Charnice Burns – Designing the World Around Us with Creativity and Diligence

A Concrete Conversation with a Woman Architect

Throughout history, women have overcome incredible obstacles to achieve great things, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations. From architects to reporters to women who fight for others, women have made their mark in every field imaginable, defying expectations and challenging the status quo. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting a few inspiring magnetic women by sharing their stories and celebrating their achievements.

Charnice Burns

Have you ever wondered what goes into designing a building or a space that not only functions well but also inspires and elevates those who use it? As an architect, Charnice Burns has dedicated her career to answering that question. With a wealth of experience and talent, Charnice shares how she balances the skills needed to be an architect and what makes designing in Boston so fulfilling.

1. Working in the Architecture industry can be extremely challenging because it often requires mastery of creative and technical skills. What led you to choose a path in architecture, and how do you balance these skillsets?

CB: I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology, realized I was meant to work in a more creative field, and was instantly drawn to architecture. There is something powerful in seeing something go from an idea on paper to a full-scale building. There is a certain beauty in creation.

There are also so many layers to architecture that ensures that you are in a constant state of growth. Design, construction documentation and administration, consultant, client, fee and schedule management, and business development are all equally important aspects of managing a successful project and business. I enjoy how these various aspects of the architectural process allow me to exercise my creative and technical abilities constantly.

2. As someone who started their career working on the West Coast in Los Angeles, what has your experience been transitioning to Boston?

CB: After working on such renowned projects as the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, I relocated to Boston from Los Angeles and joined Gensler, the largest architecture firm in the world. Working in Boston has been an absolute dream, which has opened the door to managing projects for prominent clients such as MIT and Mass General Brigham. Working with clients who are producing the world’s future leaders, engaging in innovative research, and being at the forefront of life-saving technologies makes my work truly purposeful. As architects and design managers, we have a duty to create environments that promote a general sense of well-being. It has been beyond rewarding to successfully do so through the use of form, natural light, and biophilia. 3. What current or future projects are you excited about?

CB: Architecture is a field that fosters constant learning and growth, which are qualities that keep me engaged and passionate about my work. I recently began working on a couple of high-profile media projects. As a Los Angeles native, I am very excited to help foster the growth of the entertainment industry in New England. These projects are technology-heavy and have a unique set of criteria that require extreme attention to detail to deliver a successful project on budget and schedule. We are always looking for new project opportunities with institutions, companies, and developers that will allow us to build upon previous project experience and expertise and also challenge us to continue to push the limits of design and sustainability.

3. What current or future projects are you excited about?

CB: Architecture is a field that fosters constant learning and growth, which are qualities that keep me engaged and passionate about my work. I recently began working on a couple of high-profile media projects. As a Los Angeles native, I am very excited to help foster the growth of the entertainment industry in New England. These projects are technology-heavy and have a unique set of criteria that require extreme attention to detail to deliver a successful project on budget and schedule. We are always looking for new project opportunities with institutions, companies, and developers that will allow us to build upon previous project experience and expertise and also challenge us to continue to push the limits of design and sustainability.

This article originally appeared in The Mazer Group’s Luxury Listings Newsletter. For more stories like this and great real estate eye candy, subscribe to mazergroup@compass.com

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