Raufir Tasbiha is currently an intern at Open House New York, starting in July 2025. She is a rising senior at Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School in Jamaica, Queens, where she is part of the school’s architectural program. In her free time, Raufir enjoys playing musical instruments, volunteering at local religious institutions and elementary schools, and teaching kids. She especially likes helping children with academics, such as reading, writing, and math, and enjoys seeing them learn and grow. She has a strong love for art, especially the kind that tells a story or shows something meaningful. She enjoys exploring different types of art and learning about the ideas and messages behind each piece. During her internship with OHNY, she hopes to expand her network and strengthen her public speaking skills.

What are you excited about during your internship with Open House New York?

I’m excited to explore New York through a new lens learning about its architecture, rich history, and the hidden spaces that make the city so unique. I love how OHNY connects people to the city in fun, meaningful ways that spark curiosity and appreciation. I’m especially looking forward to being part of a team that helps others see New York in a deeper, more thoughtful way.

What’s your favorite neighborhood or place in New York?

My favorite place in New York is Washington Square Park. It’s always full of energy with art, music, and a wide mix of people that make it feel alive. Whether it’s street performers, students, or locals just passing through, there’s always something happening. It feels like the heart of downtown and carries a strong creative and cultural vibe that I really enjoy.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself in college studying something I’m passionate about, likely within the creative fields such as design, architecture, or business. I hope to be involved in work that helps improve cities and communities, making them more inclusive, sustainable, and inspiring. I also want to travel and learn from cities around the world, gaining new perspectives and ideas to bring back to my own work.

If you could ‘unlock’ any building in New York, what would it be?

I’d love to unlock the Chrysler Building. It’s such an iconic piece of Art Deco architecture, and its design has always fascinated me. I’ve always wondered what the interior looks like, especially the top floors and the famous crown. It feels like a hidden part of the city’s history, and getting a glimpse would be great.

Bloomberg Arts Internship

The Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program offers rising public school seniors summer internships at cultural non-profits to provide skills and experience. Since 2012, the program has offered New York City students (at participating CTE high schools) paid opportunities to try out arts careers; hone workplace, career, and communication skills; and sharpen their writing. Bloomberg Arts Internship is sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

OHNY’s partnership with the BAI Studio Institute is part of our program Next Gen NYC, an initiative exploring the power of place for the next generation of young urbanists and New Yorkers.