Geoffrey Leahy

As a person, I consider creativity and resourcefulness to be two of my most valuable attributes given their usefulness in virtually all areas. My overall career direction is orientated specifically around design, however I have a strong desire to bring design into fields where it is lacking. Throughout both of my degrees issues of sustainability and community interaction have been the main focus of many of my projects. Whilst through my work experience I have tackled a variety of other issues using my skill-set. 

Experience detail.

MArch. Urban Design
Relevant Modules: History & Theory of Urban Design, Strategic Urban Design, Detailed Urban Design, Urban Design Report, Urban Design Assignments in Hong Kong and Athens.

Main Project Brief: The Ideal City.
The focus of the course was set on expressing how bottom-up design principles will create answers to worldly issues. My final project was based on an original theory, which I termed “Outscape Urbanism.” It fundamentally encouraged the need to break away from traditional design methods and experiment within Athens’ city boundaries based on the needs of the community. During my research and site analysis, the priority was to engage and interact with members of the community. This contact was maintained throughout the project in order to achieve a successful final design.
Skills Developed:
• Intricate urban model making and visualization techniques. The model became the showcase piece of the project as it clearly presented the idea and design.
• In depth urban analysis techniques both on site and from the design studio.
• Working closely with a fellow Urban Designer throughout the entire project.
• Advanced skills in Space Syntax urban analysis software.
• Strong ability to re-imagine ideas of existing urban projects and tailor them to the required brief.
• The creation of innovative and precise presentations in many formats including – PowerPoint, video, posters, interactive models.
• Ability to adapt to and engage with communities and culture at the local level whilst simultaneously tackling problems that exist at a larger scale. 
• Vocal & visual presentation to peers and established professionals.
• Visual presentation skills and the ability to create detailed plans and sections.
• Sourcing a variety of ideas and applying them to a particular site.
• Creating detailed urban briefs.
• Ability to write a large Urban Report on the project.
• Undertaking of the coordination and construction of an Urban Exhibition.

B.A(hons) Product Design
Relevant Modules: Main Design Project, Manufacture Systems, Mechanical Systems, Professional Skills, Economics & Management, Advanced Electronics, Statics, Design Psychology, Ergonomics & Contextual Studies, Design Ethics, Ethical Issues. 

Main Project Brief: Environmental Design.
The focus on this project was creating a sustainable solution to the environmental issue of clean water. A challenging brief was created, both technically but economically as well as the product had to be very cheap. Collaboration with engineers ensured the functionability of the design. Further projects included the concept of an alternative public bike system for Montreal, designing posters to raise public awareness of the national waste crisis and designing postage stamps to celebrate biodiversity.

Skills Developed:
• Advanced skills in CAD software (Solidworks, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Sketchup, Photoworks 360).
• Creating Detailed Models both by hand and 3d printing.
• Creating a detailed product brief.
• Ability to work within both a large & small team, as well as being the leader of a design team.
• Creating detailed Gantt charts for time organisation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Including the creation of a manufacturing and life cycle plan.

Thus far, my academic background has enabled me to develop a strong ability to communicate effectively in written, verbal and especially visual terms. Furthermore, working in a multitude of environments, combined with my nature, has allowed me to develop strong interpersonal skills in relation to both clients and colleagues. Therefore I am able to function well independently and as part of a team. The nature of my employment has also provided me with the opportunity to gain a high level of administrative skills, including experience with many general and advanced computer programs.

Finally, I am confident in my ability to bring creativity and innovation to the work place. It is apparent throughout my experience that working alongside the community and answering real issues at hand has always been at the forefront of my design motive. Translating people’s ideas into visual concepts is a personal strength, but more importantly the ability to provide the spark for the unravelling of a unique idea is personal attribute that I treasure the most. I believe that my position as a designer who has a collective knowledge base of various design fields will broaden my design ability to successfully answer modern urban issues.

Freetime
During my free time I visit exhibitions and design events around the country in order to broaden my knowledge, gain inspiration and network. I also regularly play football and occasionally engage in recreational sports such as shooting and golf. In addition I engage in carpentry and restoration as a hobby and have attracted a large number of paying clients.