✨ Advice I’ll be carrying with me for a long time:
“If you want ideas, collaborate, if you want money, find ways to help, and if you want fame, find community”
In the world of design, there are so many great ways to take your inspiration and transform it into reality. Whether you’re sketching buildings, shaping sustainable spaces, or engineering solutions for real-world needs, design is more than aesthetics, there will always be a way to take our visions to make the world better.
In our recent Gator Career Chat: Designing Futures, we were welcomed by three Gator Alumni who shared about the impact of their work. These professionals shared their journeys and experiences with participants, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, teamwork, and communication skills in their field.
Meet our Panelists: Design isn’t just about blueprints, it’s about building bridges between ideas and impact. These alumni reminded us that careers in design are crafted like buildings: with vision, teamwork, and a solid foundation.
Carsen Stefanelli
A Florida Certified General Contractor and serves as Green Construction & Development, Inc.’s Vice President and Executive Director. He leads the industrial construction division of the company, which specializes in manufacturing facilities all over the state. He loves construction, but is also a serial entrepreneur because he enjoys creativity in all types of business.
Rachel Moss
A recent graduate of the University of Florida’s Bachelor of Design in Architecture program, where she also earned a minor in Sustainability in the Built Environment. She currently works as a Project Engineer for The Weitz Company in West Palm Beach, collaborating with architects, subcontractors, and field teams to bring complex projects to life — including adaptive reuse and institutional renovations. During her time at UF, Rachel received the DCP Undergraduate Student Leadership and Service Award, recognizing her pride and dedication to the college. Rachel is passionate about the intersection of design and construction and enjoys sharing her early career experiences — shaped by internships in both architecture and construction
Sidney Ruedas
A first year Master of Architecture student with the College of Design, Construction, and Planning. A proud Double Gator, she received her Bachelor of Design in May of 2024. With a bit of a professional background in architectural and acoustic design, she is working to complete her AXP (Architectural Experience) requirements and become a Licensed Architect.
🎧 What to listen for:
- Real-world insights from architecture and construction professionals
- Why teamwork and communication are non-negotiable
- How design meets client needs and drives impact
- Ways to grow your skills and gain meaningful experience
- Strategies for networking and building your career community
Cover image courtesy of UX Indonesia via Unsplash
