I am particularly fascinated by geometry, material and their overlapping logics. This lead me to found "PrePost", a design research firm, in 2009. Through a series of installations, competitions and lighting designs we have worked through the tensions between geometry and material , technology and hand craft. Computation has enabled the design and management of each project. As a result I've mastered tools like Grasshopper and Rhinoscript applying them to a wide range of fabrication processes like 3d printing, laser cutting, CNC milling and tube bending. For each process, the design has required me to develop computational workflows that do what existing solutions can't.
I've thrived as a problem solver for other designers, developing custom tools as needed to both accelerate and unfold a design. The right tools make design exploration practical and possible. In a fast paced production environment, a good custom tool suite can mean the difference between profit and loss.
I've also pursued the computational/material question as a professor at GSAPP, Columbia University. Since 2008, I've taught digital fabrication seminars that cover the range of tools, techniques and materials. My current class, "Formworks", tackles the question of the Architect as Maker though the design and fabrication of custom CNC machines used for non-repetitive casting.
I also have a large following on Pinterest. I use Pinterest to gather almost everything that interests me in architecture, design and art. and as a resource for teaching. You can find me at: www.pinterest.com/jdraper
PrePost LLC, Brooklyn, NY, US, Founder and Principal
Founded PrePost, a Brooklyn based architectural design firm. Combining architecture, art and research, PrePost pursues innovation through designing and making. http://studioprepost.com
Columbia University, New York, NY, US, Adjunct Assistant Professor
Adjunct Assistant Professor focusing primarily on Digital Fabrication. Have taught 3 different seminars totalling 15 semesters of teaching since 2008.
CASE Design, Inc., New York, NY, US, Design Technology Specialist
Assisted with Design Technology Strategy engagements with major AEC firms to evaluate and optimize their BIM-related workflow, staffing and cultural challenges.
Project managed and produced facade attachment details for the new Whitney Museum of American Art by Renzo Piano. Modelled complex details under an agressive schedule. Generated templates to assist in complex fabrication processes. Contributed to a Grasshopper based automation system to accelerate production.
S3 Architects, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer
Project managed the design of 3 different projects within a mixed-use development in Tianjin, China for Rainbowland Holdings, a large Hong Kong-based developer.
Project 1: Project Manager and Lead Designer for "Cocoon", a VIP lounge and pedestrian bridge spanning a 15 story hotel atrium. Project 2: Design of a 40,000 sf façade skin system and fenestration for a luxury Marina Yacht Club. Project 3: Recladding and structural alteration of existing resort cafe and sales office.
On all 3 projects, I acted as Project Manager and Lead Designer with a team of up to 5 people.
Studio Daniel Libeskind, New York, NY, US, Intern Architect
Concept Design and Model Building for a variety of urban scale projects, cultural institutions and competitions
Nickelviksskolan, Stockholm, Sweden, 3D Design
Intensive year-long program in Swedish design and craft techniques
St. John's College, Santa Fe, NM, US, Bachelor of Arts
Classics program focused on the Great Books of the Western World emphasizing original texts and seminar based discussion
Kenneth Rainan Foundation award, 1st Place
“PETBrain” - Kenneth Rainan Foundation award to study PET plastic bottles as building materials. Administered and in collaboration with the Buckminster Fuller Institute
CU Arts Grant, 1st Place
"The Archipelago Film Festival" was a Columbia Univeristy film festival aimed at fostering collaboration on campus. The festival received over 97 entries, screened 27 short films and was juried by noted filmmakers and faculty from the Columbia film school
