#asilhank

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.