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Sara Johnson

Sara Johnson

Effingham, IL, US

 

About 

I love designing in 3D.  As an art major in college, the challenge of taking an abstract concept or idea and turning it into an idea about physical space was an exciting one, which is what led me to my interest in architecture and interiors.

In general, I would say I am a very "chill" person, with a calm and collected mentality.  I have always been the one to calm others down in a stressful situation, and this ability allows me to work well under pressure and to lead others in an organized fashion, both as a studio group member and TA in grad school and as a team leader at Stevens. 

I am a problem-solver at heart, as well as a logical thinker (I also majored in math).  When I identify a problem, I want to fix it, and I enjoy the process of struggling to find a better solution or more systemic way of doing things.  

Other than architecture, I am interested in all forms of art, including graphic design, sculpture, painting, and tattoo design.  I also am an open-minded person, and I love to travel.  I love being immersed in new cultures and constantly learning new things.  I think I have learned the most about myself, my art, and my country, as well as the rest of the world, through traveling.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Stevens Industries, Lead Product Designer

researching and conceptualizing new product lines, selecting new pattern and texture offerings, engineering prototypes, designing show and display pieces

Oct 2013 - current
 

Stevens Industries, Millwork Team Lead

designing and drafting custom commercial interiors, preparing shop drawings and cut patterns for the production floor, scheduling and double-checking jobs, coordinating with project managers and production personnel, improving millwork product and material databases, improving upon millwork's systems and processes

Feb 2012 - Oct 2013
 

Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, US, Teaching Assistant

teaching assistant for graduate level core studio and representation classes

Sep 2009 - May 2011
 

Effingham Park District, Effingham, IL, US, Tennis Instructor

tennis coach for children's leagues, tournaments, and camps

Jun 2005 - Aug 2009
 

Education 

Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, US, MArch, Architecture

Aug 2008 - May 2011
 

McKendree University, Lebanon, IL, US, Bachelors, Art and Math

Aug 2004 - May 2008
 

Awards 

George E. Kassabaum Scholarship for academic achievement, Scholarship

2010
 

Work featured in Washington University's Approach publication, Other

2010
 

Technos International Prize, Award

honors one graduating senior from McKendree University for academic success and furthering international understanding

2008
 

Britton Hughes Memorial Scholarship, Scholarship

2007
 

Bruce Young Memorial Scholarship, Scholarship

2007
 

Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Other

members must be in the top 5% of their junior or senior class at McKendree University

2006
 

Board of Trustees Scholarship, Scholarship

full tuition scholarship for McKendree University

2004
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills