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Sarah Hopper

Sarah Hopper

Boston, MA, US

 
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About 

I am new graduate of the Masters in Architecture II programs at Harvard GSD. I am seeking a full-time position post-graduation that will allow me to grow my design skills at multiple scales as well as challenge and utilize my leadership and organizational strengths. I have over a year of work experience at notable firms including Steven Holl Architects and Duda Paine Architects. Additionally, I have explored and excelled in other areas of design including furniture and clothing design. I am a positive and grounded person looking for a stimulating office and an opportunity to learn from and contribute to a collaborative team.

Employment 

Harvard GSD Building Services, Cambridge, MA, US, Senior Architectural Intern

- Completed office renovations for faculty and staff by designing and drafting AutoCAD drawing sets and meeting with contractors to discuss changes, construction options, and final output expectations
- Completed the successful move of Mohsen Mostafavi’s personal library by designing his new shelving system and reorganizing the distribution of each cataloged category of text in his new office
- Managed two building-wide signage projects including contributions to work on graphics, placement, code-compliance, wayfinding techniques, coordinating with our partner company during production, and overseeing installation and final punch lists
- Determined space planning solutions for classrooms and public spaces in Gund Hall through furniture arrangement strategies
- Created infographics and event pamphlets using InDesign and covered the front concierge desk and phone

May 2022 - current
 

Harvard GSD Fabrication Lab, Cambridge, MA, US, Technical Assistant

- Contributed to the Zund TA curriculum by experimenting and documenting successes with new tools and developing TA training workshops
- Facilitated the use of the Zund machine by advising students on file prep and materials and running cut jobs once files were prepared
- Covered overall tool and blade maintenance and maintained the online scheduling reservation system

Jan 2022 - current
 

Steven Holl Architects, Rhinebeck, NY, US, Architectural Intern

- Advanced concept designs for international competitions and high-end residential projects by interpreting Steven’s conceptual sketches
and watercolors and drafting and modeling tangible outputs using AutoCAD and Rhino
- Managed local institutional and residential projects by drafting Schematic Design and Design Development sets, performing site visits and
research, comparing materials and construction techniques and costs, and coordinating with clients and contractors
- Received permitting from local community boards by presenting a residential design proposal to members using public speaking skills
- Contributed to the advancement of the team design process by building ten physical models, creating video animations, diagrams, renders,
and client presentations using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Enscape
- Helped reorganize the SHA archive and library by establishing a new online database for cataloging texts

Jan 2021 - Jul 2021
 

Duda Paine Architects, Durham, NC, US, Architectural Intern

- Finalized the outdoor lighting design for a commercial high-rise by creating easily comparable renders of design options using Photoshop
- Presented proposals for lobby designs through hand sketches, precedent research, and 3D modeled studies
- Completed a Schematic Design set for a Raleigh high-rise by helping draft the site plan, elevations, parking garage and lobby plans, door and window schedules, RCPs, and detail callouts using Revit
- Contributed to the exterior facade fin shading design by modeling options in SketchUp and Revit and cataloging solar shading effectiveness and overall facade aesthetics
- Aided in client presentations by preparing meeting materials, coordinating attendance of necessary parties, building multiple physical models,
and scribing meeting minutes

May 2019 - Aug 2019
 

Education 

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, US, MArch, Architecture

Aug 2021 - May 2023
 

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

Aug 2016 - May 2021
 

Awards 

Harvard GSD Course Distinctions, Award

Received Distinction in the following courses throughout my time at Harvard:

- Independent Study / Fall 2022
- After the Party 2.0 Studio / Fall 2022
- Wild Ways Studio / Spring 2021
- Material Practice and its Agency / Fall 2021
- Material Systems: Digital Design / Fall 2021

2023
 

Bee Breeders Design Essay Competition Honorable Mention, Honorable Mention

Received Honorable Mention for a Architectural Design Essay Competition on illusions in architecture. My piece focused on illusions found in zoological design trends today.

2021
 

UTSOA Design Excellence Award Nominee, Nomination

2017
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills