Archinect
Alexis Wu

Alexis Wu

New York, NY, US

 
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About 

I am architecture professional with B.Arch degree from Illinois Institute of Technology, and Master Degree of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. Altogether I have been trained in this domain for 6 years since 2011. I am proficient in using software like Rhino, Revit, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.  As a native Chinese speaker,  I am fluent in spoken and written English. 

During my study either in Columbia University or IIT, I took multiple courses not only in theoretical knowledge of architecture but also in studio hands-on practical job. As a freshman in employment market, I am an enthusiastic, self-motivated girl with strong communication and organization ability, especially good at communicating with clients and consultants. I think my participation in the firm can be a good asset for my company.

Even if I am an entry-level trainee to embark on my journey in my designing career, I still took advantage of my past summers during my college years to do several intern jobs to adapt myself to the changing roles of the firm on how to design for detail and manage construction projects, I worked as an Architectural Intern at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in Chicago, and assisted on the exhibition design for the project Sky’s the Limit: The Engineering of Architecture in Munich, Germany. I performed the task of editing the AutoCAD file and exporting the content to Rhino to make adjustment, then physically made the architectural building out of chipboard by using laser cut. Also, I worked on a design-build project Prinzessinnen Garten in Berlin, the development of an organic garden in an urban neighborhood, and  turned the space into a sustainable co-working environment. I was responsible for organizing and developing programs, like farming, entertainment, café, etc. I was also in charged of presenting the design to the clients, and performed field measurement to manage construction schedule. Another internship experience is in JZFZ Architectural Design Co.,Ltd in Chengdu, China, I took part in the residential and commercial complex project Jovo Town from Sun Hung Kai Properties in Chengdu, China. I worked with the team on design development of the residential floor plans, and assisted the project team on the development of a commercial area, as well as the planning the sensitive context.

During Columbia University, influenced by my advisor Steve Holl, a famous master in architecture, my knowledge vision of architecture design has been enlarged. Simultaneously, My research ability has been strengthened and my paper, Research on the Development and Applications of Innovative Concept in the Modern Architecture Design Under Green Environment Protection Perspective has been published in the Journal of Conference Proceedings Citation Index. I hope my analytical and research ability, along with my easygoing character, indeed can work well with colleagues and make a contribution to the company. I sincerely hope the company can consider my education background and offer me a post.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), New York, NY, US, Architectural Intern

Conducted research for SOM's featured projects, and phsycially modeling the buildings

Completed modeling project Sky's the Limit: The Engineering of Architecture, Germany

Ensured builder compliance with design specifications and advised design corrections

Worked on customizing rhino content, and translated into phsycial presentation

Nov 2015 - Feb 2016
 

JZFZ Architectural Design Co., Ltd, Chengdu, CN, Architectural Intern

• Focused on design development of Sun Hung Kai Properties’ Jovo Town, a multi-family residential complex
• Utilized AutoCAD to develop drawings from schematic design to detailed construction documents
• Worked on developing presentation and detail drawings for the planning and high- rise schematic designs
• Utilized Rhinoceros to create design models and digital renderings for marketing material and developer meetings

May 2015 - Aug 2015
 

Prinzessinnen Garden, Berlin, DE, Planning and Construction Volunteer

• Completed design and construction of exhibition workspace in Prinzessinnen garden
• Communicated with developers for the design proposals and site development
• Performed field measurement, as built and construction site oversight
• Determined process workflows and suggested methods of implementation of plans

May 2014 - Aug 2014
 

Pace Gallery Beijing, Beijing, CN, Curatorial Intern

• Assisted on curatorial for exhibition of Chinese Artist Yan Mao
• Built relationship with outside agents, buyers, and provides assistance during operating meeting
• Worked on data research, and prepared the weekly reports
• Worked on field measurements, as exhibition space oversight

May 2013 - Aug 2013
 

Sunhong International Architecture Design Co., Ltd, Chengdu, CN, Architectural Intern

• Focused on the development of Zhongtie in Anshun China, Residential and Commercial complex
• Built relationships with local contractors and authorities, and provide assistance during developer meeting
• Worked on AutoCAD drawings in Plan and Section
• Performed feasibility, impact, and cost studies within the department

May 2012 - Aug 2012
 

Education 

Columbia University, in the city of New York, Masters, M.S Advanced Architecture Design

The Master of Science degree in Advanced Architectural Design is a three-term program consisting of Summer, Fall, and Spring terms. The objective of the program is to provide outstanding young professionals who hold a Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture degree the opportunity to enter into an intensive, postgraduate study that encourages critical thought in the context of design speculation.

The program is viewed as a framework in which both academic and professional concerns are explored. Overall, the program emphasizes an experimental approach to research and architectural design rigorously grounded in multiple, complex realities.

The program brings together a set of required studios with elective courses that are shared with other programs in the School and that promote intellectual cross-fertilization among disciplines. The advanced studios frequently utilize New York as a design laboratory; a global city that presents both unique challenges and unique opportunities. The program has long been a site for architects from around the globe to test concepts and confront changes that affect architecture and cities worldwide.

Jun 2016 - May 2017
 

Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, IL, US, BArch, Architecture

Theprogram begins with an introduction to the history of architecture and to the contemporary profession, helping students understand the variety of paths that their architectural education could follow. Initial studio assignments develop communi- cation skills—verbal, graphic, and written—that enable students to navigate their eld while also introducing them to the elements that comprise architecture—sur- face, wall, door, opening, stair, room. In the 2nd year, studio assignments center on urban dwelling via the study of a small house in the city. The student is introduced to fundamental aspects of building: space, structure, materials, and construction. Students begin by researching historical precedents and analyzing how the concept of living in the city has changed over time, and proceed with a study of contem- porary issues and building methods that will inform their design. The 3rd year of design studios introduce more complex sites and programs in the study of multiple and hybrid buildings in the city. Students move beyond the single building to con- sider the spaces between buildings, infrastructural elements, and neighborhoods. Initial research phases are followed by studio assignments that include the design of mixed-use buildings with hybrid structures, and projects comprised of multiple building elements. Students explore the architect’s role in the making of a neigh- borhood and end with a project on the neighborhood of the future. The 4th year of the studio sequence is focused on comprehensive building design. Here, students consider contemporary building practices in a more in-depth manner that stresses the integration of structure, envelope, and building systems into a uni ed whole. Studio assignments are large institutional 55 buildings in the city with more com- plex programs and students are asked to consider the nature of how such institu- tions interface with the urban environment. Finally, the 5th year is focused on urban design and is more speculative in nature. Students select from a menu of studio options and work side-by-side with Master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Science, and Ph.D. degree candidates in research-based, forward-looking studios that speculate on the city of the future.

Aug 2011 - May 2016
 

Hanyang University, Seoul, KR, Exchange Program

Study Abroad Program • Courses in Economics

May 2012 - Sep 2012
 

Awards 

Arch Studio VIII: Institution: Public Choice Award, Award

2015
 

Academic Scholarship: College of Architecture Dean’s List, Honorable Mention

2015
 

Samuel Horwitz Memorial Scholarship, Scholarship

2014
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills