MARIANA CRUZ
FIRM: M.C. HARRY & ASSOCIATES

Mariana Cruz, International Student is pursuing a Masters Degree at Florida International University in order to become a licensed Architect in Florida. She studied her first 2 years of Architecture in her home country, Venezuela; and transferred to FIU in 2017 to start her 3^rd year. Now while continuing her education she is also working at MC Harry & associates thru the IPAL program to prepare for the licensing process.

“ The decision to continue my education at FIU was one of the best I’ve ever made!” In 3 years I will have my master degree in architecture and will be presenting my A.R.E exams thanks to the experience that I am acquiring in the office and the knowledge I’m receiving at FIU.  Mariana Cruz’s AXP supervisor at MC Harry Associates is Craig Aquart, AIA

ROSANNA RODRIGUEZ
FIRM: GURRI MATUTE

I am a fourth year architecture student from the Dominican Republic pursuing my Master’s degree through the FIU Accelerated Master’s Program. Besides architecture, I also have a passion for music; I enjoy singing and playing the guitar at my local church every week.

I feel extremely proud and grateful for the opportunity of participating in this IPAL program, through which I learn and grow every single day into a better professional and human being. Rosanna Rodriguez’s AXP supervisor at Gurri Matute is Daphne I. Gurri, A.I.A.

VAN LE
FIRM: CALLISONRTKL

Van Le, an aspiring architect who is pursuing a Master’s in Architecture at Florida International University. As a student, she hopes to expand her knowledge on how we can improve our lifestyles through architecture. Therefore, Van continuously seeks new insight from others within and outside the university. She hopes to share her story with all her architecture classmates and hopefully influence them to follow the same path to licensure within the IPAL program. Van’s AXP supervisor at CallisonRTKL is Dan Freed, AIA

SOUFIANE BENBRAHIM
FIRM: BERENBLUM BUSCH ARCHITECTURE

Soufiane Benbrahim, Aspiring Architect Pursuing a Masters Degree at Florida International University. I’m an International Student from Morocco. I moved to the USA in 2012, Miami in 2014, I lived in 3 Continents, I speak 3 Languages, and I’m learning a 4th.

Architecture has taken a major part of my life and is becoming a passion as I learn, and practice it. I work as an Intern at Berenblum Busch Architecture, Inc BBA , where I have the opportunity to work in a hands-on and fast-paced professional environment, gaining real work experience, and learning more about the career path I am pursuing. Soufiane’s AXP supervisor at BBA Architecture is Gustavo Berenblum, A.I.A

ALEJANDRO CASTIELLO
FIRM: HKS ARCHITECTS

Alejandro is an aspiring architect currently enrolled in FIU’s Accelerated Masters Program. Born in Miami, Florida, he has an Associates of Architecture degree from Miami-Dade College, and has since achieved Deans List honors during his full tenure at FIU. He is currently employed by HKS Architects, a world renowned and ranked architecture firm and has worked on projects and design competition submissions for Education, Hospitality and Healthcare projects. He is currently in the licensure process and hopes to soon start his own practice in the field dedicated to high-end residential dwellings.  Alejandro Castiello ’s AXP supervisor is at HKS David Harper, F.A.I.A.

JUDITH DE ROJAS
FIRM: M.C. HARRY & ASSOCIATES

Judith is an architecture student from Havana, Cuba. In 2016, she transferred to the Accelerated 5 Year Master’s Program at FIU and has been on the Dean’s List throughout her entire time in the program. In 2017 she was awarded by the Architecture Department with the BEA scholarship. At the beginning of her fourth year, she started earning her AXP hours for licensing which is part of the IPAL initiative.  Combining education and professional experience not only has improved her performance in class but allows her to build on her professional network. Judith de Rojas’s AXP supervisor at MC Harry Associates is Craig Aquart, A.I.A.

CRUZ HERNANDEZ
FIRM: ARQUITECTONICA

I am architecture students from Guatemala pursuing my Master’s degree at Florida International University. I have been living here in the United States for the past 10 years.

I’m happy and grateful for this opportunity given to me by FIU Department of Architecture. The IPAL program has change the way I think and live. I am currently working as an intern at firm Arquitectonica. The firm has allowed me to be exposed to real-life experiences in architecture. And by this I am so grateful to both the firm and FIU for teaming up to help students like myself to succeed in their career. Cruz’s AXP supervisor at Arquitectonica is Alejandro Gonzalez, A.I.A.

RENZO LOPEZ
FIRM: BERMELLO AJAMIL & PARTNERS

Renzo Lopez is a multiple award winning architecture student from Miami and currently a part of the IPAL internship program with Bermello Ajamil & Partners. He began his studies overseas in Lima, Peru at the University of San Martin de Porres and during that time excelled at the top of his class throughout all four undergraduate semesters. In the Fall of 2016, he transferred to FIU and has since continued to deepen his passion for architecture and refine his craft to the next level. Throughout this time his work has received recognition by winning two AIA awards and 3rd place in an international design competition. Renzo Lopez’s AXP supervisor at Bermello Ajamil is Saul Suarez, R.A.

ALLISON TAPIA
FIRM: ARQUITECTONICA

Allison Tapia, Aspiring Architect Pursuing a Masters Degree at Florida International University. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Allison earned an Associates of Arts from Miami Dade College in 2016 graduating with Honors. She aims to create bold and meaningful architecture providing experiences that connect people, provoke interaction and overall enhance people’s lives with great spaces. Allison describes her time at Arquitectonica as an excellent learning experience participating in an array of projects ranging from commercial, hospitality and multi family residential. Allison’s AXP supervisor at Arquitectonica is Michelle Cintrón, A.I.A.