Archinect
RICHARD T. CARSTENS

RICHARD T. CARSTENS

Denver, CO, US

 

About 

My expertise in Architecture, Urban Planning, Interior Design, and Project Management ranges across a broad spectrum. I am adept with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Excel, Word, Photoshop, and Microsoft Project; I am a novice using Revit. I serve as the primary client contact, leading project teams to ensure successful delivery of complete, complex projects.

I regularly initiate, guide, and manage projects from inception to celebrating the opening of a new facility. I regularly author architectural design service proposals, contracts, building programs, workflow spreadsheets, project schedules, billings, and staffing assignments.  I manage and provide design expertise for multiple projects concurrently. My architectural competencies and leadership, coupled with an ease in life, bolster satisfying work results and relationships.

Employment 

Gruen Associates, Los Angeles, CA, US, Senior Project Manager

As Senior Project Manager for an eighty person Architecture, Urban Planning, Landscape, and Interiors office, I oversaw projects while worked integrally with small and large teams. In addition to reporting to the Partners, I am the primary point of client contact with authority on projects for program elements to ensure successful completion and construction. Managerial tasks include scheduling, staffing, code analysis and accessibility compliance, correspondence, construction detailing, progress confirmation, and engineering coordination. I assist PM training and mentoring junior staff in document organization and technical understanding. Notable Projects are the Santa Monica Gateway Office and Parking Structure; Accessibility upgrades for multiple LAUSD Middle and Elementary School Projects; a 600kW Rooftop Canopy Solar Array Project for LAPD and a Bus Rapid Transit Project four municipalities near Los Angeles I work 40+ hours per week

Apr 2016 - current
 

Architecture5280, LLC, Denver, CO, US, Principal

I founded my own Office in 2005 with the intention of having the experience of working with an Architect being rewarding during and after a Project was completed. Flagship project design included the a major Sports Network World Broadcasting and Operations Center, Innovative Dental office interiors, and adaptive re-use projects specializing in Victorian Office and Residential Transformations. Residential design ranged from interior remodeling to 4.5 M luxury homes. Additional project types include Retail Tenant Finish Projects, Automotive Sales and Service, Corporate Branding and Graphic Design. My mountaineering skills were combined into Architecture by performing High-rise Building Exterior Façade Inspections using rope access technics. The
EBFI Reports then detailed façade assembly soundness and repair assessments for buildings ranging from six stories to more than 260’-0” tall. I enjoy incorporation of furniture, millwork, interior finishes, hardware and lighting design expertise.

Jan 2005 - Apr 2015
 

City and County of Denver, Denver, CO, US, Urban Design Architect

I was the junior Urban Design Architect for the Commons PUD and Denver Union Station Master Plan by working on rail, vehicular alignments and zoning heights throughout the lower downtown area. Street Master Planning included the East Colfax Master Plan and Morrison Road Master Plan. Commercial and residential project development review. Architectural coordination of new lighting and tele-communications ordinances. I was the City Liaison for all downtown signage and signage code interpretations. I participate at neighborhood association and shareholder meetings with generative public speaking for a variety of civic concerns. I worked 40 hours per week.

Aug 2002 - Dec 2004
 

Education 

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, US, BArch, Architecture

Bachelor of Architecture, 5 Year degree
Minor – Studio Art
AIAS Student Representative, AIA Oklahoma
OSU Allied Arts Committee Member
School Of Architecture, Teaching Assistant

Architecture Design, Engineering, and History
Additionally:
Bachelor of Architectural Studies, 1984
Oklahoma State Wrestling Team 1979-1983
Oklahoma State Waterski Team 1979-1984

Aug 1987 - May 1989
 

University of Illinois Chicago, Versailles, FR, Graduate European Summer Studies Program

A European Studies Summer Program with travel and Architectural projects in six countries over the course of 12 weeks.

May 1983 - Aug 1983
 

Awards 

Colorado Home Builders 2006, Award

CARE Award, Residential Design Award for Interior Remodeling

2006
 

AIA Colorado 1991 Emerging Impressions, Award

The Emerging Impressions Award was to recognize architectural talent prior to licensure.

1991
 

Fifth Year Book Award - Oklahoma State University, Other

Book Awards were awarded to outstanding students in each class.

1989
 

AIA South Colorado - Tejon Street Design Charrette, Award

Urban Design Award for the Envisioning of Downtown Colorado Springs Tejon Street

1986
 

Colorado Masonry Institute Design Award, Award

The Shoppes at Little's Creek was a Post Victorian Masonry Building housing exterior retail galleries. The design highlighted a number of masonry detailing features that gave the building a complementary yet new presence in the existing suburban main street of Littleton, Colorado.

1985
 

Areas of Specialization