Upon completion of my Masters of Architecture in May 2012, I am looking to start my career in the field of architecture. I am pursuing an entry level full time position where I may begin my NCARB record working toward my IDP and completion of my ARE. Furthermore, it is my goal to find a position that will allow me to grow and learn the field as I transition from collegiate to professional work.
Throughout my schooling I have learned many things ranging from urban plans, an architect’s role in real estate development, site design, building design, building envelopes, building materials, lighting, mechanical systems, some LEED practices, interior design, and interior details. Furthermore, I have gained the understanding of construction documentation and detailing through both my coursework and professional experience. Through this process, I have realized that as an architect my role is not strictly a designer, but to be able to coordinate the design and the technical aspects together. Understanding that each detail is a part of a larger system and the series of systems together create a whole building. Through the work of my master’s thesis I have begun to connect these thoughts together. My thesis deals with reestablishing architectural identity in a region by reconnecting to that regions historic vernacular architectural materials, architectonics, and spatial arrangement. More formally, it focuses on the idea of sustainable regionalism. My program allows a series of transforming prototype research stations that change and morph in order to adapt to the historic vernacular ideas, adversely different ecological and geographical differences, and the inherent differences that scatter the state of Florida. While the analysis of this thesis deals with the understanding of historic differences, its importance is in the way that different settlements in Florida construct and inhabit space due to their location, culture, and climate. Historically rooted, the understanding of the material, construction practice, environment, and programs of a building becomes a narrative of the way that construction and inhabitation take place. Through this process I have learned that the way in which something is constructed allows for restrictions that can drive the design and the process in which ideas are distilled and manifested into the built space. This process has given me the opportunity to understand different building styles and construction styles throughout the differing regions of Florida. It has given me a way to look at a region and understand how I can apply and infer what I know to something I do not quite understand yet. I have developed the ability, through this skill set, to understand architecture critically and in a different way than I had previous to this thesis exploration. I have learned how to take queues from the historic structures as guidelines to apply to new architecture. This would make me an asset on any project across the country; with confidence, I can quickly gain understanding and reasoning for the way things need or should be done.
Designs Unlimited, Birmingham, MI, US, Drafter
Designs Unlimited produces high quality custom cabinetry to fit the needs of their clients. I worked with clients from the beginning phase of schematic deign to design development, proposal acceptance and installation. One of my primary tasks was to use the designer’s sketches to create floor plans and elevations based on the restraints, constraints, and limitations of the cabinets. I would also create computer renderings of the space for the clients. In addition, I formulated proposals for clients using the understanding and manipulation of a margin in order to turn a profit or sell a job. Upon acceptance of a proposal, I worked with the manufacturer to order the cabinets or worked with the factory to facilitate the construction of the job. I created an installation binder to give to the installers to ensure the execution of a concise and flawless installation. The installation manual included detailed and part numbered elevations and plans, installation dimensions, custom made part isometric views, specification for applicable appliances, appliance installation instructions, material selections, and other various installation instructions.
Schuyler Builders, Sarasota Springs, NY, Design Intern
During this internship, I worked on creating a checklist of the NAHB Green scoring tools in order to help the company easily and quickly understand the point value of certain construction techniques, materials, or building systems. Collaborating with NAHB Verifier, I created a template of the values and objectives that represent Schyuler Builders. Each home built needed a “home owners manual,” which I also created. There are parts in this manual which allow specifications for the building to be pasted in from a library of systems and techniques that the home owner may need to know about their new home. I created the conceptual design of a small cottage to be built on small lot in Albany, New York. I completed and submitted a variance request to the city. In addition, I began the construction documentation for the small cottage and a split-level home.
University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MArch, Masters of Architecture
Specialized Course Work: Interior Design Studio, Urban Design Studio, Developmental Practicum: Architects Role in Real Estate Development, Regional and Sustainable Development, Community Development, Computer Graphics, and Construction Documentation.
Staff Member- Dichotomy 18: A student published journal which strives to be a critical link between UDM students and the discourses on design, architecture, urbanism, and community development. I contacted potential authors asking for submissions. Upon gathering submissions as part of a team we edited the articles and formatted them for our book
Lecturer: Presented a group design concept at a collaborative brainstorming session on the future of Detroit. The project dealt with daylighting of a historic creek in the city of Detroit. Each waterway was programmed differently to facilitate industry, commerce, and housing.
2010 Polish Exchange Participant: Politechnika Warszawska
Interviewed by Polish National Radio on the topic of water construction, comparing the Wisła in Warsaw and the Detroit River in Detroit.
Academic Project Diversity: Aquifer Research Laboratories, Daylighting of Detroit’s Historic Creeks, Detroit Ecological Institute, Non-Denominational Christian Church, Warsaw Urban Neighbor Redevelopment Plan, Warsaw Green Bike Path Network, Warsaw Collegiate Fashion Campus, Professional Fashion Artists Studios, Something Sweet Gelato Shop in Warsaw, Detroit’s Polish Cultural Center, Small Commercial Space, Violin Maker Studio, and a Building for the act of Storytelling.
