WashU scholar Bedgid Aurelie Laguerre is pursuing architecture as she has a passion for creating – not merely stunning buildings, but resilient communities. This is why Laguerre became involved in the CityStudioSTL Fellowship, a sponsored internship initiative that links students from the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts with local firms to engage in significant civic projects.
During this summer, Laguerre contributed at Christner Architects, playing a role in designing fresh outdoor areas at New City School. She selected the firm for its considerate design ethos.
“What I found particularly attractive about Christner was their strong ties to St. Louis,” remarked Laguerre, who is working towards a master’s in architecture. “Much of their portfolio is situated in their own city. That truly motivates me as I envision my trajectory as an architect. I aspire to make a difference in my own hometown and city.”
Endorsed by the Sam Fox School’s Office for Socially Engaged Practice at Washington University in St. Louis, the CityStudioSTL Fellowship offers students in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design a stipend to engage in a 12-week civic or pro bono initiative. Matthew Bernstine, head of the Office for Socially Engaged Practice, expressed that the program enhances students’ design abilities and cultural awareness.
“We must learn how to communicate effectively when tackling design,” Bernstine commented. “Contextually, designing in St. Louis will differ from working in another city or area. Students need to be culturally aware and adapt to diverse groups.”
A vital aspect of this initiative is the group experience, which provided Laguerre with a wider perspective of her discipline and potential career paths.
“Within our cohort, we’re all engaged in various projects scattered across St. Louis, so it’s wonderful to sit together for brief check-ins,” said Laguerre. “In addition to sharing insights about our current activities, we exchange experiences about maneuvering through the corporate sphere compared to an educational context. We also discuss handy tips and techniques for design software like Revit or AUTOCAD.”
Patrick Hatheway, an architectural associate at Christner and a WashU graduate, stated that the CityStudioSTL Fellowship equips students for the intricate and dynamic architecture industry.
“Architecture is one domain where a degree alone cannot entirely equip you for practice,” Hatheway, who received a master’s in architecture in 2022, mentioned. “WashU excels in imparting the design methodology, but opportunities like this bridge a crucial gap, illustrating to students the realities of working within an actual firm. In Bedgid’s case, she truly excelled at forging connections and fostering communication from the project’s inception.”
Laguerre affirmed that relationships are fundamental to exceptional architecture. She admired how Christner Architects adapted their playground plans following a devastating tornado that struck the St. Louis area in May, including the neighborhood surrounding New City School.
“Christner was incredibly responsive in addressing this matter, not solely due to their contractual obligations but as a gesture of due diligence,” Laguerre commented. “That motivated me. I envision myself engaging in a similar methodology, genuinely listening to the communities and individuals where I work.”
Career Catalysts is a series about WashU interns, by WashU interns. WashU supports paid internships throughout the St. Louis area, offering students invaluable professional skills while assisting local startups, small enterprises, and nonprofits in achieving their missions.
Zach Trabitz served as a summer news intern in University Marketing & Communications at WashU. During his internship, he reported on the LIGHT public health summer camp; solicited opinions from WashU students and faculty regarding their preferred art locations; interviewed researchers about risks associated with ticks and mosquitoes; and profiled WashU faculty and students. He is majoring in art history in Arts & Sciences and is an editor at the Student Life newspaper.
Cole Bernstein is a multimedia intern in University Marketing & Communications at WashU. This summer, he produced a “Field Notes” video about CET Film Production at FAMU, an international program in Prague. Bernstein, who is majoring in film studies in Arts & Sciences, wrote and served as assistant director for the film “A Bird in the Field,” which premiered at the prestigious St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase.
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