Daniel Villegas Cruz is an Architectural Designer on the path to New York State licensure with a wide breadth of experience across project types. Born in Bogota, Colombia but now residing in New York City, he obtained a Bachelor of Architecture with a concentration in theory from Cornell University. Inspired by spaces that catalyze creativity and foster wonder, Daniel has strived to craft the built environment through both an appreciation for materials, digital fabrication expertise, and a sensitivity to context. He is convinced of the critical role design plays in shaping the daily human experience and its responsibility towards a more sustainable and inclusive environment.
Perkins Eastman, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer
Healthcare Studio:
-Produced construction documents and oversaw construction of a Simulation Lab for teaching surgical procedures.
-Project architect for a multi-phased cosmetic upgrade of a post-partum mother & baby unit in a Queens, New York Hospital.
-Developed Construction drawings and administered the construction of a hospital’s offsite IT offices and the relocation of their Patient Flow office.
-Created ICRA plans for a multi-phased, multi-floor hospital renovation.
Extracurricular:
2022 CANstruction NYC - Designed and built a sculpture “canstructed” from donated food cans as part of the Perkins Eastman team.
Standard Architects, Long Island City, NY, US, Architectural Designer
Projects:
-Remodeled an orthopedics suite for New York Presbytarian Hospital and Hospital for Special Surgeries.
-Collaborated with Read & Co. on a historic spring house in Pennsylvania and the construction of a house and a dance-studio-containing-barn in Martha’s Vineyard.
-Developed seating for the amphitheater of Little Island at Pier 55, and helped prepare regulatory documents for The Glade stage.
-Worked on residential renovations including two Greenpoint apartments in a converted factory, a kitchen remodel in Austin, Texas, and worked on a loft-law conversion of an old factory in Williamsburg. Renovated two Manhattan penthouse apartments along with administering construction for an entrance lobby and an amenities roof terrace at the same building.
-Worked on commercial interior work, including preparations for major layout restructurings R/GA’s NYC Headquarters, and three whiteboxing projects, acting as project manager for two.
-Created new CAD templates, sheet sets, forms, and an updated work portfolio for the office. Designed the 2019 Standard Holiday Card.
Austin + Mergold, Ithaca, NY, US, Designer
Completed research, design, and fabrication for a column as part of an exhibition
Cornell University, Material Practice Facilities, Ithaca, Teaching Assistant
Conducted training seminars for new architecture and art students in the use of the machinery and fabrication methodologies, as well as ensured the safe and efficient operation of the facilities.Worked with CNC, laser cutters, and 3D printers, overseeing the operations of the equipment, as well as working with students and faculty to solve design issues pertinent to the fabrication process.
Worked from January 2014-December 2017 in the analogue shop.
Worked from January 2015-December 2017 in the Digital Fabrication Lab.
Jenny Sabin Studio, Ithaca, NY, US, Designer
Worked as part of the Design Team to help complete and construct Lumen, an installation for MoMA PS1 during the summer of 2017.
Quantic School of Business, Master of Business Administration
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, US, BArch, AAP
Cornell University, College of Architecture Art and Planning.
Attained a Bachelor of Architecture with a concentration in Architectural Theory
Dean's List, Other
Cornell AAP Dean's List
Student of the Year, Award
2012 Professional Award as Student of the Year from DASH from AIA Miami