Archinect
Nicholas Elster

Nicholas Elster

Oakland, CA, US

 
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About 

I am a practicing architect with years of professional experience, including single- and multi-family residential, commercial and healthcare work. 

My experience as an architect has emphasized the importance of an interactive approach, allowing me to collaborate with other members of a design team, and to work closely with consultants and contractors.  The service-oriented nature of the profession has helped me to develop excellent verbal, written and visual communication skills for use with clients, and a wealth of technical knowledge and firsthand exposure with regards to construction and the building industry helps ensure productive relationships with other professionals.

Years of focussed work have helped me develop an acute set of skills relevant to site-specific design, yet applicable to problem solving in a larger context as well.  I'm looking for the opportunity to diversify my work experience to include other building types, especially socially oriented projects with community engaged processes and wider impact.  At the same time, I'm committed to retaining and expanding my practice of collaborative methods, sustainable solutions, and a high level of craft.

I am a licensed architect in the state of California.

I am a credentialed LEED Green Associate.

Employment 

Jim Jennings Architecture, San Francisco, CA, US, Project Architect, Associate

Jim Jennings Architecture is a full service architectural firm.

"Refinement of detail is a mainstay of Jim Jennings Architecture. Our buildings are rational, lucid and sustainable - and convey a quiet strength."

Feb 2016 - current
 

Matano Kang Architects, Berkeley, CA, US, Project Manager & Architect

MMK Architects is a full service architectural firm whose work includes commercial, medical facility and residential design projects. A collaborative process from planning through construction and focus on schedule and resources, allows the firm to provide the highest quality, comprehensive architectural design services for its clients.

Sep 2013 - Jan 2016
 

Self Employed - Freelance, Miami, FL, US, Architectural Designer

Jul 2012 - Aug 2013
 

Gary Earl Parsons, Architect, Berkeley, CA, US, Project Manager & Architectural Designer

Gary Earl Parsons, Architect is a full service architectural firm with special emphasis on residential design. This award winning firm produces site-specific designs that are responsive to clients desires and informed by sustainable practices and Bay Area architectural traditions.

Jul 2006 - Jul 2012
 

Education 

Miami University, Oxford, OH, US, BArch, Department of Architecture + Interior Design

Minor in Anthropology

1/2004 - 5/2004 - Barcelona, Spain
Significant coursework in Architecture

6/2005 - 8/2005 - Kyoto, Japan
Significant coursework in Architecture

Aug 2001 - Jun 2006
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills