#bahad

Our supervisor, Ruthie, is like a superhero. She made sure we got the most out of this learning adventure. We did all sorts of cool stuff and talked about designs at every step of the way. Imagine getting to join in on those creative chats!

I've got to send a big thank you to Ruthie and the whole RODE Architects crew. They gave us, the BAC students, an unbelievably awesome chance to learn and grow. I can't help but look ahead and dream about meeting them again someday. Who knows, maybe we'll team up once more?

A remarkable mentor assumes the role of a knowledgeable and compassionate guide, offering a blend of expertise and empathy. They provide invaluable constructive feedback, assist in setting meaningful goals, and encourage mentees to step beyond their comfort zones, all while embodying positive conduct for emulation. This mentorship dynamic thrives as a nurturing, mutual relationship, wherein the mentor imparts their wisdom and proficiency. In turn, they cultivate the mentee's personal growth, refine their skills, and instill the confidence needed to realize their aspirations.

In the context of an architectural office at RODE, an exemplary mentor like Ruthie exemplifies cooperative leadership. Ruthie draws from her wealth of experience to offer wise insights, serving as a reliable compass for maneuvering through the intricacies of design challenges and project nuances. This cooperative mentorship approach creates an atmosphere that uplifts and inspires. Ruthie's mentorship cultivates skill development and cultivates a sense of self-assurance among mentees. This environment becomes a breeding ground for innovative thought, where fresh ideas are nurtured and given space to flourish.

Client: Transom Real Estate

282 Bremen Street is situated at the intersection of lush greenspace and the urban core of East Boston, presenting both opportunities and challenges for a mixed-use structure. To tackle this, we extensively examined site limitations, local architecture, and community impact. The design mirrors the area's rhythm, with the building's scale, rooflines, and materials drawing inspiration from the existing three-story, multifamily homes. The innovative concept accommodates 139 residential units, including 13 artist-specific ones, along with communal artist areas. A street-level retail space and art workspace enrich the ground floor. The building's setback enhances walkability, while elevated features ensure resilience against floods and future climate impacts.

RODE Architects represents a dynamic hub for personal development and collaborative innovation, strengthened by thorough research and a tight-knit community. This collective thrives on its diverse membership, boasting varied backgrounds and rich histories in design. The hallmark of this ecosystem is seamless and cooperative teamwork, where participants unite harmoniously. What truly distinguishes this community is the individualized manner in which members engage with the design process, fostering a culture of mutual learning. Open-mindedness and receptivity take center stage, with a genuine eagerness to lend an ear and embrace original viewpoints. This extends to valuing both the individuals themselves and the innovative design solutions they contribute to the discourse. A standout aspect is the remarkable inclination for self-initiated idea sharing, underscored by a universal willingness to assemble insights from peers. The widespread philosophy revolves around collaborative growth, with each individual dedicated to refining their own competencies while simultaneously charting optimal trajectories for projects. This inescapable educational character is tangible throughout the entire design process, encapsulating every step. In this environment, inclusivity succeeds as everyone holds the potential to infuse value into each project. The unparalleled opportunity for collective involvement in every endeavor is particularly noteworthy, fostering unparalleled self-improvement prospects within the architectural realm. Every participant gains exposure to an array of projects, an invaluable steppingstone toward honing their craft. 

 I kicked off my day meeting my awesome BAC buddies, Minerva Gonzalez and Qiaoer Tan. We dived right into the world of RODE Architects, and let me tell you, Mondays there are no ordinary Mondays. The week starts with this super cool standup report, everyone gathered in a big circle, oozing positivity, and pumped-up energy. So, after we've soaked up the week's updates and discussed what's cooking in the office, we make our grand entrance. Yep, we introduced ourselves to the whole team. Settling into our desk space, we're greeted by Anna Arnot, sustainability guru, Ben Bruce, the urban planner, and Ruthie Kuhlman. They're not just builders; they're mentors. They give us the lowdown on our weekly gig and chat with us like old pals, answering all our questions.

Lunchtime rolls around, and Amanda Dexter, Caroline Jones, and Zoe Wong took us to a cozy corner restaurant in South End.

We got to pick their brains, and let me tell you, it's like a casual brainstorm session with the coolest minds in the game.

Back in the office post-lunch, it's time for some behind-the-scenes action. We're given the keys to the project kingdom, and boy, it's like having backstage passes to a concert. We're diving into projects headfirst, exploring every nook and cranny.

Hold on tight because the day's not over. We're not just chilling; we're diving into an almost passive affordable housing project with the architectural dream team, Ben Wan and Katya Stassen. We're talking challenges, we're talking permits, and we're talking about some jaw-dropping moments on the site. And then, BAM!, they hit us with this incredible presentation that leaves us absolutely floored. 

As the day wraps up, we're still buzzing with excitement, doing some more exploring. Yeah, it's a day in the life, but let me tell you, it's not your average day. It's like being on a whirlwind adventure through the world of architecture, and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I appreciate Angela and Martin for being such great supervisors and thank you for patiently hosting us for a week.