2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Aksel Solberg,
HFA Architecture + Engineering

In the last 12 months what accomplishment are you most proud of? My teams and I have led design efforts on many exciting projects including multi-family developments, cannabis retail dispensaries and commercial mixed-use developments. It always gives me great pride to watch a team succeed

2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Andrew Hayward,
Affordable Housing and Services Collaborative

In the last 12 months what accomplishment are you most proud of? In summer 2023 I graduated from Georgetown University with a master’s in Professional Studies in Real Estate Development (MRED). While the classes were challenging, the difficult piece was the final thesis,

2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Danielle Pinette,
Vivo Architecture, Inc.

In the last 12 months what accomplishment are you most proud of? In the last 12 months I have made significant strides in the process of becoming a licensed architect. With the completion of the AXP, and the passing of four of the ARE divisions, I am now two exams away from being licensure eligible in Massachusetts.

2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Mollie McColgan,
Shawmut Design and Construction

In the last 12 months what accomplishment are you most proud of? Last year, I started working on the Hardy Elementary School in Wellesley, Mass. – my first school, public, and out-of-ground project. Now that we are nearing completion, I can look back on

2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Will Nelson, Norfolk Multifamily Cabinets & Countertops

In the last 12 months what accomplishment are you most proud of? In the past 12 months I have been a part of more than 1,000 new and renovated apartments in the New England region. Four years ago, when I started my career at Norfolk, that would have shocked me. Today, with the help of a strong team,

2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Gregory Chakmakas, Sheehan Phinney

In the last 12 months what accomplishment are you most proud of? As legal counsel to affordable housing developers, the past 12 months have presented many unique challenges. I am very proud of our affordable housing group’s ability to meet these challenges head on with creative and efficient solutions to meet our clients needs.

2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Carlee Schettino, Galaxy Development, LLC

How do you balance your rising career with your personal life? I find balance by optimizing my time outside of work. With a keen sense of prioritization, I organize my tasks efficiently throughout the week. As the weekend approaches, I eagerly anticipate tending to my porch garden under the warm sun, delving into exciting projects for the yard, and arranging time to spend with friends & family.

2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Jordan Mercurio, Elkus Manfredi Architects

In the last 12 months what accomplishment are you most proud of? My most joyful accomplishment this past year has been my daughter’s birth and the humbling, beautiful chaos of navigating new motherhood and my role as an architectural designer and project manager.

2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Caulen Finch, Maugel DeStefano Architects

How do you balance your rising career with your personal life? Balancing a career with my personal life, especially with two young kids, is challenging! It requires flexibility, prioritization, and lots of energy. Setting a good example for my kids pushes me to work harder to constantly learn and grow as an architect.

2024 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Colby Cavanagh, Maugel DeStefano Architects

Outside of your career, where else do you seek continuous learning and personal growth? In everyday life, as in my work, I’m always looking for creative ways to learn, grow and engage in new ways of thinking. I’m constantly learning from my daily interactions with clients and industry professionals and stay on the lookout for new learning opportunities