Intern Spotlight: Melise Bricault

As an architecture and design student minoring in environmental and sustainability sciences, Melise Bricault knew COOKFOX Architects was the perfect place for her final co-op, a requirement for her studies at Northeastern University, where she will graduate at the end of the year. 

Since joining the studio as an intern in January, Melise has supported two teams on commercial and residential projects in lower Manhattan. For 65 Franklin Street, a residential condo on the border of Tribeca, Melise assisted with GSF and zoning deductions plans. Her contributions for the commercial project—the renovation of a landmark building in NoHo—included drafting dozens of different core options for the client and helping plan the rooftop spaces, where she gained proficiency in Revit and received a crash course in New York City’s Landmark Preservation Commission processes. 

During her five months at COOKFOX, Melise studied for and passed the LEED Green Associate exam, earning the credential that demonstrates substantial knowledge of green building practices. She was also involved in the studio’s Healthy Materials Team, attending biweekly meetings, contributing to conversations about long-term visioning, and surveying the studio’s use of plastics in several key projects. 

Drawn to the studio’s environmental and social mission when she applied, Melise says she was still surprised by the office’s dynamic culture. “I was always told growing up that if you love what you do, it won’t feel like work. COOKFOX taught me what that actually looks like in the workplace.” 

We’re grateful to Melise for her many contributions and wish her the best as she returns to Northeastern University to finish her undergraduate degree.