Spotlight Story: Tracy Previlon

Tracy Previlon is set to graduate from The Boston Architectural College (BAC) Spring 2025 with a Bachelor of Architecture. Hailing from Haiti, Tracy has distinguished herself as a dynamic leader since her first day at the BAC. Currently working as a Drafter at Build International, she is deeply involved in student leadership, helping her peers amplify their voices and navigate their academic journeys. Upon graduation, Tracy plans to pursue licensure as an architect with a focus on international development. She is also passionate about teaching at the BAC and using her expertise to advocate for vulnerable communities through her professional work.

Why did you decide to enroll at the BAC?

I decided to enroll at the BAC because it offered me a second chance—a lifeline I never thought I’d get. I had started my architectural studies in Haiti, but political unrest, nationwide shutdowns, a presidential assassination, and yet another devastating earthquake in 2021 forced me to leave before finishing my degree. When my dream of becoming an architect felt out of reach, the BAC became the beacon of hope I needed. The BAC valued the progress I had already made, allowing me to continue my studies much closer to where I’d left off than everywhere else, which was one of the reasons why I was already leaning strongly toward the BAC. Not only did the BAC accept my international transfer credits—when others hadn’t—but their model also allowed me to work full-time in a real architectural role while completing my education. This opportunity gave me the second chance I needed to make up for, and even surpass, the time I thought I’d lost.

What do you think makes the BAC so unique?

The BAC stands out for its inclusive approach, welcoming students from all backgrounds—whether they’re recent high school graduates, career changers, or individuals with established families or other life experiences. Its educational model, which allows students to work in real architectural roles while studying, opens doors to a wide range of learners, making a career in architecture accessible to all. For someone like me—transitioning from an international background and a nontraditional path—the college’s accessibility and support have been truly transformative. The BAC’s mission seeks to make architectural education available to everyone who aspires to make a difference, no matter where their architectural journey begins, and I have been a witness to that over and over again when hearing about my peers' stories and also from my own story.

You have been involved in a variety of student leadership activities while studying. Can you describe your involvement and how it impacted your trajectory?

During my time at the BAC, stepping into various leadership roles has been one of the most transformative aspects of my journey. Serving as an orientation leader, leading our NOMAS Chapter as president, and actively participating in AIAS, BACcultural, and StudioQ have all shaped me deeply, both as a student and as a future architect. Through these experiences, I learned the true power of collaboration, working alongside people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. As past NOMAS president for two years, I grew to understand the importance of representation and the impact architecture can have when we prioritize community voices. My involvement with NOMAS has inspired me to continue advocating for inclusivity, and it has led me to my current role as Chair of Outreach for BosNOMA, Boston’s NOMA Chapter, where I now work to connect and uplift the voices of underrepresented professionals in the field. In this role, I’m committed to advancing opportunities for those whose paths, like mine, may have been nontraditional. Each role at the BAC prepared me for this work, expanding my vision and strengthening my commitment to building a design community that values and celebrates every voice.

Describe the student-focused community you experienced at the BAC. Did this help you succeed, and do you see others flourishing thanks to this supportive environment?

The BAC community has felt like a true home base for me—a place where people genuinely look out for one another, where everyone from peers to staff members is there to help you grow. Ashley (Sosa-Feliz) in the Office of Student Life has been a constant support; whenever I needed support, she welcomed me with open arms, ready to listen and help. Rich Griswold and Karen Nelson have been so approachable, always willing to sit down, talk through any concerns, and offer their insight and support in a way that makes you feel valued.

Beth (Lundell Garver) and Maria (Sardinas) from the Practice Department have been just as incredible. Every time I have an encounter with them, they greet me with genuine warmth and excitement, consistently reaching out with opportunities that are truly focused on student growth. Their kindness and dedication have been a huge part of my journey here, making me feel like I’m not just a student but someone they believe in. Their kindness and dedication have been a huge part of my journey here, making me feel like I’m not just another student, but someone they believe in. And it’s not just me; I’ve seen this community support moving so many others as well. I’ve watched classmates and friends be uplifted by the same kind of mentorship and encouragement, helping them find confidence and footing in their own unique paths.

What aspect of your studies do you enjoy the most?

The ability to blend practical experience with academic learning was the most rewarding part of my studies. Working as a full-time architectural drafter at Build Health International while attending the BAC allows me to directly apply what I learned in the classroom to real-world projects. This dynamic learning environment kept me inspired and continuously engaged with both my studies and my work.

How do you feel the BAC has prepared you for success post-graduation?

The BAC’s work-study model has helped me grow as both a student and a future professional. It’s given me the chance to apply what I’m learning in class to real-world projects, allowing me to improve my skills and understand the industry better. Along the way, I’ve built not just technical abilities, but also the confidence and discipline needed to succeed in such a demanding field. With the support from the BAC community and all the resources available, I feel ready to take on the challenges that come after graduation. I’m excited to face the ups and downs of working in architecture, balancing the demands of the job while continuing to learn, and feeling confident about the next steps in my career. It also makes me ambitious to want to get my license as an architect because of the real-life experience hours I gained, and the NCARB exams seem less scary because of that.

What is your favorite memory of the BAC?

This is a tough question to answer because there are so many memorable moments at the BAC. If I had to choose, I’d say some of my favorite memories come from my involvement with BAC NOMAS and seeing the planning and efforts come to life, especially when students would actually show up and engage. That was always a rewarding feeling. However, one memory that stands out for me is when I was invited to attend a graduation ceremony for a class that wasn’t mine. Watching the graduates walk across the stage, I saw firsthand what all those years of hard work and dedication had led to. What struck me the most wasn’t just the pride that you see in the parents of those graduating, which is of course heartwarming, but also the emotions of their spouses, children, friends, and co-workers, which is distinct of the BAC since a lot of the students do not have a traditional journey. The support and pride from those closest to them was overwhelming. What resonated with me was knowing that these graduates had done it all—balancing work, life, and school, sometimes even side gigs. It made me think of us BAC students as superheroes, navigating our own challenges and showing up every day to achieve our dreams.

What are your plans for the future?

Looking ahead, my goal is to become a licensed architect specializing in the International Development sector, with a particular focus on healthcare design and community-based projects for underserved populations. My work with Build Health International, combined with my experiences at the BAC, has deeply inspired me to create sustainable, inclusive infrastructure solutions for regions in critical need, like Haiti—especially at a time when the world seems to be facing aches. I aim to design spaces that provide comfort, safety, and dignity, contributing to a future where thoughtful, accessible design meets the needs of all. In the longer term, I also hope to return to the BAC as an instructor, giving back to the community that has supported me and sharing my knowledge and experiences to help shape the next generation.