Each year, The Madeira School sends its students into the world through its renowned Co-Curriculum program—a signature element of the school’s commitment to experiential learning. For six weeks this past spring, AV Architects + Builders had the privilege of hosting one of these students, senior Maya, at our Great Falls office. Her time with us was a meaningful exchange of curiosity, creativity, and mentorship, reflecting the spirit of both Madeira and our firm: empowering young women to explore the fields of architecture, construction, and entrepreneurship with confidence.
Located just minutes from our office, The Madeira School has been a pillar of young women’s education since 1906. Known for its serene 376-acre campus overlooking the Potomac River, Madeira pairs rigorous academics with an emphasis on leadership, self-discovery, and real-world experience. Its Co-Curriculum program is central to that mission, allowing students to rotate through community service, Capitol Hill placements, and professional internships that help them understand the world beyond the classroom. This structure creates a powerful foundation for future leaders—students who are academically capable, ethically grounded, and ready to contribute to their communities.
When Maya joined AV Architects + Builders, she arrived with an eagerness to learn how an architect-led design-build firm operates from the inside out. Our team curated a six-week experience that allowed her to move through every department—mirroring the same integrated structure that defines our work.
During her time with architecture and design, Maya observed how a conceptual idea evolves through sketches, drawings, and iterations before becoming a floor plan tailored to a client’s life. She learned how architects balance creativity with constraints, and how design decisions ripple through the entire home-building process.
With our construction and project management teams, she saw the fast-paced coordination that brings a design to life. Jobsite visits, scheduling discussions, material reviews, and walkthroughs gave her an up-close look at how thoughtful systems and communication support a smooth construction timeline. She learned how collaboration among trades, vendors, and supervisors transforms paper into structure—and why precision is essential at every step.
Maya also spent time with marketing and admin, where she saw how storytelling, community engagement, and client care support the overall mission of our firm. From social media and content creation to behind-the-scenes processes that keep our office running, she gained an appreciation for the many layers that shape the client experience.
This rotation-based approach mirrors the architect-led design-build model at AV Architects + Builders—where every discipline informs the next, and where understanding the whole process helps young learners see the industry from a broader, more connected perspective.
At the heart of Maya’s internship was the opportunity to learn from our CEO and co-founder, Francisca Alonso. As a long-time Great Falls resident, a board member of The Women’s Center, and a leader deeply committed to uplifting the next generation, Francisca has always been passionate about empowering young women—especially those curious about STEM, architecture, construction, or entrepreneurship.
Francisca believes that visibility matters. When young women see other women leading projects, shaping companies, and making decisions at the highest levels, it opens doors in their own minds. Throughout Maya’s internship, Francisca offered guidance, shared personal insights from her decades of experience, and encouraged her to ask bold questions. These conversations helped demystify the world of architecture and construction while introducing Maya to the human, relational aspects of the profession.
Her mentorship embodies AV Architects + Builders’ long-standing commitment to the community. Whether through philanthropic involvement, internships for young women, or educational events, Francisca consistently creates opportunities for others to grow. Hosting a Madeira student was a natural continuation of that work—an investment not only in one student’s future but also in the future of the industry.
Madeira students are known for their curiosity, poise, and readiness to embrace real-world challenges, and Maya was no exception. Her time with us reflected the values Madeira instills in its students: intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and the courage to explore unfamiliar environments.
The school’s emphasis on rigorous academics, small class sizes, and advanced STEM opportunities gives students the grounding they need to step into professional spaces with confidence. Madeira’s global perspective, community-minded culture, and leadership training complement its Co-Curriculum program—creating graduates ready to engage with complexity and to lead with integrity.
By the time they reach senior year, students like Maya have already completed multiple hands-on placements, making them exceptionally prepared for internships in fields like architecture and design-build. This level of preparation allows them not only to observe but to meaningfully contribute during their time with professional partners.
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Interns like Maya bring fresh energy into our office. Maya asked thoughtful questions, offered creative perspectives, and approached her experience with maturity and enthusiasm. Her presence reminded us of the importance of nurturing the next generation—and of the impact that even a short-term experience can have on a young woman's future.
For AV Architects + Builders, hosting a Madeira student was a moment to give back to our community in a way that aligns with our values. We believe in creating modern homes that support well-being, connection, and legacy—and those same principles guide how we mentor and support young people. The experience reinforced the importance of accessible learning opportunities, especially for young women pursuing industries traditionally dominated by men.
As Maya prepares for the next chapter of her academic and professional journey, we are proud to have been part of her story. Opportunities like these strengthen the bond between local businesses and schools, creating pathways for students to explore careers with confidence and curiosity.
We look forward to future collaboration with The Madeira School and to continuing our support of programs that elevate young women, celebrate leadership, and invest in the future of STEM fields.
At AV Architects + Builders, we believe that mentorship is one of the most meaningful contributions we can make to our community—and hosting Maya reaffirmed that belief.