Polina is an architectural and computational designer, a researcher and a scholar. She is also a recipient of numerous awards and author of various publications (for more information visit realpolya.com). In 2023, she completed her Master of Architecture with Advanced Standing degree at Columbia University GSAPP. In 2022, she was a research fellow at Gensler. In 2020, she graduated Cum Laude from University of Southern California with two degrees: Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Polina is a certified LEED Accredited Professional BD+C and WELL Accredited Professional, and has led many residential projects. She is an AIA Associate and is currently employed as an architectural designer by Vima Design.
Vima Design, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer
vima.space
Gensler, Los Angeles, CA, US, Research Fellow
Participated in a summer-long fellowship at Gensler.
My practice area was Healthcare, and my main focus was researching the future of the healthcare industry. Me and the healthcare team devised a plan of dispersed and more affordable healthcare as a replacement strategy for monolithic hospitals.
Columbia University, New York, NY, US, Commencement Student Worker
My responsibilities included graphic design and event preparation related to GSAPP Commencement 2022.
Keller Williams Studio City, Los Angeles, CA, US, Graphic Designer
As a graphic designer I did the following:
•Prepare real estate presentation materials;
•Design marketing campaigns.
Next Generation Builders Inc., Los Angeles, CA, US, Lead Architectural Designer
As a lead architectural designer I did the following:
•Lead multiple projects simultaneously, both residential and commercial;
•Manage drafting team;
•Create residential floor plan designs for the clients around Los Angeles;
•Draft construction drawings, plans, and elevations;
•Construct 3D models and work on renderings and visualizations;
•Communicate with clients;
•Offer interior design solutions;
•Create graphic design marketing campaigns.
Sacatelle, Los Angeles, CA, US, Graphic Designer
In this position, I did the following:
•Designed reusable tote bags for over 15 various brands including LA Clippers, Rappi, Duralast, Aceing Autism, and others
•Collaborated with fellow designers
•Suggested multiple design solutions for each projects
•Deepened my knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator
Buroe Design and Architecture, Moscow, RU, Interior Designer
As an interior designer at Büroe, I accomplished these:
•Worked on the winning proposal for the remodeling of the interiors of the hallmark of Soviet constructivism – Izvestiya building in Moscow, Russia
•Created interior design solutions for private residences' projects spanning all across Russian Federation
•Worked on an interior design for a store for an innovative agender brand "Post-Post Scriptum"
•Drafted construction drawings for furniture elements and lighting fixtures
•Worked on collecting and presenting ideas for multiple residential and commercial projects
Southern California Earthquake Center, Los Angeles, CA, US, Graphic Design / Communications Intern
In this position, I did the following:
•Produced and worked on graphics for the signature ShakeOut campaign which attracts over 60 million people annually;
•Created graphics for Seven Steps for Earthquake Safety (including building 3D models of necessary objects);
•Created graphic identity packages for Shake Out campaign, Earthquake Country Alliance, and Tsunami Zone campaign;
•Assisted manager in distributing ShakeOut update emails to the subscribers through Mailchimp service;
•Expanded my knowledge of Illustrator and Indesign.
University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, US, Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant for Structures 213 A&B class at USC. As a TA, I:
•Led a group of 25 students;
•Hosted laboratory meeting once a week;
•Explained Structures 213 A&B material;
•Co-hosted exam reviews for 70+ students two times a semester;
•Graded homework, projects, and tests;
•Arranged office hours and helped students.
UNK Project, Moscow, RU, Interior Designer
In this position, I completed the following tasks:
•Worked on a dining hall interior design and documentation;
•Created unfolded wall elevations and ceiling plans;
•Created axonometric drawings of specific furniture items;
•Deepened my understanding of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, and Autodesk Revit.
KB Strelka, Moscow, RU, Architectural Intern
This internship was more oriented on urban planning and reconstruction of Moscow districts. Duties included creating analytical maps in Adobe Illustrator, using 2GIS, collecting data on various street conditions, and using Rhinoceros to illustrate those streets, pavement, and drainage system.
John Wolf Fine Art Advisory, Los Angeles, CA, US, Art Consulting Intern
Duties included organizing exhibitions, cataloguing materials, working in Photoshop to produce collages for clients, and communication with artists and clients.
Blank Architects, Moscow, RU, Architectural Intern
Worked on the following projects: Mega Khimki Commercial Upgrade and Mega LavkaLavka.
Columbia University, New York, NY, US, MArch, Master of Architecture
Admitted with Advanced Standing
University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, US, Bachelors, Architecture, Psychology
Grade: GPA: 3.68 (Cum Laude)Grade: GPA: 3.68 (Cum Laude)
Activities and societies: Alpha Phi International Fraternity, Expat Society, Russian Culture Club (President 2016-2017).
B.A Psychology GPA: 3.97
M.Arch Advanced Standing, Award
Placed into the 2nd year of the Master of Architecture sequence at Columbia University.
