A FEW MINUTES WITH KATHRYN PAKENHAM BILGEN OF UTILE
Kathryn Pakenham Bilgen is a Senior Associate at Utile, which has been consulting with Core Investments, Inc. for two years.
What is Utile?
Utile is a think tank, a multidisciplinary design firm. We do architecture, interiors, urban planning. We resolve issues, problems, particularly complex urban problems. We’re one of the top urban planning firms for cities around Boston. We are housing experts and like working locally. We’re really invested in Boston.
How many people work at Utile?
About 80 right now.
How many work on Core projects?
We’re in middle of construction documents, about to submit for a permit, so probably about 10 full-time and part-time staff. It’s higher than it’s been. There’s a core team of about six people who have been key players on this project.
What do you actually do for Core?
We are the residential architect for the first phase of the 21-acre site. [On the Dot is Core’s planned, mixed use development site on the west side of Dorchester Avenue in South Boston.] We’re working on one building now, 495 Dorchester Avenue. It’s 331 units, two buildings sharing a beautiful courtyard, one building is all affordable and age restricted. All market rate in the other building, which is a 16-story tower. That’s been our primary focus — getting it approved, designed, and now we’re wrapping up construction documents. It will be the first building open on this 21-acre site along Dorchester Avenue.
What else do you do besides work for Core?
I specialized in mixed-use multifamily projects, not so much different from what we are doing for Core. I also do institutional projects, fit-outs, interiors. A broad range of typologies and client groups, but all focused on what I’ve been doing for Core. It’s not always as large and complex as this. I’m fortunate to work on something that’s really rewarding and that takes up most of my time.
What did you do before Utile?
I worked at Arrowstreet, Bruner Cott. I’ve been in Boston about 12 years, with a passion to work in the City of Boston. Boston is an incredible city, and I love working in it. Core is one of those developers that really do care about bringing something amazing for the community. Projects like this are one of the main reasons I work in Boston.
And where did you grow up?
In New Jersey and New Hampshire. On either side of Boston.
Where did you go to school?
Undergrad in Boston, at Northeastern. I had suburban and rural upbringing and gravitated to work in the city afterward. I did architecture at Northeastern, then worked in New York City for a couple of years. I worked in Houston and enjoyed it. It was wonderful to live in different areas for awhile, but I came back to the city.
Where do you live now?
I live in Malden, just north of the city. I’m a big fan of public transportation. I take the Orange Line to work, Malden Center to Chinatown.
What do you do to have fun when you’re not working?
Oh, I have two children. I coach both soccer teams. I’m knee-deep in games and practices. I love coaching young girls, hoping to empower them, to feel good about what they’re doing with teamwork and hopefully gain skills to become leaders some day. I work in the garden when I have time. I also sit on the Planning Board in Malden, year four or five years now. It’s good to see what’s going on in my city, stepping back from being a designer, looking at things from a different lens.
What’s a favorite place of yours in the Boston area?
Boston Common and Commonwealth Avenue. I used to always walk down Comm Ave. after classes at Northeastern. I fell in love with the architecture. Historic buildings are just incredible. I love old and new buildings. I love working with both. The city reenforces how to make a timeless building and have it stand around for 200 years if it’s done right. There’s a lot to learn in the City of Boston.
Is there anything else new in your life?
There’s always something new with young children. Phases, things changing. My oldest is in fifth grade. Kids getting cell phones is a bit conversation right now. Freedom and independence is something new.