Archinect
Laura Leichtman

Laura Leichtman

Edison, NJ, US

 
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About 

Recent M.Arch grad interested in computational design and unconventional material use in civic, institutional and educational spaces 

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Theatre Projects, New York, NY, US, Consultant - Auditorium and Seating Design

Mar 2023 - current
 

Sargenti Architects, Paramus, NJ, US, Lead Draftsperson

Feb 2022 - Mar 2023
 

SNS Architects and Engineers, PC, Montvale, NJ, US, Architectural Designer

Conceptual Design, Schematic Design, Site Documentation

May 2021 - Feb 2022
 

University of Miami School of Architecture, Coral Gables, FL, US, Graduate Assistant

Spring 2019: Research Assistant for Prof. Hernandez- Improved quality of drawings for publication in monograph
Spring 2019-Fall 2019: Research Assistant for Prof. Penabad- Codified drawing standards for upcoming publication Made in Miami
Fall 2018: Teaching Assistant for History of Architecture Part I - worked one-on-one with students to improve their writing skills
Spring 2018: Teaching Assistant for History of Architecture Part II - assisted in grading papers and exams
Fall 2017: Graduate Assistant for the Faculty Search Committee - organized and prepared files for review

Oct 2017 - Dec 2019
 

Clarke Caton Hintz, Trenton, NJ, US, Intern

• Optimized scheduling of site visits to over 100 sites across NJ
• Participated in over 100 site assessments
• Updated CAD drawings from mark ups

May 2019 - Aug 2019
 

University of Miami Center for Urban and Community Design, Coral Gables, FL, US, Intern

Created site plan iterations for proposed renovations of Miami Business School

Jun 2018 - Sep 2018
 

Dixon Advisory USA (US Masters Residential Property Fund), New York, NY, US, Architectural Historian

• Taught system for efficiently producing historic reports on properties
• Gave weekly presentations on research findings
• Coded maps for use in Landmark Preservation Commission (NYC) drawing sets
• Surveyed 4 Jersey City historic districts for database of rooftop appurtenances

May 2016 - May 2017
 

Dixon Advisory USA (US Masters Residential Property Fund), New York, NY, US, Architectural Historian Intern

• Developed system for efficiently producing historic reports on properties

Mar 2016 - May 2016
 

Rutgers University Hillel, New Brunswick, NJ, US, Mesorah Community Chair

Function as president of Mesorah organization and oversee the Mesorah Borad comprised of ten members. Responsible for coordinating daily services, weekly meals, weekly learning events, and monthly social programs.

May 2015 - May 2016
 

SHEM productions, New Brunswick, NJ, US, Set Designer and Prop Master

Responsible for designing and painting the sets for the plays, as well as sourcing the props to be used by the actors.

Sep 2015 - Dec 2015
 

Rutgers University (Math Department), New Brunswick, NJ, US, Peer Mentor

Assist in leading recitation period for Calculus I & II. Responsible for grading the homework and quizzes as well.

Sep 2013 - Dec 2015
 

Rutgers University Hillel, New Brunswick, NJ, US, Shabbat Chair

Responsible for organizing weekly dinners for 150-250 students as well as planning monthly after-dinner events.

May 2014 - May 2015
 

Rutgers University Hillel, New Brunswick, NJ, US, Mesorah Board: Financial Chair

Responsible for fundraising and budgeting.

May 2013 - May 2014
 

Education 

University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, US, MArch, Architecture

Elective Coursework:
Documentation of Historic Architecture
19th and 20th Century Architecture
Programming for Architects
Parametrics
Hotel Planning, Development and Design
Complex Real Estate Transactions
Young Architect's Toolkit
Thesis: Concrete Farming-Material Rebirth Through Post-Demolition Reconfiguration

Aug 2017 - May 2020
 

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, US, Bachelors, Art History and Mathematics

Double major in Art History and Mathematics with a minor in Theatre Arts. Art History classes focused on architectural history. Theatre Arts classes focused on scenic design, including drafting.

Sep 2012 - May 2016
 

Awards 

University of Miami-SoA Outstanding Design Award, Award

For demonstrated dedication to academic excellence in design

2020
 

Petersen Prize, 1st Place

For excellence in student HABS documentation

2019
 

Tau Sigma Delta, Nomination

Architecture Honor Society, top 20% of class, inducted April 2018

2018
 

Rutgers University Honors Scholar, Other

For completion of Rutgers SAS-Honors Program

2016
 

Phi Beta Kappa, Nomination

Inducted member based on GPA and foreign language proficiency

2016
 

Bzdak Travel Award, Grant

Travel award for academic study and research in Milan, Italy.

2015
 

Academic Excellence Award, Award

Awarded to the top 10% of the class of 2016.

2014
 

Rutgers Presidential Scholarship, Scholarship

Full, merit-based scholarship for academic achievement and leadership.

2012
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills