtful look before her eyes flicked over to a group in the corner, which, of course, included Alpha.

“Apparently, he can’t come,” Alpha said in a faux-whisper, more than loud enough for Sky to hear. “Convenient.”

Jem rolled her eyes and dragged him away by his arm.

“Look,” she said, once they were alone. “Just say that you broke up. It’ll all blow over.”

“What?” Sky blinked at her, confused.

“I can start the rumor,” she offered, tilting her head at him.

“What?” he said again.

“And if Win starts bothering you, just say you’re still getting over it and you’re not ready to date. People will stop talking, and you won’t have to make excuses when he doesn’t show up for the next event. Or the one after that. Or the one after that.”

“Jem!” he protested, genuinely frustrated that she, of all people, didn’t believe him either. “He’ll come to the next thing,” he told her. “He’s just out of town.”

“In London, you mean?” raising an eyebrow skeptically. “You could’ve come up with something a little more believable,” she insisted, shaking her head before she turned to leave.

Sky opened his mouth to explain himself further, then stopped. Whatever. It wasn’t worth it. With his luck, Pai would be busy next time, and then he’d look even stranger.

On the bright side, now he had to go to the gala by himself, with everyone whispering about him. Including his friends, apparently. He could barely stand the excitement.

-----

“I hate this,” Sky hissed to Jem, trying to keep his expression neutral as Alpha strode over confidently.

“Do you want me to kick her in the shins?” she whispered back, and he couldn’t hold back a smile.

“Maybe,” he muttered, just before Alpha reached them, several of the other interns clustered around her.

“Sky!” She gave him a wide smile. “How nice to see you.”

He did his best to return the smile, but couldn’t bring himself to echo her sentiment. It really wasn’t that nice.

“It’s really a shame,” she continued, undeterred. “We were all looking forward to meeting this boyfriend of yours, weren’t we?” The other interns looked slightly uncomfortable at being directly invited into the conflict and just murmured something incomprehensible in response.

“I’m sure we’ll meet him next time,” she continued. Sky refrained from rolling his eyes. “You know, unless he’s out of town again?”

Sky opened his mouth to reply, not entirely sure what he was about to say, when he was interrupted.

“Sky!” A familiar voice came from behind him, and he turned around to see Prapai. Prapai, who was in London. Though, apparently not.

“P’Pai?” he asked, obvious confusion seeping into his words. Pai was smiling widely as he came over.

“Maybe,” he answered, eyes sparkling. Sky rolled his eyes.

“You’re supposed to be in London,” he reminded him.

“I worked hard,” Pai defended himself. “Pa let me duck out early so I could make it here in time. Aren’t you supposed to be happy to see me?” he pouted.

Sky rolled his eyes.

“Sure,” he allowed, unable to fully suppress his smile as Prapai leaned in to kiss him quickly.

Jem made a sound in her throat, reminding Sky of the fact that he was surrounded by coworkers.

“Sorry, sorry,” he said hastily. He turned around, blinking when he realized that the crowd had grown, all of the other interns now peering curiously at Prapai.

“This is P’Pai,” he directed his words mostly at Jem and Ying, who had also appeared out of nowhere. “P’Pai, this is Jem and Ying,” he gestured, “and my coworkers,” he landed on, nodding to the crowd as a whole.

“Nice to meet you all,” Prapai grinned widely, pretending to be wildly oblivious to the fact that he had been such a topic of conversation.

Alpha was gaping a bit, clearly lost for words in a way that Sky couldn’t deny was satisfying. Win was a ways behind her, with a similar expression on his face. Sky decided immediately not to introduce him to Prapai.

“Can I get you a drink?” Pai asked, nodding at the empty glass Sky was holding.

“Sure,” Sky said, blushing a bit when Pai kissed him on the cheek before heading off.

“He seems great,” Ying said, not even waiting for Prapai to be out of earshot.

“So great,” Jem agreed. “I never doubted you for a second.”

Sky stared at her for a second, incredulously. A moment of silence passed between them.

“Does he really ride motorcycles, though, or was that…?”

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