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Duane Williams

Duane Williams

Inglewood, CA, US

 

About 

I've always been a creative problem solver.   When I was in Junior High, I designed board games, puzzles and mazes.  With just a bright light, colored markers and graph paper I could create mazes through the letters of peoples names or with intricate patterns.  I learned how to make them more challenging by watching and listening as people tried to solve them.  With an interest in incorporating a social aspect to my graphic arts, architecture seemed to be an obvious fit.

I remember being upset with the demolition of the Pan Pacific Theater to build some condos while I was attending Fairfax High School (LAUSD).  I learned hand drawing of construction documents in High School and at El Camino Community College, Transferring to USC after 3 years.  After my second year at USC, I landed a summer internship with Keating, Mann, Jernigan, Rottet.  I also became a charter member of the USC Student Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).

My involvment with NOMA allowed me to interview Robert Kennard, FAIA and Norma Skalarek, FAIA, attend national conventions, design the website for the Los Angeles Chapter, and serve on an Advisory Committee for Green Dot's ACE (Architecture, Construction & Engineering) Campus at Locke High School in Watts.  Currently, I'm the Assistant Director of SoCalNOMA's Architecture & Engineering Summer Camp.  I've also served as a mentor for Achitecture and Urban Planning students for USC's Black Alumni Association.

The majority of my career has been in healthcare and educational facilities, beginning with a clerical/ drafting position at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton (Bobrow-Thomas and Associates).  Since the recession began, I diversified my skills to include online marketing and advertising for real estate brokers, property management companies, hotels and restaurants.  I've offered Design & Drafting and Revit 3D modeling and rendering services to Architects and Developers and a local Real Estate Investment Club.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Urban Design Studios, LLC, Inglewood, CA, US, President

Freelance business for online real estate photography, marketing and branding & Revit modeling and redering services. I will entertain offers for outsourcing projects as well as full or part time employment.

Jan 2009 - current
 

KDG Architects, Los Angeles, CA, US, CADD Draftsman

Temporary Position to help complete highrise senior residence in Inglewood, CA

Jun 2008 - Nov 2008
 

Randall Baylon Architects, Inc, Los Angeles, CA, US, Project Manager

Created Architectural Sets for LAUSD Modernization Projects, Restaurants in West Hollywood, and Site Plans for Regency Outdoor.

AutoCAD 2005 Design & Drafting, Interdisciplinary Coordination, Site Survey and Documentation, Submit Bid Packages, Addendums & Clarifications (RFC’s); Division of the State Architect (DSA) Approvals & Los Angeles County Health Department Approvals.

Sep 2004 - Apr 2008
 

Education 

El Camino College, Torrance, CA, US, Architecture

I learned Autodesk Revit 2009 & 2010 in two semesters. I've kept up to date and currently working with Revit 2014.

Sep 2009 - Jun 2010
 

University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, US, BArch, Architecture & Urban Planning

Completed 3 years of Architectural classes before switching majors to Urban & Regional Planning. Worked as summer intern at Keating, Mann, Jernigan, Rottet in 1991.

Sep 1990 - Dec 1994
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills