Designing Opportunity for Future Generations: Stephanie Szneke Is Opening Doors for Tomorrow's Designers

For Stephanie Szneke, B.Arch’98, architecture was never simply a profession—it was the opportunity that changed the trajectory of her life.

Now, she is ensuring future students have access to that same opportunity. Stephanie has committed an anticipated $1.5 million estate gift to The Boston Architectural College to help sustain the College’s future and support generations of students to come.

Her planned gift reflects both gratitude for the education that shaped her life and a desire to help future generations pursue careers in architecture and design. Estate commitments like Stephanie’s help sustain the BAC’s future, expand access to design education, and strengthen the College for generations to come.

As the daughter of Polish refugees and a first-generation college graduate, Stephanie once believed a career in architecture was financially out of reach. Traditional programs felt inaccessible while she balanced student loans, work, and the realities of living in Boston. Then she discovered The Boston Architectural College. After earning an undergraduate degree in psychology, Stephanie realized that instead of pursuing a PhD, she was drawn to understanding how people lived within and experienced their spaces, through both psychology and design. After taking a few drafting classes, she took a leap and joined Merrell Associates as an entry-level associate.

Everything clicked when she was asked to step in on a project while a manager was away. “I had the realization: I love architecture,” she recalled. “I love working collaboratively. That was my beginning.”

When she started her studies at the BAC, Stephanie was working at Burgin Lambert Architects in Newport, RI, and commuting to campus twice a week.

“What stood out to me was the work-study program,” she explained. “Once I learned that architects from Boston firms were teaching classes, I was sold.”

Balancing full-time work with classes was demanding, but the experience shaped both her technical foundation and her approach to design.

"The daily work in a firm taught me the nuts and bolts, including the detailing, structure, cost—everything that the real-world of architecture requires," she said. "And the studio approach to education at the BAC helped me form my personal interpretation of architecture.”

Architecture as a service profession

“I consider architecture to be a service profession,” she explained. “It’s my job to consider various requirements— like cost, code, and space—and integrate those elements to provide options for the client.”

That practical mindset, combined with a background in psychology, helped her develop a client-centered approach that would define her career.

Over time, Stephanie developed a passion for high-end residential design and eventually launched her own firm, S Design Company, specializing in custom waterfront homes.

After the 2008 recession reshaped the architecture industry, Stephanie began an unexpected second chapter of her career as Creative Design Manager for CVS Health, designing flagship stores with a human-centered approach. Stephanie led the creation of the company’s LEED portfolio of buildings, beginning with their first Platinum LEED store in West Haven, CT.

Deciding to give back to the BAC

As she began planning her estate, the decision to give back felt both natural and meaningful.

“The BAC was the first thing that came to mind. When I thought about it holistically, the BAC allowed me to pursue a career I love and gave me financial freedom because of it. What better way to give back?”

More than anything, Stephanie hopes her gift will help future students pursue careers they may once have thought impossible.

“I want to pay it forward,” she said. I’m hoping that I can help students by reducing financial pressure so they can pursue their dreams.”

“I couldn’t have afforded architecture school otherwise,” she reflected. “My life would have gone in a completely different direction. I really want to give that opportunity to someone else.”

“The daily work in a firm taught me the nuts and bolts, including detailing, structure,

Inspired by Stephanie’s example, alumni and friends can help ensure future generations of BAC students have access to the same transformative opportunities that shaped their own lives and careers. Through planned gifts—including bequests, gifts of appreciated assets, and other legacy commitments—donors can create lasting impact for students and the College for generations to come. We invite you to connect with the Advancement team to learn more about options that align with your values, goals, and the legacy you wish to create.