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Logan Kelley, LEED AP BD+C

Logan Kelley, LEED AP BD+C

Oakland, CA, US

 

About 

I come from a diverse background. In the beginning of my bachelor degree at Pitzer College, I took carpentry and ceramics every semester my first two years, developing an admiration for products that are both efficient and understandable. I decided to pursue a science degree, and began studying Physics. The dedicated faculty at Pitzer, Pomona, and Harvey Mudd Colleges allowed me to engage in a multi-disciplinary approach to physics, one that permuted my interests in making and the humanities with technical problems. Projects during my later college career included helping to build a 3D printer for the Pomona College Physics department, working with a team to develop an adaptive optics system for Pomona College's one-meter telescope on Table Mountain, and lending carpentry skills to rebuild the trellis and overhang outside Pitzer College's beloved Grove House.

Since coming to CCA, I have learned an enormous set of design and representation techniques. My digital skills range from creating working technical models and drawings using a variety of 3D programs to creating photo-realistic renderings and playfully clear diagrams. Recently, I have been pursuing parametric design scripting, including a physics engine that can be applied directly to digital modeling programs.  Physical making continues to be a serious part of my design process. With the shops at CCA, I can learn new ways of making and am encouraged to research new material strategies. I have also been hired as a part-time shop monitor for CCA's three-axis CNC router.  Any tool that helps me to quickly iterate design ideas is a tool worth investigating.  What most excites me most about architecture is the chance to represent design in dynamic and powerful ways.  The logics of construction and the communicative power of representation are both themes I want to push forward in my career.

My professional experience thus far has tended towards learning how buildings go together: all three of my jobs have been directly engaged with the making of the building.  My first position was a construction apprentice for a small design-build firm.  With a toolbelt and baseball cap, I learned light wood techniques and the challenges faced even in small-scale architecture.  In my internship with John Lum Architecture, I have drawn dozens of working drawings.  Whether they be for my manager, the client, the city, or the contractor, I can say that I have a solid start to understanding the role of the architect.

As you can see, there is no one field in which I am interested. Instead, it is the intersection of fields that draws out my enthusiasm for learning and making. While I am sure my interests will become more focused, I vow to always be looking to new fields for inspiration, knowledge, and routes to problem solving. I value a warm and comfortable work environment where ideas can be communicated easily and with smiles. I consider myself a serious worker who enjoys making people laugh and having a good attitude in any situation. 

Elsewhere:

Employment 

MITHUN, San Francisco, CA, US, Architectural Designer

May 2014 - current
 

John Lum Architecture, San Francisco, CA, US, Intern Designer / Draftsperson

Various responsibilities in SD, DD, CD, and CA; including drafting, detailing, communicating with project architect, client and contractor, and site/building permit submittal process.

May 2013 - May 2014
 

Reed-Madden Design, Berkeley, CA, US, Construction Apprentice

Construction apprentice for a contractor and a master carpenter. Helped to build a house in Berkeley. I was on the project team, doing manual labor, for phases including demolition, foundation, framing, roofing, and skinning.

May 2012 - Aug 2012
 

Education 

California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA, US, MArch, Master of Architecture

My education has spanned many realms. Recently I have become most interested in parametric modeling, material experimentation, and project representation. For a full description, please see my website -- www.logankelley.com

Aug 2011 - May 2014
 

Awards 

2014 Thesis Charrette, 2nd Place

A semester design kick-starter competition after 8 months of thesis research.

2014
 

Fall 2012 Jury Prize, Nomination

Nominated for the Jury Prize of all CCA Architecture studios for the Fall 2012 semester. I was selected to represent my studio for this exhibition.

2013
 

M.Arch. First Year Book Award, 1st Place

Awarded for best overall design throughout the year among recipient's class.

2012
 

M.Arch. Studio 2 Super Charrette, 1st Place

A two-week ideas competition held yearly in M.Arch. Studio 2.

2012
 

Areas of Specialization