The BCIT Alumni Association is proud to spotlight alumni whose journeys reflect the spirit of lifelong connection, professional excellence, and giving back to BCIT and the greater community.
Meet Nahomy Castillo Abril, an acoustical consultant at BKL Consultants Ltd., whose curiosity about how buildings perform led her from architecture studies in Peru to advanced training in Building Science at BCIT. Today, she applies a strong technical foundation to acoustical analysis and consulting, helping create more comfortable and functional spaces across a range of projects.
What drew you to BCIT and what ultimately made you choose your program?
From a young age, I had a goal of moving to Canada, and as an architect I’ve always been interested in the technology behind how buildings work. That’s why BCIT felt like the right place for me to specialize in Building Science. I was particularly interested in building acoustics, something that had already caught my attention during my undergraduate studies.
Describe your most memorable BCIT experience and why that has stayed with you the most?
One of my most memorable experiences at BCIT was presenting my thesis research to industry professionals. This opportunity came through the support and networking of my supervisor, Dr. Ohm, who helped connect my work with people outside the classroom. It was very meaningful for me to share my research with experienced professionals and see their genuine interest in it. Their positive feedback and curiosity encouraged me to keep going and gave me more confidence that my research could make a real contribution.
What are you doing now?
I am currently working as an acoustical consultant at BKL, where I am beginning my professional career in acoustics. I support a range of projects and continue learning from more experienced colleagues while applying the foundations I developed during my studies.
How are you applying your education in your career?
My education, along with the guidance of my supervisor, has been fundamental in helping me reach this point. The knowledge I gained during my studies directly supports my day-to-day work and helps me understand the technical aspects of what I do. It has also given me confidence to navigate the professional environment.
In what ways are you using your skills or experience to contribute to your community?
Through my work, I help improve sound conditions in different types of buildings, which ultimately affects people’s daily comfort and quality of life. This feels meaningful to me because it connects to a broader goal of improving living conditions. One important milestone during my studies was receiving research funding for my master’s degree, which was made possible thanks to my supervisor’s nomination and support. I am very grateful for the trust he placed in me, and it has motivated me to apply what I learned in my work in a way that contributes to improving people’s quality of life.
What advice would you give to with someone who wants to enter your field or follow in your footsteps?
I would say that pursuing a path like this requires a lot of dedication and resilience. It can be challenging at times, and it is normal to experience moments of self-doubt. What has helped me most is having people around me who believed in my potential, sometimes even more than I believed in myself, and I am very grateful for that support. For anyone considering this path, I would encourage them to stay persistent, trust the process, and surround themselves with people who support their goals.
What is next for you and how do you see your BCIT education continuing to support your journey?
For me, the next step is to continue working and, most importantly, keep learning, as I am still early in my career and have a lot to develop. I believe my BCIT education gave me a strong foundation, and it continues to support me by reminding me that steady effort leads to growth over time.