PERSPECTIVES
It's been a few weeks since our newest designer to the team joined RODE, so we asked Caroline Jones to tell us how she came to be at RODE and what she's been up to since she started...
1. What appealed to you most about interior design that led to you becoming a designer?
My love of design has always been there--as a kid (and still) I played Tetris with my furniture and went to any open house I would see in my neighborhood. After working for a couple of years out of undergrad I felt creatively deprived and began taking evening intro to architecture courses at my local community college and the rest is history.
2. How did your career lead you to RODE?
Jess Haley was one of my studio professors while I was in graduate school at the BAC and then became my graduate thesis advisor, which is how RODE initially got on my radar. I began following along with the projects RODE was involved in and was intrigued by the range of project types and sizes for a smaller firm. Once I knew there was a position open that I was qualified for I was all over it!
3. Is there a particular focus of interior design you are especially knowledgeable of, or interested in working on at RODE?
All of my professional work has been focused in residential design so I am especially excited to be working on future hotel and restaurant projects since that will be an entirely new experience!
4. When you aren’t at work making the world more beautiful, how do you spend your free time?
I love being outside--I have a 6 year old dog, Oakley, who I got of course because I love dogs and the companionship aspect, but I also wanted an adventure buddy who would get me outside on some of the less than ideal New England winter days. I hike and downhill ski, but with the pandemic and ski areas closing early I got into cross country skiing and Oakley loves it as much as I do!
5. In your opinion, what is one of the worst interior design trends you’ve seen in the industry (past or present)? What is one of the best (past or present)?
Not all accent walls are created equal! I feel like I am constantly trying to talk a friend out of painting one random wall a different color than the rest. I am really excited to see that bold patterns and color are again being used by the masses in both wallpaper and tile installation. Maybe we will be making fun of our choices in a couple of decades, but for now it's much more fun to be in a space that feels more lively.
Restaurant design has become an evergreen pandemic topic. Few industries suffered the effects of Covid-19 like the hospitality industry. In the July of 2020, Kevin spoke with Boston Real Estate Times about the impact of the pandemic on Boston's hospitality industry and how design and architecture is playing a role in business resiliency.
This August, nearly one year after his first interview, Kevin reconnected with Boston Real Estate Times to discuss how Covid-19 is continuing to impact restauranteurs and hotel owners, as they navigate a new post-pandemic era. From improved business forecasting to permanent al fresco environments, restaurant and hotel owners are continuing to evolve their business models to thrive in uncertain and ongoing conditions.
very year, RODE invites a handful of talented young individuals studying architecture and design to experience what it's like working at an architecture firm. The students are able to work with our team on projects in all phases of the design process and apply the knowledge and skills they've obtained in their education thus far. This opportunity is extremely rewarding for us. We get to connect with the future professionals of the industry, learn the methods and programs being focused on in today's architecture curriculums, and help students gain a clearer picture of how fulfilling a career in the industry can be.
This week, Ivanildo DaMoura wrapped up his time with RODE and we are sad to see him go. Ivanildo, currently a student at Fitchburg State University, was able to apply his talents to a variety of projects. He dazzled the team with his model-making skills, was happy to lend a hand on job sites, and came in with a smile every day. This week, we sat down with Ivanildo to learn how he got into architecture and how his time at RODE has impacted his career goals.
What degree are you pursuing at Fitchburg State?
My major is Engineering Technology with a focus on Architecture.
What made you become interested in architecture?
I was born and raised in Cape Verde until I was about 8-years old before migrating to the United States. During my childhood in Cape Verde, I spent a lot of time around my grandfather and uncles who were all builders. In doing so, I developed a strong interest in architecture and construction.
How did you hear about RODE Architects and what made you choose us to do your internship with?
I was recommended for an internship with RODE through the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester. I chose RODE because they are working on many great projects in my city and I hope to gain experience to further my career.
What skills that you learned in school have you been able to use at RODE?
My past courses at Fitchburg state have taught me how to use Revit which has allowed me to help the team develop designs. I have also been able to apply my skills in 3D modeling. RODE has a great fabrication shop with all of the tools you need to make a really great model.
What new skills has RODE taught you since being here?
I've been able to spend a lot of time in West Roxbury at the Brucewood Homes job site, where RODE is building three Passive House certified homes. I helped construct the houses and learned what Passive House means and why it's important. The process was very interesting because the homes are constructed differently than regular homes and specialized testing is conducted to make sure the homes will become certified. I was also able to build representational 3D models for different types of buildings. Being able to build models for a real firm gave me the opportunity to ask the team for tips on how to construct the models, as well as what materials are best to use. It was a lot of fun.
We wish Ivanildo success as he continues in his studies and hope he will think of us when he's ready to begin his career!
Adrian first came to RODE in early 2020 to complete his externship while studying architecture at the University of Michigan. We are thrilled to share that Adrian is back at RODE, now as a full time designer! Read on to learn more about Adrian and why he chose to return to RODE to begin his career in architecture.
What inspired you to pursue architecture originally?
I’ve been interested in architecture and design for as long as I can remember. Some of that I can attribute to my grandfather, who is a former Knoll furniture designer. I’ve also always enjoyed building models, drawing, and just generally working with my hands. I have a bachelors of science in civil engineering from Tufts University. I was never excited by engineering, though, so after a couple years I decided to return to school and pursue a degree in architecture. I attended the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and have a masters of architecture.
You did your externship with RODE a few years ago. What impacted you as an intern to return to RODE as a full-time employee? Was it RODE’s body of work, office culture, or both?
RODE has a lot going for it. I really appreciate the range of projects—Passive House homes, restaurants, high rises, etc.—and the varied learning opportunities that those projects afford. I had a great time working with Ruthie during my week-long externship and appreciate the laid-back, friendly nature of the entire team.
What types of projects are you interested in working on while at RODE? What specific skills or practices would you like to hone during your career?
I’m particularly interested in social housing practices, domestic spaces, and alternatives to existing housing models. These issues are of particular importance in areas like Boston that experience gentrification and rampant housing inequity. I’d like to work on innovative domestic projects through Boston’s Compact Living Pilot or ADU program. In terms of skills that I’d like to hone, I’ve always enjoyed drawing and pushing architectural representation in creative new directions. I’m also actively pursuing licensure and need more experience with construction drawings, construction administration, etc.
What do you do to decompress outside of work?
Long distance running has always been a passion that helps me decompress. I’ve run four marathons, although it's been years since my last one—there was no time to train during graduate school. Gardening is a passion of mine. I primarily grow cacti and succulents,
Here are RODE, we are all about collaboration. Collaborating with our industry colleagues allows us to create transformative projects that address both the needs of a specific place and the needs of its community. Last night, RODE Principal, Eric Robinson and Arx Urban Principal, Benjamin Moll spoke with Chris Lovett of BNN's Neighborhood Network News about one of their latest collaborations, The Meeting House in Dorchester.
Completed in 2020, The Meeting House brings residential housing and commercial space to Hancock Street near Dorchester Avenue. Eric spoke about the design of the building, highlighting its sculptural façade, contextual massing, and role in re-envisioning the area and acting as a catalyst for other neighborhood projects such as Dot Block.
Benjamin spoke about The Meeting House' mix of affordability and the process behind the model. Arx Urban and RODE were able to obtain Boston Community Preservation funding and partner with Mass Housing to deliver the project most efficiently. The result is a residential building that provides socioeconomic diversity through a blend of affordable, middle income, and market rate housing.
Stay tuned for future collaborative projects between RODE and Arx Urban. The team is also working together on a mixed-used building that will address housing needs, provide much-needed space for the community's commercial and institutional tenants, and improve the pedestrian streetscape along Washington Street in Roslindale Village.
