Archinect
Jason Smith

Jason Smith

Memphis, TN, US

 

About 

I am a recent graduate of Penn Design’s Masters of Architecture program. I am seeking a position with a design oriented firm that will allow me to expand upon my knowledge of contemporary design methodologies and computational tools, and allow me to contribute my skills to real world projects with a high level of rigor and craft.

Over the past three years as a student at the University of Pennsylvania I have explored my interests in computational design tools and digital fabrication techniques. Working with a variety of tools I experimented with emergence and algorithmic design to develop complex patterns and geometries as well as intelligent interactions between form and structure. These explorations have brought me a wide range of experiences in digital modeling and presenting complex projects clearly using renderings, models and drawings. I also worked in the school’s fabrication lab operating the laser cutters and wood working tools for other students as well as using them for my own work.

In addition to studying architecture in graduate school, I studied architecture at the undergraduate level and have worked with a variety of fi rms. As a result I have a very diverse skill set which integrates traditional design tools like hand sketching and model making with contemporary digital tools including Rhino, Sketch Up and many others. My design philosophy is built around always using the right tool for the job, often going back and forth between sketching, scripting, model making and digital analysis throughout the design process. I have used all these tools both in school and in practice, and have a great appreciation for what each of them offer the design process.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

PKM Architects, West Memphis, AR, US, Project Manager

Responsible for multiple educational, healthcare and commercial projects.
Duties include meeting with clients and consultants, budgeting, programming, schematic design,
design development, construction drawings, specifications and construction administration.

Feb 2012 - Apr 2014
 

Cornell University, Ithica, NY, Scripting Tech

Assisting students with the completion of various scripting based design projects. Helping students understand and develop algorithmic processes and correcting scripting errors.

Sep 2011 - Jan 2014
 

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, US, Scripting Tech

Assisting students with the completion of various scripting based design projects. Helping students understand and develop algorithmic processes and correcting scripting errors.

Sep 2010 - May 2011
 

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, US, Laser Cutter Operator

Operated laser cutters for students and faculty. Also responsible for other woodworking tools such as saws, drills, ect.

Sep 2008 - May 2010
 

VSBA Architects & Planners, Philadelphia, PA, US, Summer Intern

Developed schematic design and site planning for large family services center. Construction documents on academic building at Harvard.

May 2008 - Aug 2008
 

Architectwon International, Germantown, TN, CAD Consultant

Prepared construction documents for small to medium commercial buildings and residences. Responsible for final construction drawings and schedules

May 2007 - Aug 2007
 

John Harrison Jones, Memphis, TN, US, Intern

Built study models and generated presentation drawings. Organized and composed marketing materials such as project boards and a firm portfolio.

Jan 2007 - May 2007
 

Education 

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, US, MArch, Architecture

Over three years as a student at the University of Pennsylvania I have explored my interests in computational design tools and digital fabrication techniques. Working with a variety of tools I experimented with emergence and algorithmic design to develop complex patterns and geometries as well as intelligent interactions between form and structure. These explorations have brought me a wide range of experiences in digital modeling and presenting complex projects clearly using renderings, models and drawings. I also worked in the school’s fabrication lab operating the laser cutters and wood working tools for other students as well as using them for my own work.

Sep 2007 - May 2010
 

The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, US, BArch, Architecture

My studies at the University of Memphis provided me with a strong foundation in design and provided me with a wide range of skills relative to architectural practice. In addition to design education, the University of Memphis also provides a strong base in building technology, materials and structure.

Sep 2003 - May 2007
 

Skills