PRP Now! Caitlin McCunney // Bade Stageberg Cox Architecture

PRP Now! aims to showcase the great experiences students encounter within the Professional Residency Program. PRP offers upper-level architecture students a unique opportunity to expand their education through work experience in the architectural profession. Over the past twenty years, our students have been linked with 260 firms in 29 countries. We will feature a handful of students within each session, graduate and undergrad, domestic and international firms. PRP staff mostly recently had the pleasure to speak with Caitlin McCunney  [B.Arch. '16] about her experience:

PRP: Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?
Hello! I am currently interning for Bade Stageberg Cox Architecture, in downtown Brooklyn, NY. It is a relatively small firm with 9 employees (including me), working on numerous active projects varying widely in scale from a Forbes 500 apartment renovation to a large art exhibition installation to an awarded NYC DDC Museum project.

PRP: Do you enjoy the city you’re working in? Favorite aspects?
I absolutely love NYC- it is an entirely different energy than suburban Texas. From the loud subway to the frantic streets to the towering density of buildings, I can't get enough! Something is always happening, there is always somewhere new to explore, and always someone new to meet. There are so many cultures and types of societies clashing in wonderful harmony, and great architecture everywhere you look. And don't even get me started on the amazing food... One negative though- it is terribly expensive and prices are much more inflated than Texas.  

PRP: What is currently on your desk? What are you working on?
Currently my desk is being packed away... we are in the midst of an office move! Our new space is much brighter, and a better layout than our current, however we are unfortunately sacrificing our direct view of the Manhattan Bridge. Usually I will have scattered construction documents, red pencils, and, of course, a filled coffee cup on my desk. I have worked on construction documents for various projects including a house in Austin, the Armory Show, a lobby renovation in Manhattan, and our new office. I've also done an interior design presentation for a client's new office, and some field work as well. I really appreciate the wide range of tasks I am given, and close collaboration between everyone in the firm. Impromptu desk crits and meetings are frequent, ensuring each person on a project is being considered and design intentions are understood to great detail.

PRP: Can you describe the firm culture? The office atmosphere?
Being a small firm, we all know each other well. We all love our Brooklyn Roasters coffee in the morning, share our excitement for local architectural gossip, and get spoiled with apple cider donuts on Thursdays . The firm is an open environment full of discussion, and I've always felt very welcomed. Everyone has great work ethic, but never forgets to smile and have quick chats. I love the high quality of detail each employee enforces on their products and designs. I think another difference that this firm boasts is having three principal architects, who work closely together and with each employee.

PRP: What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT?
When I return to UT, I think I will miss my new home of NYC initially, but nothing can truly replace Austin! I will tell them of the adventures I've had here, and of course where are the best food places. I will tell my classmates to make sure they try working in different cities to discover which is their best fit. I think another point would be to consider the size of firm you would like to work for- I don't think I can honestly make a decision until I've tried all sizes on. The type of firm's personality is important as well. I know BSC has been a wonderful match for me, in their design process/questioning, and variety of projects we work on. A last thing would be to get experience before graduation! You can better gauge what kind of career you want, not to mention rack up some IDP hours.

PRP: As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?
Now that the weather is a bit warmer, I'm going to walk the Brooklyn Bridge and High Line. Probably will see the current Guggenheim exhibit too.