#maria p.

[shibuyatokyo]

Maria P.

[shibuyatokyo]

Maria P.

[bac-connex]

Thank You Rafael Viñoly Architects!

My time at Rafael Viñoly Architects was an invaluable experience! I worked on modeling for 2 big projects and got to dip my toes in interior design! These opportunities helped me strengthen my technical skills while learning how design ideas take shape through collaboration and feedback. The mentorship I received made me more confident in balancing creativity with practicality! Happy to have gotten this experience!

[bac-connex]

A Reliable Buddy

The reading helped me reflect on how valuable peer support can be during a professional experience! My Prwctkce ConnEx buddy, Sanchita and I had the opportunity to do our externship in the big apple! We worked side by side in the same projects, including the site modeling of Randall’s Island and exploring interior design.

One action I am committing to this year is sharing opportunities and resources with my peers. Just like Sanchita and I supported each other during our externship, whether through problem solving in modeling or discussing design issues, I want to continue building that kind of mutual sponsorship in my academic and professional life.

[bac-connex]

An Inspiring Mentor

Reading the AIA Guide, reminded me how meaningful mentorship can be when it balances guidance with encouragement. During my externship at Rafael Viñoly Architects, I had the opportunity to learn from my interior design mentor. She involved me directly in the design of a multifamily project’s amenity space, where I modeled a design option and received her thoughtful feedback.

From this experience, I’ve come to see that an effective mentor not only shares technical knowledge but also creates space for curiosity and experimentation. She demonstrated patience and openness, encouraging me to think critically about design decisions while also showing me how interior architecture can merge creativity with practicality.

As a mentee, I realized the importance of being proactive — asking questions, listening carefully, and taking responsibility for learning. Mentorship at Rafael Viñoly Architects often happened through collaboration on active projects. Instead of just observing, I was given tasks where I could contribute meaningfully, which made the mentorship feel hands-on and authentic.

[bac-connex]

A Collaborative Client

One project that inspires me from Rafael Viñoly Architects is an interior design project in Uruguay, where the firm was responsible for designing the lobby of a multifamily residential building. The client was a local developer seeking to create a welcoming, functional, and elegant entry space for the residents.

In speaking with someone at the office, I learned how this type of client relationship requires a balance between listening and guiding. Developers often have clear ideas about what they want—cost considerations, market appeal, or certain finishes—but the design team also brings their own creativity and architectural vision to the table. The culture of this client encouraged the firm to practice flexibility: they must respect the client’s opinion, but they also try to introduce creative elements that elevate the project beyond what the client initially imagined.

For me, this was eye-opening. It shows that design is not only about aesthetic or technical skill, but also about communication and negotiation

[bac-connex]

It looked like share understanding!

Intercultural Competence is the ability to engage respectfully, thoughtfully, and effectively with people of different cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. It goes beyond simple awareness—it requires openness, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from differences while finding shared ground.

At Rafael Viñoly Architects, Intercultural Competence looks like global awareness and practical development. While the firm has a presence in New York, its main office is in Uruguay, and many of its projects are located throughout South America. This global orientation means that design teams constantly navigate cultural differences while working to understand local contexts. Resourcefulness plays a big role—projects often rely on sourcing materials from the regions where they are built, requiring sensitivity to both cultural practices and local economies.

In this environment, Intercultural Competence is about influence through collaboration. Designers adapt to the realities of building in diverse cultural and geographical settings, respecting community needs while using creativity to solve logistical challenges. The office culture reflects a belief that cultural awareness enriches design, and that thoughtful engagement with different traditions and contexts is essential for creating meaningful architecture.

[bac-connex]

Workplace NYC Edition!

As mentioned in the AIA Guide 2 reading, workplace culture can vary significantly between firms, often depending on the size of the office. I completely agree with this idea—smaller firms tend to feel more like a close-knit community.

On my first day at RVA, I got to experience their unique workplace culture firsthand, and I was honestly so impressed. When I arrived, we had to fill out some paperwork, which took a bit of time, but what struck me immediately was how peaceful the office felt. It was almost completely silent, except for the calming sound of birds—turns out, they play nature sounds throughout the day!

The space is filled with plants, and during our office tour, they even showed us how they’re growing food on their balcony! The atmosphere felt so thoughtful and intentional. Everyone I’ve met so far has been incredibly kind and welcoming, and I think the serene environment they’ve created plays a big part in that.

We also had the chance to talk with the head of interior design, who took the time to walk us through some of her current projects and answer our questions—which was such a great learning moment.

Now we’ve been assigned to work on site planning for two upcoming projects located on Randall’s Island. I’m super excited for the rest of the week! :)