Hello everyone! March has been a month of transition, both in the city and in my experience at Fogarty Finger. As winter slowly came to an end, I had the chance to enjoy the first signs of spring in Boston, along with what felt like the last snow of the season. Seeing the city change again—from snowy streets to sunnier days—has been a reminder of how dynamic and alive Boston is. Outside of work, I continued exploring the cultural side of the city. I visited several museums at Harvard University museums as well as the Institute of Contemporary Art. Each visit offered a different perspective and a new source of inspiration. I also had the chance to experience a classic Boston activity—going to see the Boston Celtics play—which was an exciting and very “American” experience. At the office, things have been very active. We currently have a lot of projects, and I’ve had the opportunity to work on different types, ranging from amenity spaces to office design. This variety has been very enriching, as it allows me to understand different scales and approaches within the same firm. At the same time, I continue improving my technical skills, especially through learning Revit, which is becoming an essential tool in my daily work. In addition, I have started to take on more responsibility within the office by helping organize lunch & learn sessions. These meetings are a great way to get to know new materials, products, and innovations in the market, while also creating moments for the team to connect and share knowledge. Being involved in organizing them has allowed me to engage more actively with the team and better understand the industry. Overall, March has been a month of balance between work and exploration. On one hand, I am gaining valuable professional experience and developing new skills; on the other hand, I am continuing to discover the city, its culture, and its energy. As spring fully arrives, I’m excited to spend more time outdoors and keep growing both personally and professionally in this experience. . [activecampaign form=264]

Benjamin Hall Design has developed a guest house in Phoenix designed for a multigenerational family, creating a striking contrast with the 1970s-era main house. The project, known as the Moon Valley Residence, blends into its surroundings through a fragmented volume and an orientation that frames the views of Lookout Mountain, while maintaining its independence thanks to its layout and a curved wall that enhances privacy. Image courtesy of Benjamin Hall Design Want to know more? Check it out on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]

Visiting the Guggenheim Museum in New York is, of course, nothing new. This must have been my fourth time exploring an exhibition there. I happened to come across the exhibition announcement in a design and architecture newsletter, and what I love about being in New York is exactly that: you discover something one day and can experience it the next. On the Upper East Side of Manhattan, right along Fifth Avenue and directly facing Central Park, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum stands as one of New York’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1959, the building breaks away from the traditional museum model in almost every way. Rather than moving through a sequence of rectangular galleries, visitors enter a bright central atrium and follow a continuous spiral ramp that gently ascends along the perimeter. This upward movement defines the entire experience. The ramp creates a slow, uninterrupted flow, where art is encountered gradually rather than in isolated rooms. At the same time, the open rotunda allows you to constantly look across and down the space, catching glimpses of artworks from multiple angles and distances. It’s a museum that encourages movement, shifting perspectives, and a more fluid way of engaging with art. The new temporary exhibition focused on Carol Bove, an American contemporary artist known for her sculptural work that explores material, form, and balance. Based in New York, with a studio in Brooklyn, she often works with industrial materials such as stainless steel, shaping and bending them into expressive, almost spontaneous-looking forms. Her sculptures challenge the perception of weight and stability, appearing both strong and delicate at the same time. Beyond her well-known steel works, Bove’s practice also includes installations, found objects, and works on paper. This was my first time seeing Bove’s work in person. I was already familiar with her bent steel sculptures, but had been wanting to explore more of her work for a long time. Seeing her work up close, and discovering especially her older work, was very impressive. I’ve admired her balance between strength and softness and also really enjoyed being able to view her artworks from different angles and distances, discovering new compositions while moving up and down the rotunda. [activecampaign form=266]

Henriquez Partners Architects has designed Vancouver’s first supertall skyscraper: a 314-meter tower that will anchor the new Georgia & Abbott development. Its structure features a steel exoskeleton clad in white panels and expansive surfaces of translucent glass, setting a new benchmark on the city’s skyline. Inspired by ancient marine sponge reefs, the project aims to blend into its surroundings through a symbolic and environmentally conscious approach. The complex is complemented by two additional towers, a podium that preserves the historic facade of the 1926 Randall Building, and a public plaza featuring retail and dining spaces. Image courtesy of Holborn Group Want to know more? Check it out on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]

Introduction

 As a big sports fan in brazil, one of my goals while enjoying this experience in the USA was to get in touch with their sports as well. So, after experiencing an NFL Football game in the Jacksonville stadium, I decided to try Hockey this time. 

How the game works

 Since it was my first time watching a hockey game, I needed some explanation before getting there. And, from what I understood, it's similar to soccer. To the extent of having two teams play against each other by trying to aim the object of play into the opponent's goal. In soccer, it is a ball, but in Hockey, they use the puck. What differs is that in a hockey game, they maneuver the puck with another object, a hockey stick.

Experience

I had the opportunity to go to a hockey game in Tampa last Tuesday. The hometown team, Tampa Lightning, played against Minnesota Wilds at Amelia Arena. The first quarter was tough; they were even most of the time. However, the second one was full of goals for both sides. And the third one was when Tampa could open two goals of advantage by the end of the game and guarantee victory.  Some players fought during the game, especially when the opposing team hit their goalie, but nothing too serious. The crowd went crazy with it, and it was funny to watch it. Personally, I am not a big fan of fights, but it's allowed inside the game until an instance, and the guys over there seemed used to it. 

Space

Amelia Arena is gorgeous. As a multipurpose arena, it hosts activities such as ice hockey, basketball, football, concerts, and other events. The project started in 1996 with Ellerbe Becket as the responsible architect: at the time, they called it "Ice Palace." Check it out if you are in the downtown Tampa area; it's worth it.

Conclusion

As one of the most fun activities I've done so far, I recommend the experience. Even if you were like me, someone who had no idea how this sport worked before seeing it. The crowd is fun to be around, and the game itself is dynamic and exciting; easy to get the rules as long as they play. From now on, I know that I'll watch it more often; it's fun! [activecampaign form=266]

My first month in New York City is coming to an end. As soon as I arrived, I wanted to explore the city without wasting any time, but I was a little discouraged by the cold. I decided to take advantage of the winter weather by focusing on indoor activities, especially visiting museums.

The MOMA: an immersion in modern art

The first museum I visited was the Museum of Modern Art. It felt wonderful to walk through the galleries filled with paintings, photographs, and sculptures from different periods. I was especially surprised by the number of architecture exhibits: hand drawings, photographs, and even architectural models were displayed in the gallery; I was happy to find pieces of Mies van der Rohe's work that I have been studying in class.

I went to MoMA knowing that I would finally see one of my favorite paintings: The Starry Night by Van Gogh. Many people were standing around, quietly admiring its beauty. I stayed there for a long time, staring at the swirling sky and vibrant colors, which seemed even brighter and more alive in real life.

The Museum of Natural History: a travel in time

A week later, I stepped into a completely different universe at the American Museum of Natural History. From the present-day living world to dinosaurs and the birth of galaxies, it felt like traveling through millions of years in just a few hours.

The first moment that amazed me was walking into the hall of ocean life and seeing the enormous blue whale suspended from the ceiling. I had seen pictures of it before, but seeing it in person was a completely different experience. Then I walked through the dinosaurs galleries. Just like the blue whale, their size was overwhelming. It was fascinating to imagine how these incredible creatures once lived and how they evolved into the animals we know today. I also attended a planetarium show about the creation of our galaxy. The images were breathtaking, and the story of the Milky Way was beautifully narrated by actor Pedro Pascal.

This first month in New York has already been filled with discovery and wonder. If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what is next.

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This last month was full of adventures. I have visited Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, Jensen Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens. On St Patrick's Day, I had the opportunity to celebrate at Jacksonville Beach. It was my second time celebrating the holiday here in the US. Last year I could celebrate it in Tampa with some friends. But I realized I didn't adequately explain the holiday then, so here we go.

The celebration

For those who don't know, St. Patrick's Day is on March 17th, an Irish holiday that America embraced due to the number of Irish descendants that built this nation.  According to my brief research, some cities with an expressive number of Irish immigrants, who often exert political power, staged the most extensive celebrations, which included elaborate parades. For instance, the first St. Patrick's Day parade was held by Boston in 1737, followed by New York City in 1762. Since 1962 Chicago has colored its river green to mark the holiday.  Irish and non-Irish alike typically join the party in the "wearing of the green"—wearing a piece of cloth of green or a shamrock - the Irish national plant - in the lapel. In addition, some traditional dishes as corned beef or even cabbage, are identified as part of the holiday. Finally, the beer is sometimes dyed green to celebrate the day. Even though some of these practices were eventually adopted by the Irish themselves, the reason at the beginning was mainly for the benefit of tourists.

The story 

St. Patrick is well-known as the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at 16 and taken to Ireland as an enslaved person. He escaped but returned about 432 CE to convert the Irish to Christianity. By his death on March 17th, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools. Many legends grew around him—for example, he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Trinity. Ireland came to celebrate his day with religious services and feasts.

My personal experience

I could celebrate the holiday over Jacksonville beach. We were all trying to dress anything green and went to an Irish bar; we could enjoy some Celtic songs over there, which was nice. Unlikely last year, when the holiday ended up being on a weekend that we celebrated the entire day, this one was a Friday night, which was also excellent but shorter than the previous year. It's a fun holiday anyway; I recommend everyone to join it! [activecampaign form=264]

Construction on the new Austin Convention Center, designed by LMN Architects in collaboration with the local firm Page (architecture firm), is now underway following approval by a local judge. The previous complex, which opened in 1992 and occupied six city blocks in downtown Austin, was demolished last year to make way for the new project, conceived as two large volumes connected by an open courtyard. The project sparked public debate after a citizen petition sought to halt construction, arguing that the land could be put to other urban uses. However, the appeal was ultimately dismissed by the court, and construction continues. The new center, closely linked to the South by Southwest festival, features a vertical layout and partially restores the urban fabric through outdoor spaces and event areas distributed across multiple levels. Image courtesy of LMN Architects Want to know more? Check it out on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]

My J-1 Visa Internship Experience: Preparing for San Diego

An overview of myself...

My name is Isabel, I’m Spanish,and this is my J-1 visa internship experience as I prepare to move from Madrid to the United States. I’m currently studying a Master’s in Industrial Engineering in Madrid. I’m the eldest of five siblings, so I’ve always been used to living in a busy, lively environment, and I think that has made me very independent, responsible and adaptable.

I would describe myself as a very curious and ambitious person, but also very personal and family-oriented. Outside of university, one of the things I love most is music. I’ve always enjoyed it a lot, and it’s a big part of who I am. I also enjoy sports, meeting new people, and saying yes to experiences that challenge me and help me grow.

Getting started and general concernes...

Before starting this process, I was mainly worried that the visa application would take a long time or be more complicated than expected. At first, all the paperwork seemed a bit overwhelming, but once I started going through it step by step, it felt much more manageable.

I heard about the program searching for a way to live and exciting and enriching international experience.  The process was incredibly  well guided, everything was clearly explained, and whenever I had doubts, I felt supported, which made the whole experience much less stressful.

Embassy appointment experience...

My Embassy appointment went well and was actually much quicker than I had imagined. My main advice would be to bring all your documents well organized, arrive early, and stay calm. The interview was short and straightforward, so being prepared and confident really helps. Also, do not forget to leave your laptops at home!!!

In a nutshell, a great opportunity...

I got the opportunity through my academic and professional path, but what excites me most about this experience is not only the work itself — it’s everything that comes with living in the U.S. I’m looking forward to growing as a person, becoming even more independent, discovering a new culture from the inside, and learning from a completely different environment.

For me, the American experience is not just about going abroad. It’s about challenging myself, opening my mind, and making memories that I know will stay with me for a lifetime.

I will keep you updated and tell you about my adventures!

Here are some links for your interest:

Home Page - BridgeUSABridgeUSA

U.S. Visas

Isabel.

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The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago will open to the public on June 19, 2026, coinciding with US Independence Day. Located in Jackson Park on the city's South Side, the 7.7-hectare campus was designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects in collaboration with Interactive Design Architects, with landscaping by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. The announcement was made by Barack Obama in a video message posted on March 7, the anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches. A phrase from his 2015 speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of those marches, which begins with “You are America,” has been incorporated into the architecture of the museum tower through letters cut out of the façade that allow light to pass through the building into the interior spaces. Image courtesy of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects Want to know more? It's on Archdaily! [activecampaign form=284]

[caption id="attachment_13448" align="alignright" width="150"] Historic Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California.[/caption]

Preparing for the NCARB licensure process while working full time at SENER Los Angeles has been one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of my experience in the United States. What initially felt overwhelming gradually became an opportunity to truly understand what it means to grow as an architect in a global and competitive market.

Studying for licensure while actively participating in real projects has given me a deeper perspective on architecture. Theory and practice constantly intersect, and each day at work reinforces what I’m learning for the exams. In many ways, the NCARB licensure process has helped me see architecture not only as a creative discipline, but also as a profession built on responsibility, standards, and long-term commitment.

Professional Practice and the NCARB Licensure Process

Working at SENER has allowed me to experience firsthand how large-scale projects are managed in the U.S. market. Collaboration, coordination, and clearly defined processes play a key role in every stage of development. At the same time, preparing for the NCARB licensure process has made me more aware of the technical, ethical, and regulatory aspects that shape architectural practice in the United States.

Balancing both paths requires discipline and consistency. There are long days, tight schedules, and moments of doubt. However, this combination has strengthened my confidence and clarified my professional goals. As a result, understanding how licensure aligns with daily practice has made the process feel purposeful rather than abstract.

Understanding the Business Side of Architecture in the U.S.

Beyond design and technical skills, one of the most valuable discoveries has been learning how architecture firms operate as businesses in the U.S. market. Being exposed to discussions about project management, business development, and firm growth has expanded my understanding of what it takes to build and sustain an architectural practice.

Moreover, observing how new companies emerge, how teams position themselves in the market, and how strategy influences design decisions has been eye-opening. Architecture in the United States is deeply connected to entrepreneurship, and understanding this connection has helped me identify new possibilities for my own professional future.

Reflections on Growth and Direction

Looking back, I realize that this phase has been about much more than exams or professional experience. It has been about learning how to balance ambition with patience, effort with resilience, and goals with adaptability. Preparing for the NCARB licensure process while working at SENER has taught me that growth often happens when we challenge ourselves on multiple levels at once.

If there’s one lesson this journey continues to teach me, it’s this: professional growth is not linear, but every step even the difficult ones builds a stronger foundation for the future.

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February in Boston has truly felt like a classic New England winter. It has been snowing frequently, transforming the city into a white landscape that feels almost cinematic. As someone coming from a different climate, experiencing such intense snowfall has been both beautiful and challenging. The rhythm of the city changes with the weather — streets become quieter, movements slower, and architecture feels even more present against the white backdrop.

Professionally, this month has been very productive. At Fogarty Finger, I have been working on office projects both in Boston and in New York. It has been exciting to contribute to projects in two cities with such distinct urban identities. Boston’s historic fabric and New York’s density create very different design conversations, and being exposed to both contexts has allowed me to broaden my understanding of workplace design in the United States.

One of the most exciting developments this month has been the growth of our team. The office is expanding, welcoming new architects and designers, which brings fresh energy and new perspectives into the studio. It is inspiring to be part of a growing team where collaboration and exchange of ideas are constant. As an international architect on a J1 visa, being included in this dynamic environment makes the experience even more meaningful.

Beyond work, I have been embracing winter activities and the cultural life of the city. I even went ice skating — something I had rarely done before — which felt like a true Boston experience. Despite the cold, the city remains active and vibrant, with exhibitions, events, and gatherings that make winter feel alive rather than restrictive.

February has been a month of adaptation and growth: adapting to the snow, growing professionally within a dynamic office, and continuing to immerse myself in American culture. Each month here reinforces how valuable this international experience is, both personally and professionally.

I look forward to what the next season will bring.

[caption id="attachment_43878" align="alignnone" width="300"] Processed with VSCO with b5 preset[/caption]

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The American architecture firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture has completed the 47-story residential skyscraper Una Residences in Miami, a project that stands out for its wraparound terraces and elegant façade designed to maximize views of the bay. The building is located in South Brickell, across from the canal near the Rickenbacker Causeway, in one of the city's most exclusive residential areas. The design was developed by the firm's founders, Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, former partners at SOM and responsible for the design of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. At Una Residences, they apply their characteristic aerodynamic approach to a context that is very typical of Miami: a high-end luxury skyscraper that combines open views, spacious outdoor areas, and structural solutions capable of responding to the demands of coastal winds. Image courtesy of Adrian Smith + Gordon Hill Architecture Want to know more? It's on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]

Empathy as a designing core value

Hi Architect-US crew, In this blog post, I want to dive deep into one of the biggest discoveries I have made since working at Wheeler & Kearns Architects in Chicago. As soon as I hear from the Architect-US team that I was going to have an interview with them, I started to search and read about this office, its work, and its mission. I had some previous experience doing other internships at different offices, but none can compare to this one. Even though their focus wasn’t mainly residential, I never came upon an office that had non-profit projects as one of their pillars. When I first started my internship here in Chicago, I was introduced to this hybrid way of working. Combining very high-end housing with the need of giving back to the community. This balance has been without any doubt the most fulfilling experience I have ever had since I came to the US. The care and empathy that are shown in any of these non-profit projects have totally blown my mind. On top of that, it has given a deeper meaning to what an architect is able to do and give back. I have been lucky enough to start working on one of these projects, and the level of awareness when designing is something I have never experienced before. I can´t stress enough how grateful I feel for being able to be part of such a team and exposed to so many learning experiences. The moment when you see that what you design in your Revit model transcends the screen and actually makes an impact in other people’s lives is just unmatched. Despite being aware during college that design helps people, this is the first time that I have experienced it first-hand. As a result, I feel a whole new level of purpose in my career that I wouldn’t have without this experience. [activecampaign form=264]

Safdie Architects has released new images of the Mandarin Oriental Residences West Palm Beach tower, a residential skyscraper at 5400 North Flagler Drive conceived as a sculptural piece that expands as it gains height. The project will house 87 residences spread over 31 floors and will become the first freestanding residential tower in South Florida linked to the Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel brand. Promoted by Great Gulf and developed in collaboration with Studio Munge and ENEA Landscape Architecture, the building consists of four slender volumes that gently widen outward as they ascend, supported by a multi-level base that unfolds along the lower perimeter. The proposal combines expressive verticality and formal control, reinforcing the architectural identity of the complex on the West Palm Beach waterfront. Image courtesy of Safdie Architects Want to know more? It's on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]

Hi ! I'm Amandine, a French student in civil engineering. I am about to move to New York in just a few days to become an intern at GMS, a structural engineering office located in Manhattan.

What brings me there

As part of my studies, I am completing two internships this year in order to gain experience in structural design. I just finished my first six-month internship in Paris three weeks ago, and in just a few days I will be starting a new internship in New York, which will be a great opportunity for me to grow both professionally and personally.

The visa application process

Once I was told that I had been selected as an intern at GMS, I immediately started applying for a J-1 visa. My main concern about the visa process was the potential delay. Because of the dates of my internship, I had only two months to complete the entire process, which felt like a risky bet. Fortunately, everything went very smoothly. I was nervous about all the paperwork but Architect-US took care of it very effectively. Then it was time for me to schedule my embassy appointment. I realised quickly there was nothing to worry about : my appointment lasted no more than 2 minutes and the delivery of my passport afterwards was extremely fast.

Living a new life in NYC

I am now ready to move to New York. It is a brand new experience for me: I have never travelled so far and have always lived with my family. Starting a new life in a new city is a bit scary, but it is also very exciting. I am really looking forward to see New York. It is a city that has always fascinated me, and I am so happy to be able to experiment its energy with my own eyes. I am already looking forward to exploring the city and everything it has to offer, and meeting people to share experiences with. [activecampaign form=266]

Local firm Design Alliance Architects designed the Chapel of the Risen Christ at Resurrection Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, a 795 m² building defined by eight enormous curved concrete walls reaching 15 meters in height. With a brutalist style and landscaping by SWT Design, the proposal uses exposed concrete as a structural and symbolic element, evoking resurrection through sober, vertical, and silent architecture. Inside, the spatiality is constructed from a concrete ceiling that rises progressively from 2.7 to 9 meters above the altar, reinforcing the idea of ascension. The material purity of the exterior and the sculptural forcefulness of its walls seek to convey permanence, contemplation, and transcendence in an environment marked by memory and contemplation. Image courtesy of Design Alliance Architects Want to know more? It's on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]

Hi reader!

As a J1 visa architect in New York, I am just a few days away from getting on a plane to start my adventure at Diller Scofidio + Renfro. It still feels strange to put it into words. Soon I will cross the Queensboro Bridge instead of the M‑30. I will trade my usual commute in Madrid for the Manhattan skyline and subway lines I still need to learn by heart.

How it all started

First, this journey began months ago, when I decided it was the right moment to challenge myself and look for an experience abroad. To start, I polished my portfolio with the help of Architect‑US. Then they sent it to several studios in the U.S. on my behalf. Thanks to their support, I had four interviews with offices in both New York and Los Angeles. During each conversation, a different future appeared in front of me: new cities, new ways of working, and new versions of myself as an architect. As a result, I felt excited, but I was also a bit overwhelmed by all these possible paths.

Getting the call

However, deep down I always knew where my compass was pointing. New York was the city that had been in my head for years, and DS+R was the studio whose projects I had been following and admiring from afar. One day, Pati called me to tell me that they wanted me to join the team. At that moment, everything suddenly aligned. My dream studio was in my dream city, and they had chosen me. I don’t think I will ever forget that phone call.

Planning my new life

Right now, my days are a mix of packing boxes, saying goodbye, and checking lists of documents. For my first three months I will be living in Astoria, Queens, in a neighborhood that people describe as lively, diverse, and full of small restaurants to discover. After that, my plan is to move closer to the Columbia area. This way I can experience a different side of the city and shorten my commute to the office. Step by step, I hope to get to know New York through its neighborhoods instead of only through the typical postcards.

Looking ahead

Of course, there are still many unknowns ahead of me, and I am sure that not everything will go as planned. However, this uncertainty is also part of the reason why I am doing this. I want to learn how a studio like DS+R thinks, designs, and builds, and how the city influences the projects. I also want to feel what it is like to be part of that energy every day. Finally, this blog will be my way of documenting the journey: the first days at the office, the cultural shocks, the small victories, and all the moments in between. If you are also dreaming about taking a similar step, I hope my experience shows you that it is possible – and that sometimes the risk is exactly what makes it worth it.

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Living in New York changes the way you understand relationships. Distance, time zones, and busy schedules slowly rearrange the idea of family. Without planning it, friends begin to take on that role.

Over time, this city teaches you to build closeness intentionally. Shared routines replace inherited ones. Celebrations are planned around availability rather than tradition. Ordinary moments like cooking together, walking home late, or meeting after work become anchors. New York doesn’t slow down to accommodate you. You adapt within it.

What makes this shift possible is the city itself. Its density, connectivity, and constant movement create opportunities for repeated encounters. You see the same people often enough for familiarity to grow naturally. Neighborhoods become extensions of social life. Certain streets, cafés, or subway lines start to feel shared rather than anonymous.

The city doesn’t make relationships easier, but it makes them frequent. That frequency matters. It allows friendships to deepen not through intensity, but through consistency. Over time, those patterns form something close to family.

From an architectural perspective, this is where New York becomes interesting. The city is not just a backdrop, but an active structure that supports social proximity. Its scale encourages overlap. Its infrastructure enables access. Its public spaces allow relationships to exist beyond private interiors.

Friends becoming family is not a dramatic moment. It happens gradually, almost quietly. One invitation turns into routine. One familiar face turns into a constant presence. The city keeps moving, but your circle stabilizes within it.

New York is often described as overwhelming or impersonal. Yet, living here has shown me the opposite. Within its complexity, the city allows new forms of belonging to emerge.

In a place where almost everyone arrives from somewhere else, family is something you build.

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Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has shared new images of the progress of 400 Lake Shore, the skyscraper rising on the site where the failed Chicago Spire was to be built. With a planned height of 256 meters (841 feet), the project is on track for completion in 2027 and is now approximately halfway through construction, according to the latest photographs. The building has a rectangular volume, with its longest side running parallel to the Chicago River. Part of its glass façade and aluminum pilasters are already visible, defining a sober and contemporary presence on the promontory it occupies, between the riverbed and the urban slope that characterizes this strategic enclave of the city. Image courtesy of SOM Want to know more? It's on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]

During early January, I visited The Met Cloisters, located at the northern tip of Manhattan in Fort Tryon Park. Snow fully covered the park, and the quiet paths, bare trees, and stone walls created a calm atmosphere, setting the tone before even entering the museum. The Cloisters museum is dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, and the building itself is an architectural assembly composed of elements from several French monasteries dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Seeing these enclosed gardens in winter emphasized their geometric layouts, stone arcades, and proportions, while also highlighting how the architecture frames exterior space without requiring direct access to it. Inside, the galleries present a comprehensive collection of medieval art, including tapestries, sculpture, wooden furniture, religious metalwork, and illuminated manuscripts. What fascinated me most were the subtle details that are difficult to put into words afterward: the way the stone fountain was seamlessly set into the thick walls, the intricate engraving and intarsia of the wooden furniture, and the exquisite craftsmanship of the metalwork for religious objects. Throughout the museum, Romanesque capitals, Gothic tracery, and carved portals allow for close study of historical construction methods and ornamental detail. From an architectural perspective, the Cloisters function as both museum and historical reconstruction. Rather than placing objects in neutral gallery environments, the architecture provides contextual spaces that support an understanding of materiality, scale, and spatial sequence. The museum was founded through the efforts of sculptor George Grey Barnard and later supported by John D. Rockefeller Jr., who donated land, funding, and additional medieval works. Many of the architectural elements were acquired in France in the early 20th century by Barnard and transported to New York, where they were later incorporated into the museum. Construction of the Cloisters began in 1934 and was completed in 1938. Today, the Cloisters operate as a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue, extending the Met’s encyclopedic mission into a fully immersive architectural setting. [activecampaign form=264]

The new headquarters of the American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C., designed by EHDD, is one of the first major fully decarbonized renovations in the United States. The Global Architecture and Design Campus is part of a net-zero emissions complex that includes an outdoor courtyard, the AIA design store, Grace Street Coffee Roasters, and the Octagon Museum, the institution's former headquarters. Located at 1735 New York Avenue NW, near the White House and the National Mall, the renovated brutalist building hosts programs, exhibitions, tours, and workshops aimed at bringing architecture to the public. Image courtesy of AIA Want to know more? It's on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]

Before moving to New York, Broadway was never something that truly caught my attention. Not because I didn’t value it, but because I assumed it simply wasn’t for me. I’ve never been particularly drawn to classic musicals or large theatrical productions, and in my mind, Broadway belonged to a different kind of audience.

After living in the city for a while, however, I started feeling a quiet obligation to go. How could I live in New York and never experience Broadway at least once? It felt like one of those things you are supposed to do here, whether or not you think it fits your interests. So when I finally went to see The Book of Mormon, it was more out of curiosity and a sense of “I should” than genuine excitement.

I was completely wrong.

What surprised me wasn’t just how funny the show was, but how intelligent, self aware, and carefully constructed the entire experience felt. The performance balanced humor, critique, music, and storytelling in a way that felt contemporary rather than traditional. It didn’t rely on grandeur alone. It was intentional, confident, and sharp.

Walking out of the theater, I realized that my resistance hadn’t really been about Broadway itself, but about my own assumptions. Much like architecture, theater is often reduced to categories that limit our willingness to engage. We decide something is not for us before we ever experience it.

As an architect, I am constantly reminded that space, culture, and design cannot be fully understood from the outside. They require participation. That night, Broadway became another layer of New York that I had unintentionally closed myself off from.

Living in New York and being part of Architect-US has pushed me to reconsider not only my professional boundaries, but my personal ones as well. Sometimes, the experiences that end up shaping you the most are the ones you almost skip.

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When I arrived at the company I heard about something that immediately caught my attention: Canstruction.

Canstruction Houston took place on November 8 at the Houston Convention Center, and if you’re wondering what it’s all about, here’s the short version:
Canstruction is an annual event where architecture and engineering firms, consultants, and partners come together to design and build large-scale structures entirely out of canned food. Once the exhibition is over, all the cans are donated to local food banks. Design with a purpose, literally.

But the process is what makes it special.

It all started back in the office, where ideas began to fly. Teams brainstormed shapes, themes, and characters we wanted to build. After several discussions (and a lot of excitement), our team decided on a Dragon Ball–inspired structure: a baby dragon holding the Dragon Ball. Fun, nostalgic, and visually strong.

Once the concept was set, roles naturally formed. We had:

• A 3D model designer, who helped us understand quantities and placement of cans

• Team members in charge of ordering and logistics

• And someone to design and build the presentation board explaining the concept

That last part was on me. It took a few days of focused work, but seeing it come together , and later standing next to the final structure, was incredibly rewarding.

Then came build day.

The team and our partners arrived early in the morning, armed with snacks and beverages, fully convinced it was going to be a long day. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. With good coordination and teamwork, the structure was completed that same morning.

Walking around the exhibition was honestly inspiring. The level of effort and creativity was impressive. There were massive and detailed structures:

• A can-made Taj Mahal

• A whimsical Alice in Wonderland scene

• A huge Stitch

• A Labubu figure

• An adorable Snoopy and his house

• Even a Buc-ee’s

My personal favorite? A 1950s-style go-kart. The body was made of silver sardine cans, and the wheels were cleverly formed using bags of red beans. It was thoughtful, playful, and beautifully executed.

Each structure had its own story,  and behind every one of them was a team collaborating under pressure, but with a lot more laughter.

The exhibition stayed open for a few days while the jury evaluated the entries and selected winners. But honestly, what I loved most wasn’t the competition.

It was the reason behind it all.

In Houston alone, Canstruction events collect tens of thousands of cans every year, which are then donated to fight food insecurity in the community. It’s an incredible way to bring designers and architects into a cause that goes far beyond aesthetics.

Designing to help others. Building to give back.

I truly believe initiatives like this should be replicated in more places around the world. It proves that creativity, teamwork, and social impact can coexist — and that architecture doesn’t always start with concrete and steel. Sometimes, it starts with a can.

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Perhaps one of the most talked about subjects among colleagues and friends of yours is the salary that you are earning. Today, the world is very competitive and depending on the country, area of expertise, city, size of the company, market value, and other dozens of other factors the salary can vary greatly. In one way or another you are always intrigued to find out what other people are making, and that is only natural, it serves you as a guide for reference. It is also good to know what other people out there are making, that way when it is time for you to negotiate your salary you know what to ask for. It also very important that you establish certain guides -or we can even call them goals- and follow them so that in time you can start earning your six-figure salary. So here we leave you with goals which the Architect-US team recommends so that soon you are earning the salary that you are looking for. 1. Starting now Coming right out of school, it’s very unlikely that you will receive a very high salary, even if your CV and Portfolio is very good. Unfortunately, what most companies today are looking for is experience, so the best thing that you can do right now if you have no experience is begin now. The more experience under your belt, the more seriously companies will take you. 2. Develop your skills Make sure that you target you “hard” and “soft” skills. The hard skills referring to the ones related to your area of expertise. Such as proficiency in multiple software for 3D modeling and Rendering. Also doing research on what other software companies are using, basically expanding on your skill set. For your soft skills, you want to make sure that your communication, leaderships, problem solving, decisions making, and time management skills are also on point. 3. Switch Jobs By this we don’t refer to switching jobs every few months. You should also be able to demonstrate a certain level of commitment otherwise firms will fear the idea of training you for some time and then you deciding to leave. However, it is usually very hard to receive a raise from your current employer, but if you make calculated and strategic moves to a new position it could greatly improve your salary. 4. Reducing Stress If you tend to be more of a leader that is a great thing. When you are at work, try to reduce the stress of those that are working around you. If you manage to reduce the stress of those that surround you in the office space, those people will eventually gravitate towards you. 5. Be the best Try to find something that you are good at within the field and make sure that it is demonstrated by you. Always contribute to the great attributes which you possess and make sure that people are aware of your skills, of course, without being too cocky. 6. Take responsibility Ultimately what translates into a higher income is taking on more and more responsibilities. You can’t expect to keep the same tasks for ever, you have to find ways that you can accumulate more tasks but keep being as efficient and productive as possible. 7. Performance Reviews Depending on the size and structure of the company, it is a good to have regular performance reviews. This gives you the opportunity to “re-interview” for the company. Make sure that you are able to demonstrate improvements in your work and increase in efficiency. 8. License Make sure that you are considering being a licensed architect. Just think about your higher-ups as an example. They are most likely licensed architects. Generally the longer you have a license, the more you are worth in the marketplace.   [activecampaign form=260]

New renderings released by WEISS/MANFREDI show updated plans for the ongoing transformation of the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, a comprehensive redesign that integrates museum, landscape, and active excavation areas into a continuous, research-oriented public campus. Coinciding with this update, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County have announced the creation of the Samuel Oschin Global Center for Ice Age Research, an initiative supported by the Samuel Oschin Family Foundation that reinforces the long-term vision of the project. Image courtesy of WEISS/MANFREDI Want to know more? It's on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]

Hello everyone!

January has marked a fresh start and an exciting new phase of my experience in Boston. After settling into the office dynamic over the past months, I’ve now been assigned to new projects at Fogarty Finger, which has allowed me to take on more responsibility and continue learning at a faster pace. Being trusted with new tasks has been both motivating and rewarding, and it’s helping me grow more confident in my role within the team.

At the same time, I’ve started a Revit course to strengthen my technical skills and better adapt to the tools used in the U.S. professional environment. Learning Revit more in depth has been challenging but very satisfying, as it’s helping me understand workflows, coordination, and documentation from a new perspective. Little by little, I’m becoming more comfortable with the software and applying what I learn directly to my daily work.

Outside of the office, January has been a month of connection and shared experiences. We organized a potluck dinner with friends from all around the world, each person bringing a dish from their own country. It was a beautiful evening full of conversation, laughter, and cultural exchange, and moments like these have made me feel truly at home despite being far from my own country.

January also brought a true Boston experience: a major snowstorm. Seeing the city covered in snow was impressive and unforgettable. Streets, parks, and buildings transformed overnight, and daily life slowed down in a way I had never experienced before. While the cold was intense, the atmosphere was magical, and it made me appreciate the resilience and rhythm of the city even more.

Overall, January has been a month of growth, learning, and adaptation. Between new professional challenges, technical training, and memorable moments outside of work, I feel grateful for how much I’m learning every day. I’m excited to continue building on this momentum and to see what the coming months will bring.

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Scheduled to host Super Bowl 60, Levi's Stadium was conceived as a direct reflection of the Bay Area's landscape and engineering. Designed by HNTB and completed in 2014 as the home of the San Francisco 49ers, the stadium has a base capacity of 68,500 spectators, expandable to over 80,000 for major sporting and musical events. Its open structure takes advantage of the area's mild climate, with natural grass, a side suite building, and an amphitheater that expands outward. Architecturally and structurally, the stadium makes explicit references to icons such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge through its exposed structure and advanced engineering solutions. It incorporates state-of-the-art seismic technology, such as pin-shaped buckling restraint braces, which reduce shear walls and maintain a high seismic rating. The use of red and white visually connects with the team's identity, while the interior features semi-enclosed lobbies and a white sculptural corridor that serves as a gallery dedicated to the history and paraphernalia of the 49ers. Image courtesy of HNTB Want to know more? It's on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]

One of the things I’ve learned about New York is that it never settles. Just when you think you understand it, the city shifts slightly and shows you something new.

Over time, I’ve had several friends and family members come to visit me. Almost instinctively, I take them to many of the same places. Familiar neighborhoods, favorite walks, cafés I already trust, streets I know how to navigate. In theory, I’m repeating the same routes again and again.

Yet somehow, the city never feels repeated.

Each visit unfolds differently. A street I’ve walked dozens of times suddenly feels new because of a conversation happening alongside it. A familiar corner looks different at another hour of the day. A place I thought I knew gains meaning simply because I’m seeing it through someone else’s eyes.

What surprises me most is that even when I’m playing the role of guide, New York continues to surprise me. It finds ways to interrupt my sense of familiarity. A pop up installation appears where there was nothing before. A storefront changes overnight. A quiet block becomes unexpectedly alive. The city refuses to be static, even when my routine is.

As an architect, this constant transformation feels deeply relevant. Cities are not fixed objects. They are living systems shaped by people, time, movement, and perception. New York makes this impossible to ignore. It reminds me that design is not only about form, but about adaptability and experience.

Living here has taught me that repetition does not mean stagnation. You can walk the same streets and still encounter something entirely new. Sometimes, the change is physical. Other times, it’s internal.

New York keeps revealing itself to me in layers. And no matter how many times I think I’ve seen it all, the city always finds a way to prove me wrong.

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The American firm Donaldson + Partners drew inspiration from the geometry of precious stones to design Fractal-Facade House, a sculptural residence located in Southern California. The project stands on a 0.8-hectare plot in Beverly Hills, in the Trousdale neighborhood, from where the house opens up in a V shape towards downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. Designed for a client in the financial sector who divides his time between the east and west coasts of the United States, the house features innovative cladding made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer panels manufactured in San Francisco, with natural shell inlays that give it a stone-like texture. With 21,000 square feet, the house is organized into a main floor and a basement, combining monumentality and material precision. Image courtesy of Donaldson + Partners  Want to know more? It's on Dezeen! [activecampaign form=284]