Alex Sanchez, an undergraduate architecture student at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and Priya Rathod, a candidate for a Master’s in Architecture from the Boston Architectural College, have been selected to receive the first-ever SCB Foundation Scholarship Awards.

The SCB Foundation was established in 2024 to encourage students from wide-ranging socioeconomic and diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in architecture, interior design, and urban planning. Scholarships are awarded to rising students to help further their design education and are accompanied by a paid internship at an SCB office.

“Greater representation both within our firm and the industry overall will lead to innovation and creativity in our work and foster an environment that produces more inclusive designs,” says Ben Harrison, AIA, LEED AP BD+C and SCB Foundation Board Member. “Our firm is committed to these ideas, and our goal with this scholarship is to reinforce a diverse pipeline of up-and-coming architects and designers.”

Get to Know the 2024 SCB Foundation Awardees

Alex Sanchez’s pursuit of a career in architecture comes from a deeply personal place. At a young age, she noticed how her neighborhood looked different than others and how the buildings were more attractive in affluent areas. She felt that architecture could be a way to unite various communities. “I began to view architecture as having the power to change people’s lives through design,” she says. “I wanted to be a part of that.”  With her SCB internship, Alex looks forward to being exposed to a large, nationwide firm, collaborating with other professionals in the field, and learning about their careers. “Receiving the SCB scholarship and internship completes my educational journey and introduces a path towards my future where I can decide what kind of designer I want to be.”

From an early age, Priya Rathod was captivated by bridges, and her travels to different cities intensified her interest in unique architectural structures, particularly in the realm of residential architecture. Her curiosity led her to study architecture and work for a few years in India, where real-life, hands-on experiences provided an appreciation for the beauty and complexities of design. “I found immense joy in designing spaces that leave a lasting impression on people,” she says. As she continues her studies, Priya is eager to work on urban scale and life sciences projects and further develop her analytical abilities at SCB. “I hope this internship will be a steep learning curve,” she says, “enriching my professional path with valuable insights and experiences.”

Applications for next year’s scholarship awards will launch towards the end of 2024. Candidates are evaluated by the SCB Foundation Board of Directors and decisions are based on the strength of design portfolios, resumes and letters of recommendation, and individual narratives. Learn more about the SCB Foundation.