I have 30 years Architectural experience and, more recently, 3D residential and landscape design experience as an independent contractor.
My last architectural employment was 10 years at tBP Architecture in Newport Beach, working as a Job Captain. tBP specialized in Community Colleges. I mostly used only AutoCAD while working there.
I have designed and built two of my own homes and designed and lived thru 14 remodels. Most of my distant experience was residential, but also medical/dental, multistory/multifamily residential and churches.
During the recession I took 3D software courses to prepare myself for the upcoming changes in Architecture drawing production, which hasn't evolved as quickly as I had hoped. Accordingly I recently updated my AutoCAD skills.
3D softwares (in order of most recent use) :
The challenges of the economy over the last 5 years have pushed me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to several new skills that make me a more valuable team member. I've had to make software and hardware decisions/upgrades myself. My decision to focus on Landscape design came primarily from the lack of available jobs in Architecture. My understanding is that there is now a Design/Build trend that my skills would be perfect for.
My presentation skills in PowerPoint can be reviewed by accessing my Portfolio from my Dropbox account: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5dtlqzpb8pfifuf/PORTFOLIO%20-%20GENERAL%202014.pdf
Chris Lombardi Art+Design, San Juan Capistrano, Residential Home/Landscape design, independent contractor
3D residential home and landscape design/contract docs using Pool Studio and Viz Terrain, then Sketchup Pro.
Atlas Pools, Inc., Laguna Niguel, admin
I was taking Architecture and Landscaping classes at Saddleback and I needed a flexible job and I was also hoping to get some outside design work from this employer, which I eventually did.
I handled the social media marketing:
- Facebook blogs and uploading progress photos on pool/spa construction projects
- Twitter
- Houzz
- Angie's List
QuickBooks Accounts Receivable
QuickBooks Point of Sale
Inventory/Ordering
Customer Service and retail sales and sales to the trade
Schedulling and Dispatch for maintenance and repairs
Marketing research
tBP Architecture, Newport Beach, Job Captain
For 10 years I was mainly a production drafter and Job Captain, mostly using AutoCAD. Like all large firms, I helped out in other departments as needed, specifically the Design and Construction Admin departments.
Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA, US, Architecture/Landscaping
I've been going to Saddleback off and on since 1979. Originally I took some art courses, then AutoCAD courses when I moved back from Hawaii. Most recently I've taken courses for continuing education in Architecture and Landscape design which include exposure to multiple 3D software.
Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, CA, US, Architecture
Continuing Education - ArchiCad and Revit Architecture
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Manoa, Oahu, Hawaii, Architecture
I had already working for several years in Architecture, when I decided to go to U.H. so I could get a B.A. I took the coursework for two semesters, but with 2 small daughters and intense hours required for the coursework, I made the decision to go back to work instead. I definitely regret the lack of a B.A. in this tough job market, although I now have the equivalent units of 6 years of college.
El Camino College, Redondo Beach, CA, US, Architecture
I enrolled in the 2 year program for Architecture which I completed. I already had an AA at this time.
Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA, US, Humanities
Received my AA. I didn't have a clue about what I wanted to do, so my Dad enrolled me in computer classes at a trade school after graduation.
Best in Show, 1st Place
Also received 'Best Acrylic Artist' Award out of approximately 150 artists.
