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Ben Carstensen

Ben Carstensen

Portland, OR, US

 

About 

I have wanted to be an designer ever since I can remember. My passion for design stems from where I call home. I am a fifth generation Montanan. My great, great grandfather homesteaded there, drawn, he said by the power and beauty of the Rocky Mountain front. The landscape there is so dominant; seemingly endless prairie punctuated by patchy timber, wild rivers and snow-capped peaks. More than any other factor, the environment defines my design decisions. It has always been my goal to design for the setting, drawing inspiration from both the natural, built, or cultural context of a region. It is my belief that in order for a design to truly be timeless, it must compliment its surroundings.

 

 

Online Portfolio

Employment 

ecoREAL Solutions LLC, Portland, OR, US, LEED Project Manager / Design Project Manager

- Production / Graphic Design:
Preparation of final deliverables for clients. Including signage, booklets, and print presentation boards.
Documenting sustainable design decisions through architectural graphic design.
Utilized 3D modeling software such as Revit or SketchUp and the Adobe Suite.
- Schematic Architectural Design:
Assisting in early design decisions including sustainable upgrade decisions through use of an eco-charrette.
Production of schematic diagrams.
- Project Management / LEED Project Administration:
Coordination of project team members in regards to sustainable design decisions and LEED documentation.
Preparation of LEED documentation regularly relating (but not limited) to architectural design decisions.
Production and presenting of LEED progress reports for all project team members.
- Sustainable Design Consulting:
Researching precedent studies.
Providing feedback on project decisions during all design phases through construction.

Oct 2012 - current
 

Indeed Decor, Graphic + Production Designer

Floor Plans, Interior Elevations, Graphic Design, Photography

Oct 2010 - Jun 2012
 

Freelance Designer, Missoula, MT, US, Freelance Architectural Designer / Renderer

Freelance Design Consultation
Residential and commercial renovations

Jun 2009 - Sep 2009
 

Education 

University of Oregon in Portland, Portland, OR, US, BArch, Architecture

Bachelor of Architecture with minor in Art History
Winter 2008 - Lake Villa Archived – University of Oregon Displayed at ACSA Conference
Fall 2010 - NCARB Recognition Sustainable Cities Initiative (Salem Police Station)
Fall 2011 - Portland Mixed-Use Building Archived – University of Oregon

Sep 2007 - Jun 2012
 

Awards 

LEED AP+ BD&C, Other

2014
 

LEED Green Associate, Other

2012
 

Deans Scholarship - University of Oregon, Scholarship

Academic Excellence

2007
 

Best Buy Foundation National Scholarship, Scholarship

Academics & community service

2007
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills