Archinect
Jacob Peters

Jacob Peters

Chicago, IL, US

 

About 

I am a pupil of cities.  In my everyday life I analyze how they work and how we function within them.  When I find myself in unfamiliar territories, I take a page from the Situationist International and go for a meandering unguided walk, or "derive" as they called it.  While architecture is my passion when it comes to work, there are many interests which I pursue in my free time.  Whether it is mapping perceptions of cities, mining transportation ridership data, or advocating for complete streets through community organizations and meetings.  They remain anchored in understanding cities better and trying to make them function better for all.

Buildings are integral to this, whether simply from their density of use, or the way in which they guide the interactions of the community.  Architecture is responsible in making the best possible experience for both the user, and the passerby.  If this is not accomplished, then we are not keeping up our end of the bargain in creating a better built environment.  Sustainability starts with our site and how our building occupies its context.

Employment 

Nia Architects, Inc, Chicago, IL, US, Project Architect

Managed design of mixed use, mixed income, transit oriented developments on the
south and west sides of Chicago. Including public housing, adaptive reuse, & workforce training facilities.

Feb 2019 - current
 

CannonDesign, Chicago, IL, US, Level 1 Architect

Implemented project wide equipment changes on the largest hospital project
in North America, including overhauling typical room layouts, and systems. Design development on a variety of educational, hospitality, & corporate projects.

Aug 2014 - Jun 2018
 

Proteus Group, Chicago, IL, US, Intern Architect

Schematic design to design development for office and medical facilities, using Revit, AutoCAD, Photoshop, and 3D Studio.

Aug 2011 - Jan 2013
 

Chan Krieger NBBJ, Chicago, Intern Architect

Urban Planning and Architectural work for projects ranging from a new subway station headhouse, to a Master Plan for a city of 3 million in China.

Jan 2009 - Mar 2009
 

emersion DESIGN, Cincinnati, OH, US, Intern Architect

LEED Documentation, as built drawings and Architectural work for clients ranging from offices to government facilities, using Microstation products.

Jan 2008 - Jun 2008
 

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), New York, NY, US, Intern Architect

Urban Design and Architectural work for producing development options, marketing documents, and master plans for large commercial developers. Project scale ranging from mixed use multi-building developments to 100 story skyscrapers.

Jun 2007 - Sep 2007
 

Congress for the New Urbanism, Chicago, IL, US, Intern

Uploaded and organized presentations from the 2006 Congress in Providence to interactive wiki sites set up for CNU members.

Jul 2006 - Aug 2006
 

Education 

McGill University, Montreal, QC, CA, Masters of Architecture in Urban Design and Housing Issues

A research year focusing studies in issues related to how cities have developed, and how our habitation choices have evolved in tandem. This meant topics ranging from transit and density to urban agriculture and sustainable infrastructure.

Aug 2009 - Aug 2010
 

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, US, Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Architectural training with electives focusing on sustainability and urban planning. I attempted to focus my studios on projects which dealt directly with cities and urban living. When that was not possible, I extended my projects in seminar classes to include studies of urban design and policy issues.

Sep 2005 - Jun 2009
 

Awards 

Active Transportation Alliance Advocate of the Year, Award

Awarded for my volunteer efforts especially in regards to the Riders for Better Transit initiative, including canvassing of transit users regarding the Red Line Riders Bill of Rights, & Ashland Bus Rapid Transit. It also included my advocacy work as part of the 1st Ward Transportation Advisory Council, where we successfully lobbied for implementation of the Wood Street Greenway, which has been expanded twice since the initial segment was completed.

2013
 

Sustainable Urban Engineering Grant Program, 1st Place

As part of my Sustainable Urban Engineering class my senior year at the University of Cincinnati, there was a final group competition. In it, we presented a local organization of our own choosing which was striving to make sustainable and ecological improvements to Cincinnati. If we succeeded in convincing a University Board of their merits, the organization could receive up to $2,000. We were able to secure $2,000 in funding for ALLY, the group which fought for the LEED Silver Certification requirement for all new Cincinnati Public Schools.

2009
 

Eagle Scout, Other

The highest rank in scouting. While I have had many issues with the national organization, the skills and responsibility which it imparts upon young men is unmatched in civilian organizations. From self reliance through wilderness treks, to service through engagement in volunteer and community organizations, these qualities forge leadership abilities in all scouts who take advantage of them. Which is why I am still involved in my former Troop 894.

2004
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills