Kenneth Namkung is a Senior Associate with Studio Link-Arc, a New York-based design practice that recently completed the China Pavilion for Expo Milano 2015, China’s first overseas international Expo Pavilion. For the China Pavilion, Mr. Namkung was deeply involved in the project’s technical design and structural coordination, working closely with engineers, fabricators, and contractors to ensure that the design objectives were met. This innovative project has been extensively published, and was honored with two separate awards from the German Design Council. In addition, he coordinated a major new publication focused on the China Pavilion, titled "xPositions: Pavilion Dialogues" in collaboration with Original Copy and MGMT.
Mr. Namkung has extensive experience on large institutional and cultural projects- before joining Studio Link-Arc, he worked with a number of prominent New York City architecture offices, including Rafael Viñoly Architects PC, and Santiago Calatrava/Festina Lente LLP. He holds a Bachelor of Science in architecture from the University of Virginia, where he was the production editor for Modulus 25, and held leadership positions on the School of Architecture’s Design Council. He also holds a Master of Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received a Merit Scholarship and the Louis Rosenburg Traveling Fellowship. He has taught design studios at the Boston Architectural Center (now Boston Architectural College), and has participated in reviews at MIT, the Wentworth Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Penn State University, and the University of Hartford.
Kenneth Namkung served as Vice President for Educational and Cultural Programs for the MIT Club of New York for many years, and is Vice President for Communications for MITArchA (the MIT Architecture Alumni Affinity Group). He also served on the Center for Architecture Foundation Young Patrons Committee.
Studio Link-Arc, LLC, New York, NY, US, Senior Associate
Currently managing many aspects of professional practice, including: operations and organization, software and hardware implementation, CAD management, and employment visas.
Involved in many important built projects, including: the China Pavilion for Expo Milano 2015, the CRLand DaChong School, the Nanjing Gallery, and the Hangzhou Gallery. Participated in many design proposals and competitions including: Shanghai Museum East Pavilion, 673 Fifth Avenue, and Shanghai Future Park.
Deeply involved in office marketing. Produced brochures, coordinated with publishers, submitted awards proposals and managed social media. Responsible for over fifteen successful awards submissions.
Coordinated xPositions : Pavilion Dialogues, a monograph focused on the design and construction of the China Pavilion for Expo Milano 2015.
Monument Office (Personal Design Practice), New York, Architectural Designer
As time and circumstances permit I enter (non-professional) design competitions to explore architectural ideas in a forum separate from professional practice.
Projects explored under this banner include: Italian Military Museum, Museum of Chocolate, Xi'an Train Station, and the Buenos Aires Art Museum,
Ennead Architects, New York, NY, US, Architectural Professional
Involved in technical detailing and production for many large institutional projects including: NYU Langone Kimmel Pavilion, NYU Langone New Science Building, the Education Center at the Wall, and York College.
Extensive involvement with the NYU Langone Kimmel Pavilion with a particular emphasis on highly resolved interior details.
Participated in early-stage design studies for NYU Langone New Science Building, and produced many design options for the building’s public podium.
Santiago Calatrava, New York, NY, US, Architectural Professional
Participated in the design and the construction of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub. Coordinated plans between multiple offices, coordinated document submissions, produced client/stakeholder presentations in Powerpoint and Illustrator, produced interior finish details, and assisted in structural and geometry coordination.
Deeply involved in the design of Yuan Ze University Arts and Memorial Complex. Prepared multiple concept design schemes, produced presentation and design development drawings for a 50,000 sm academic/performing arts complex.
Involved in operations management. Managed CAD and presentation standards, as well as software. Initiated and completed overhaul of internal reprographics system.
Rafael Viñoly Architects, New York, NY, US, Architectural Professional
Involved in over twenty competitions and proposals for clients including: Harvard University, University of Oxford, Javits Convention Center, Cornell University, and firstsite:newsite Colchester.
Involved in: construction documents, construction administration, interior detailing and furniture design for meeting rooms, prefunction concourses, and food service spaces for the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
Involved in the design of the UCSF Helen Diller Cancer Research Building. Produced construction documents, coordinated structure, and created details for the building’s exterior stone cladding.
Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA, US, Studio Instructor
Conducted three design studios. The final studio, Fast Food Nation, explored the American suburb through the design of a fast food retail prototype. Students developed unique site strategies and operational models based on individual responses to the subject.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, US, MArch, Architecture
xPositions: Pavilion Dialogues, Other
Coordinated and managed design, production, and editorial work for a monograph focused on the China Pavilion for Expo Milano 2015 in collaboration with Original Copy, MGMT design, and ACTAR.
Finalist, Italian Military Museum Competition, Other
Trajectories of Peace, a proposal for a museum in an abandoned military installation on an island off the coast of Italy, awarded in concept design competition.
Kossman Thesis Juror, Pennsylvania State University, Other
Served as juror for final B.Arch thesis reviews at Pennsylvania State University during a three-day period for the end of the 2016-2017 academic year. With two other jurors and faculty, helped select the 2017 Kossman Prize winner.
306090 Volume 06: Shifting Infrastructures, Other
Activeshelter published in journal of new design.
BSA Unbuilt Architecture Exhibit, Other
Airspace exhibited at Boston Society of Architects
Architecture@MIT, Other
Initiated and organized exhibition of student work at MIT. Level III graduate studio project included in exhibition.
Participant, Tsinghua/MIT Urban Design Workshop, Other
Louis Rosenburg Traveling Fellowship, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Other
Harbor Tickets Competition, 3rd Place
Modulus 25: Industrial Intersections, Other
Production editor for academic journal. Responsible for design, layout and printing; wrote grant proposal for funding.
