As the world’s cities and towns continue to experience an unprecedented level of transformation, there is a need, now more than ever, for thoughtful leadership in the fields of architecture and construction. For Columbia SPS CUNY Fellow Laura Perez, the M.S. in Construction Administration (CNAD) is providing a unique opportunity for the recent City College of New York grad to bridge her architectural knowledge with her passion to “serve the public and contribute meaningfully to [her] communities.”
The Columbia SPS CUNY Fellowship program was launched in early 2024 with the goal of providing high-achieving recent City University of New York (CUNY) bachelor’s or master’s degree recipients access to Columbia’s vast academic, professional, and community resources. The fellowship provides a full-tuition scholarship for six semesters in any one of the School’s graduate programs, helping to remove a financial barrier to earning a master’s degree.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laura Perez to the M.S. in Construction Administration program as a part of the inaugural cohort of Columbia SPS CUNY Fellows,” says John Parkinson, director and lecturer in discipline for the Construction Administration program. “This cohort reflects our commitment to supporting a diverse pipeline of future industry leaders who bring unique perspectives that will shape our built environment with integrity and expertise. We look forward to seeing the positive impact Laura and her fellow cohort members will have on their chosen fields.”
In a recent chat with SPS, Laura shared how her passion for public service helps her bridge the gap between theoretical and practical applications of how architecture and design can enrich existing communities.
Tell us a bit about your background.
Growing up in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in Manhattan since moving from the Dominican Republic at age 4, the community has always been deeply rooted in my culture and my experiences attending public school and living in New York City. I’m currently an architecture associate at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which has allowed me to commit myself to public service, which I love. I graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from The City College of New York [CCNY] in May 2023, and right now I’m pursuing a Master of Science in Construction Administration at Columbia.
Why did you decide to apply to be an SPS CUNY Fellow?
I applied for the CUNY Fellowship because it offered me a unique chance to grow both personally and professionally while being part of a community that values collaboration and giving back. Community has always been central to my life, and I make it a priority to give back through volunteer and mentorship roles, both within my community and at CCNY.
What does it mean to you to have this opportunity and to have received this scholarship?
Receiving the CUNY Fellowship has been a tremendous opportunity, one I wouldn’t have had access to if not for the resources that the fellowship provides. For me, it’s always been essential to develop a solid understanding of my field so I can better serve the public and contribute meaningfully to my communities. I know that the M.S. in Construction Administration will allow me to further my understanding of architecture, impact, and public service. I’m grateful to be part of the Columbia community and look forward to growing over the next two years.
What excites you most about the Master of Science in Construction Administration program?
What excites me most is the chance to learn directly from New York City’s top professionals. I believe mentorship is essential for growth, and I deeply appreciate the faculty’s willingness to share their experience and insights with us. Even in my first three classes, I’ve already gained knowledge that’s helping me prepare for the Architect’s Registration Examination [ARE] and enhancing my work as an architecture associate at the Port Authority.
Why are you interested in construction administration?
As an architecture associate, I completed a yearlong rotational program that let me work with different units across the agency. During my time with the Construction Management Division, I served as a construction manager for JFK’s New Terminal One, which was an incredible experience. Being part of such a large-scale project sparked my interest in construction administration and gave me a firsthand view of the effort involved in bringing a major project to life.
How do you personally connect architecture with construction administration? What do you hope to do with your knowledge of architecture and construction administration in the future?
Construction administration connects my designs with how they’re built in the real world. Drawing a building in plan, section, and detail is one thing, but seeing it constructed brings a whole new level of understanding that only hands-on experience can provide. Architectural education is highly theoretical, but the curriculum of the M.S. in Construction Administration gives me a practical perspective on how a project moves from design to completion. I hope to use this knowledge to expand my career options, be more versatile in the field, and give back to my communities.
About the Fellowship
In 2024, Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS) launched a new fellowship program, the Columbia SPS CUNY Fellowship. Building on the success of the Columbia HBCU Fellowship, this program at SPS aims to provide high-achieving recent CUNY graduates access to Columbia’s vast academic, professional, and community resources.
Columbia SPS CUNY Fellowship application AND Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) applications due January 6, 2025. Learn more.
About the Program
Columbia’s Master of Science in Construction Administration program prepares graduates for a variety of careers at the forefront of construction and project leadership. Graduates develop rewarding careers with some of the world’s most respected architecture, engineering, and construction firms, entrusted with delivering some of the most impactful projects of our time.
