Archinect
Cara Warren

Cara Warren

San Francisco

 

About 

I am passionate about the parallels between fashion, architecture, art, and nature and how together they shape humanity. I currently practice as an architectural designer in Austin, Texas, but am constantly traveling to visit family and explore various cultures throughout the world. 

Employment 

reach architects, Austin, TX, US, Project Architect

//Lead representative and design production manager of The Refuge, a 35,000 sq ft private therapeutic retreat for female survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST)
//Direct internal design team processes by organizing meetings, presentations, site visits, and daily correspondence with clients, sub-consultants, contractors, fabricators, and vendors contributing to timely project management and delivery
//Conceptualize and develop design renderings, construction documents, code drawings, design details, material palettes, and mood boards for project visualization and documentation
//Manage technical design analysis by ensuring life safety and energy code compliance, coordinating directly with engineers, writing project specifications, and evaluating value engineering solutions
//Support bidding negotiation and construction administration procedures including responding to Request for Information and Request for Proposal solicitations, evaluating bids, reviewing submittals, and directing on-site coordination with contractors
//Create and curate social media/website content to promote company brand and growth
//Key projects: Peli Peli, Autocraft Bodywerks, MIA Tapas + Bar, Woodcraft, Hat Creek Burger Co., and aRoma Italian Kitchen + Bar (all Austin TX), The Refuge (Bastrop TX), Park Central (Midland TX)

Jun 2013 - current
 

Parsons Brinckerhoff, Washington DC, Assistant Architect

//Conducted programming, schematic design, and performance specifications of a 115,000 sq ft multi-purpose government facility and renovation of a 50,000 sq ft information technology center, issued as an RFP to contractors
//Assisted the US Department of Homeland Security with bidding and negotiation procedures through analysis and evaluation of multiple contractor bids for ultimate contract award
//Implemented construction administration procedures through submittal and change order reviews, providing Architects Supplemental Information, and confirming code compliance
//Utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) software in direct coordination with structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers to prepare construction documents
//Designed and marketed a company brochure published and distributed to major clients
//Key projects: Mount Weather FEMA Complex (Bluemont VA), Surveillance Radar Program (Taiwan), US Veterans Affairs Information Technology Center (Temple TX)

Nov 2009 - Jul 2011
 

Sodel Concepts, Fenwick Island, DE, US, Architectural Designer

//Strategized master plans for building renovation and landscape development projects
//Developed confidence in design decision making in response to branding vision, client’s preferences, and applicable codes

May 2005 - Jul 2009
 

Education 

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, US, MArch, Architecture

Master of Architecture studies with a focus on interior design and landscape architecture. Key courses include:

//Parallel Practices in Fashion + Architecture / Independent Study w/ Professor Lois Weinthal
//Creative Problem Solving / Teaching Assistant for Professor Larry Speck
//Towards a New Interior
//Plants in Design

Aug 2011 - May 2013
 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, US, BArch, Architecture

Bachelor of Architecture studies with a strong focus on conceptual design and innovation. Active with student affairs as the president of the AIAS from 2008-2009.

Aug 2005 - May 2009
 

Awards 

Oglesby Traveling Fellowship, Nomination

//Nomination based on merit in architectural design

2013
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills