Deena Darby, Assoc. AIA, NOMA received her Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from Syracuse University and is an emerging professional pursuing licensure in New York. Initially sparked by her background in dance, her passions in architecture lie in the design of socially just and environmentally responsive cultural, civic, and public spaces, believing these spaces are the ones which have the most diverse user group and thus have the potential to have the greatest impact on those who occupy and experience them. Since graduating she has worked at a technical firm in Manhattan that specializes in the rehabilitation of building exterior.
In 2020 she was one of 16 emerging professionals selected for the AIA TORCH Mentorship Program and is an active member of AIANY’s Women in Architecture and Project Pipeline Curriculum Writing Committee for nycobaNOMA. Originally from Savannah, GA, she attended a performing arts high school where her specialized focus was in contemporary and classical ballet. She continues those passions today by taking classes regularly at Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn.
Hoffmann Architects, New York, NY, US, Senior Project Representative
At Hoffmann Architects, I produced presentation documents, wrote proposals, and final reports that demonstrated existing and proposed work for review by clients, The Department of Buildings, and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Additionally, I assisted in the generation of various sets of contract documents and project manuals throughout all phases of project development specifically in relation to building envelope and enclosure. I researched and specified specialty products and materials during the DD and CD phase of projects and creating specific details to meet those qualifications and provided construction administration and coordination with contractors to maintain project completion timeline including review of shop drawings and submittals. I also communicated with clients, consultants, and contractors throughout all phases of design and construction.
POSIT, New York, NY, US, Content Manager and Co-Founder
Participated in the curation of media and general framework for POSIT, a student-run digital multi-media platform for architecture students. Gathered and organized written and digital content. Organized events in correlation with Syracuse University's School of Architecture.
Harry der Boghosian Fellowship - Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, US, Research Intern
As a Research Intern for the 2018 Harry der Bogoshian Fellow, Professor Linda Zhang, I worked with a team to create molds and slip casted iterations for the final Bogoshian Fellowship exhibition, “Beta-Real: Materiality of Loss”.
Ballinger, Philadelphia, PA, US, Architectural Intern
While at Ballinger, I created digital models of design iterations in SketchUp based on conversations and discussions in design meetings and then produced physical mockups of selected iterations for the client's review and revision. Producing the physical models consisted of creating digital scaled models of the selected iterations, 3D printing, and laser cutting the components, constructing the files, coordinating for the bases to be CNC milled, and constructing the models. In addition to this, I also worked on producing design development drawings in AutoCAD and three-dimensional site work in Rhino.
Performative Praxis Lab, Syracuse, NY, US, Research Intern
As a Research Intern, my responsibilities included developing urban design guidelines, conducting layouts for sharing economies (bike-sharing, car-sharing, etc.), and developing strategies for promoting the use of public transportation in Syracuse, NY. The outcome was in the form of short-term and long-term recommendations, including impact calculations for various sustainability measures.
This project studied the feasibility of achieving reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the City of Syracuse via interventions that are designed to increase walking and biking, shared vehicles, and the use of public transportation.
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, US, BArch, School of Architecture
Architectural and conceptual design | construction drawings | structural calculation | environmental studies | architectural history | architectural theory
Design GPA 3.4 | Cum Laude
Thesis: NEW CIVIC | Strategies for Alternative Urban Development
International Study – London, United Kingdom | Spring 2016
International Study – Florence, Italy | Fall 2016
Savannah Arts Academy, Savannah, GA, US, High School, Dance Major
Academic Honor Roll | 2009 - 2013
National Honors Society | 2010 - 2013
Nu Delta Alpha | 2011 - 2013
Historical Society | 2009 - 2011
