#malakf

Experiencing this externship alongside Jainan made the week feel more grounded and meaningful. Having someone from the BAC going through the same first impressions, questions, and moments of discovery created an easy sense of support. We checked in with each other throughout each day, compared what we were learning, and helped one another stay on track when things felt new or unfamiliar. That shared experience made the whole environment feel more approachable.

Over the course of the externship, my mentor Gamze Kahya played a huge role in making the experience feel grounded and meaningful. She approached every explanation with patience and clarity, and always encouraged us to think through each step rather than rushing to the answer. Her style emphasized independence, but with a strong safety net of support.

From the reading, a good mentor is someone who provides guidance, shares technical insight, and pushes a mentee toward growth. A good mentee listens, asks questions, and shows initiative. At RVA, mentorship happens naturally through conversations at desks, impromptu design discussions, or simply observing how people solve problems collaboratively.

One project that came up in conversation at the office this week was the Tokyo International Forum. It's an iconic civic complex known for its dramatic glass hall and its role as a major public venue in the center of Tokyo. What interested me most wasn’t just its architecture, but how the client behind it, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, shaped the project’s direction by prioritizing openness, accessibility, and cultural exchange. Their goals pushed the design toward a space that invites people in despite being located between two of the busiest transit hubs in the city.

When I asked someone in the office about how a client like this influences RVA’s culture, they explained that working with mission‑driven public clients encourages the firm to think beyond aesthetics. It creates a culture where social impact becomes part of the design conversation. Where circulation, usability, and community experience matter just as much as form.

Intercultural Competence is the ability to navigate cultural differences through awareness, listening, and intentional understanding. At RVA, this shows up in the way people communicate across teams and disciplines. The office brings together individuals from many backgrounds, and the environment encourages asking questions, exchanging perspectives, and learning from each other.

What stands out most is how often people explain not just what they’re doing, but why they’re doing it. That layer of openness creates an atmosphere where different viewpoints are not just heard, but genuinely valued. Whether we were reviewing project models or observing coordination conversations, there was a clear effort to ensure everyone (including us as visitors) stayed on the same page.

Day one at Rafael Viñoly Architects flew by in the best way! We arrived to a warm welcome, and Lindsay helped us get oriented with paperwork, office logistics, and some great recommendations for exploring New York. After settling in, we toured the office with Lal and Anna, who made sure we knew where everything was (especially the coffee machine!)

Once we got started on the project we were assigned to, everyone was incredibly open and helpful. Any time we felt stuck, someone was ready to guide us, which immediately showed how supportive and connected the workplace culture is here. RVA’s environment is fast‑paced, design‑driven, and highly collaborative, but what stood out most was how intentional people are about making newcomers feel included.

I’m Malak Fahmy, I’m in my first year of the Masters of Architecture program at the BAC. I was born and raised in Egypt, a country known for its rich history and culture, and it has definitely influenced the way I think about design. Growing up there and then immigrating to the US has shaped my approach to creating spaces that are functional, accessible, enhance the way people experience them.

If you see one you like feel free to ask me to elaborate, I pretty much tried to did out the oc's with the most trauma

Hibiki;

Forced amputation/mauling/severe burns

Gretta;

Loss of ones self/possession

Harrlet;

Forced amputation/Discrimination

Malak F;