#iconarchitecture

One mentorship action I will commit to this year is actively seeking feedback and guidance instead of waiting for it to be offered. The reading emphasized that strong mentorship is not passive—it requires initiative from the mentee as well. I’m ready to commit to this because I’ve gained more confidence in my interests and goals within architecture, especially after seeing how open and encouraging mentorship can be in a professional setting. By asking questions, requesting critiques, and following up on advice, I can make mentorship more meaningful while also showing respect for my mentors’ time and experience. This commitment will help me grow more intentionally and take greater responsibility for my own professional development.

ICON truly feels like a place where people belong. The architects always make us feel comfortable and confident to speak, ask questions, and share ideas. Being here shows me what intercultural competence looks like in action: respect, listening, teamwork, and creating space for everyone to grow.

Today, the ICON team had the opportunity to learn about the firm’s dynamics. I found it very interesting that the firm does not assign desks. Instead, employees must reserve the desk they want to use in advance on the days they go into the office. This system was implemented so that everyone has the chance to sit by the curtain wall and enjoy the beautiful view of Boston Common, fostering an inclusive and diverse culture for all.

An exceptional mentor demonstrates genuine care for their mentees’ growth, just as our mentor at ICON Architecture did. Joe Daigneault was fantastic—warm, approachable, and genuinely invested in ensuring we gained meaningful experience during the externship. He provided invaluable insights into working in a professional environment like Icon Architecture, offering practical advice not only about the firm but about the broader architecture sector. His guidance went beyond theoretical knowledge, as he gave us small assignments tailored to our architectural practice, helping us develop skills relevant for future roles. His mentorship highlighted important qualities such as sincerity, openness, and a commitment to nurturing growth.

At my time at ICON I got to work as a group in basically every assignment. This taught me so much not only about architecture but also collaborations in the work space and how every one has to be respected. At the BAC I feel like I often work by myself so this was a great remainder of what sharing your opinion and maybe choosing someone else's is important.

I can also see that even though there are higherkeys, those at the end of the food chain are also respected and valued for their time.

We also greatly discussed projects in which old schools and stables are being adapted into apartments. We talked about how you can get tax money for preserving some aspects of these old buildings which was super cool.