2021 Women in Building Services: Cathlene Mitchell, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers PC

Name: Cathlene Mitchell

Title: Architectural Designer

Company Name: BBS Architects

Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of:

• NCARB
• AIA

What led you to your current profession?

As a senior in high school, I was looking at different colleges and my boyfriend just started attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). I applied to some other schools for graphic design. RPI did not have a graphic design program, but it had a well-known architecture program. I did not see the harm in applying for something a little different. I got accepted, and when I went to the accepted student’s day and saw what the program had to offer me, I knew that this was the program I wanted to attend.

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the work I have done to help develop the use of Revit in our Albany office. Revit is a building information modelling software for architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers, designers and contractors.

Who was/is your mentor and how did s/he influence/help you in your career?

My mentor would be Bryan Manning, senior associate in our Albany office. He has helped me by encouraging me to design and attend meetings to give my input as an intern.

What trends will dominate your industry in the coming months?

I think that a vital thing that should happen in the next few months is making public spaces feel safe again, after we have turned the corner of this pandemic.

How do you contribute to your community or profession?

I contribute to the community through my profession. BBS mostly does work for school districts. What better way to help the community than to help build the schools that educate the next generation?

What books or social media influencers would you recommend to other women?

If you like architecture and serial killers, I recommend “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

The two careers I thought I might end up pursuing were photography and graphic design.