Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? My high school architecture teacher always encouraged girls to consider a career as an architect. Starting my freshman year I learned hand sketching, how things are put together, and how architecture helps you understand the world around you. In college, the faculty was wonderful. They pushed me to sit in the front of the room and to be just as competitive as my male classmates. My first job out of college was with Margulies Perruzzi (MP). I started as an intern and after less than a month, they offered me a full-time job. MP is a very supportive community.
What tips or advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the construction industry? Step outside of your comfort zone. How? By believing in yourself and having confidence in what you are doing. I make sure I am knowledgeable about a topic and have the research to back it up so I can bring something thoughtful to the discussion. Learn how to take feedback. No one is perfect at everything and we can all learn new things. Share your ideas and your process. It’s a collaborative industry and no one stands alone. The best work is going to come from a team and we all bring a different perspective to the design process.
See Jessica Sulprizio featured in NEREJ’s spotlight for Women in Construction 2022.
When you’re not busy, what is your go to book or podcast to help you unwind? The pandemic has definitely brought reading back into my life. I’m currently reading everything by the author Kristin Hannah. I finished up The Nightingale, a fictional story about two sisters in WWII France as well as The Four Winds, a story about the Great Depression in the Great Plains. I learn a lot from the podcast Armchair Expert. Hosted by Dax Shepard, they interview celebrities, journalists, and academics and it “celebrates the messiness of being human.”
What tips or advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the construction industry? Always be prepared, do your research, and have fun. When women know their worth and show confidence on a jobsite, nothing can stop them.
Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? I am lucky that I attended a university, Colorado State University, that had Construction Management as a major. This allowed the Interior Design major to be integrated, so from the beginning we were taking construction classes in addition to interior design courses. The university always treated us the way interior designers should be treated, as intellectuals. Many times, in the field, we are looked down upon, as if we can only select finishes or fabrics. We are required to know so much more than that: building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administration, design application, professional practice, and project coordination.
See Ashley McGrath featured in NEREJ’s spotlight for Women in Construction 2022.
Within your firm, who has helped you succeed within the industry? How have they helped you? I was very fortunate to join Margulies Perruzzi (MP) at the very beginning of my career and to work with two great project managers. They made me feel comfortable right from the start and helped me grow and develop on a professional basis. They didn’t just tell me the task at hand; instead, they showed me the bigger picture and explained how my part fit into the overall scope of the project. Over the past nine years at MP, I have had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects and every year I take on more responsibility.
What tips or advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the construction industry? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more I asked questions, the more people realized I wanted to grow and to learn. People love to talk about what they do. Ask open-ended questions to learn about their experiences – both good and bad – as it will help you learn and grow. Also, figure out your work/life balance and time management early in your career. Your responsibilities will continue to grow as you advance your career and you have to know how to set boundaries around your personal life. Don’t answer emails on vacation! Trust your teammates to cover for you.
See Jessica Cross featured in NEREJ’s spotlight for Women In Construction 2022.
BOSTON – March 7, 2022 – Margulies Perruzzi (MP), one of New England’s most innovative architectural and interior design firms, today announced the addition of seven new professionals to support the firm’s growth in its workplace, healthcare, science, and real estate practice areas. This roster of new employees will add their respective talents and strengths to MP’s team of more than 50 creative and client service-oriented professionals. MP is pleased to welcome:
Jonathan Bailey-Francois ~ Project Designer
Jonathan has explored the importance of interdisciplinary coworking, master planning, the impact policy has on architecture, the introduction of new technologies in a professional environment, and the benefits of volunteering as a designer. Jonathan’s passion for craft, thought, and sustainability led to his Master’s Thesis winning the Thesis Award for Excellence; he will use this passion to develop and grow as a designer with intentions to become a licensed architect.
Michael Fortunato ~ Marketing Coordinator
Mike is a marketing professional within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. He specializes in client-facing communications, content creation, graphic design, and proposal planning and development. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Public Relations from Suffolk University.
Marissa Meads ~ Interior Designer
Marissa brings a balance of creativity, forward thinking, and innovative designing skills to the MP team. She is talented interior designer with over five years’ experience and strives to design unique and transformative interiors spaces for workplaces and life sciences companies. She helps clients achieve their vision through a structured design process by balancing colors, textures, and lighting to create spaces that reflect their unique qualities.
Alvaro Ribeiro, AIA ~ Senior Architect
Alvaro has over 22 years of experience designing spaces for life sciences, medical device, and technology clients. His portfolio spans projects providing cutting-edge facilities for clients across New England’s expanding science and technology industry. At MP, Alvaro is a valuable asset to any project, leveraging his experience to provide insight that helps guide the project team and deliver innovative design solutions.
Jessica Sulprizio, RA ~ Architect
Jessica is a registered architect with experience in both the interior design and architecture of a variety of mixed-use residential, academic, and workplace projects. She is passionate about design and creating spaces that are attuned to the vision and values of her clients. Skilled in both Revit and Enscape, she produces 2D and 3D drawings for all design phases.
Colin Whalen ~ Project Designer
As a project designer, Colin specializes in master planning as well as new construction and renovations for core and shell building projects in life sciences and other sectors. He strives to create welcoming and engaging facades that help support the goal to attract and retain tenants.
Joshua White, AIA ~ Project Manager
As a project manager, Josh is a collaborative and team-oriented leader, taking projects from conceptual design through completed construction. His portfolio spans a range of different project types, including mixed-use developments.
“We believe a successful design is one that not only satisfies a company’s space needs, but also creates transformative experiences that enhance and transform the way work is done,” said Dan Perruzzi, AIA, LEED AP, principal and senior partner at Margulies Perruzzi. “We remain steadfast in its commitment to design excellence, cutting-edge technology, and superior client service. We are thrilled to welcome new designers and professional staff that espouse these values to help grow our practice and build on the strength of our core studios.”
Alvaro Ribeiro and Jessica Sulprizio have both rejoined Margulies Perruzzi. “Both Alvaro and Jessica have contributed to some of our most innovative design projects over many years, and we join our clients in their excitement to welcome them back to MP,” continued Dan.
Since its founding in 1988, MP has evolved into an award-winning design firm that creates buildings and workspaces that inspire creativity, attract, and retain talent, and enhance mission engagement. The firm collaborates with clients in the corporate, professional services, healthcare, science/technology, and real estate communities to design productive and inspiring work environments.
Margulies Perruzzi is hiring! Please visit the firm’s careers page to learn more or to apply.
From a young age, Jenna Meyers, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP knew she wanted to do something creative and took every art class offered at her high school. During her senior year, she took an interior design course and fell in love with the subject, going on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design.
Ten years ago, Jenna moved to Boston and joined New England architectural and interior design firm, Margulies Perruzzi (MP). As a senior interior designer, Jenna brings 15 years of extensive design experience to the MP team, contributing her strengths in design development, programming, project management, and coordination. As a workplace studio leader, she specializes in working closely with clients to create custom-designed spaces, reflecting their unique brand, mission, and culture.
Recently promoted to senior associate, Jenna heads up the workplace studio at MP and helps develop the firm’s workplace strategies. MP’s most recent report, Volume 5 Workplace Strategy Report: Embracing the Hybrid Workspace, affirms the logic of transitioning from a traditional to hybrid model. A survey of 8,600 people across multiple business sectors revealed that 44% of workers plan on being in the office three days a week, and 25% plan on two days. Only 9% responded that they would return to a pre-pandemic office presence.
Jenna says she enjoys mentoring designers at MP and believes we fail if we don’t teach the next generation. Her advice to anyone interested in a career in interior design is “Enjoy the process, learn how to listen, and make yourself valuable.”
See Jenna Meyers featured in High-Profile’s full article on Women in Construction.
