Even after moving to Boston some years ago, Associate Romina Tonucci maintains her childhood love for the City of Chicago. Her trips to the city have defined her career and appreciation for different styles of architecture. For our June Staff Spotlight, we sat down with Romina to learn about her inspirations and travels. Read the Q&A below!

Q: What inspired you to become an architect/designer?

As a child growing up in Michigan, we would take road trips to Chicago. As I grew older, I was inspired by the diverse array of skyscrapers; art deco and Chicago-school style buildings. The history of the “White City” and how it came to shape architecture. I've always been drawn to the story behind architecture. The process of design. The imprints these buildings make on society and history.

Q: If you could give advice to a young designer, what would you say?

Develop that critical eye. Notice. Look. Wonder. Ask questions. Be in the moment and take time to sit in spaces. Travel: by bike, by car, or by airplane. Allow yourself to be open to understanding varied and diverse environments, mindsets, etc.

Q: Do you have any guiding design principles in your process?

As a young architect, my career was shaped by the city of Chicago and my interest in the city's existing buildings, changing needs, and understanding how our work would contribute to the landscape. This thoughtfulness of cause and effect, and sensitivity to the existing area fabric, has grown into the foundational guide of my own process. Our work at Finegold Alexander is a great example of sensitive and thoughtful architecture stitched into the beautifully rich history of the New England region. Our recently completed work at Cambridge City Hall is a wonderful urban example.

Q: Do you have a favorite city to visit for architecture?

Each city or place has much to offer an architect. I enjoy traveling and visiting cities near and far, equally.

Q: Do you have a favorite building or perhaps a favorite architect?

My favorite building is the unlikely neo-gothic style Tribune Tower on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Not simply for its architecture, but for the fascinating story of how it came to be and how that process shaped architecture’s future. The Tribune Tower only exists because it was the winner of a first-of-its-kind international competition to reimagine the office tower. The winning design and, probably even more importantly, the competition runner-up designs of well-known architects, went on to shape the pre-war world of architecture.