I recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Architecture from Judson University, and through this process I have come to understand a great deal about the human experience, design-centered problem solving, and sustainable design principles.
At Judson University, graduate students are given the choice between a collective design studio and an individual thesis. I was the only student in my class to take the more intensive, self-directed thesis project, the proposal for which was accepted unanimously by the faculty. This combination of written and design work has been the culmination of my thinking regarding sustainability theory, which I have been able to reorganize and connect to previously existing research and observations from the ecological sciences. This has developed into a cohesive method of narrating ecological interactions between architecture and the environment through a system of benefits and detriments across scales. I then designed an on-campus building with this theory in mind, which acts as an ecological impetus for future biodiversity growth.
Being very familiar with both research and design processes, I would bring a dynamic, experienced personality to a prospective employer's workplace. Examples of my work are available online at the links below.
www.linkedin.com/in/lorenordeanjohnson
www.behance.net/lorenjohnson
Judson University, Elgin, IL, US, Graduate Teaching Assistant/Design Fellow
- Responsible for precedent presentations, design critiques,
personal aid and direction, design studio assistance under
the direction of Professor Robin Randall.
- Responsible for correcting homework, class presentations,
and generally aiding Dr. Ogoli in the education of Theories
of Environmental Stewardship.
- Aided in the presentations of guest lecturers.
- Repaired the heliodon solar angle generation device.
- Presented to the class solar geometry algorithms and
demonstrated their use in an excel spreadsheet.
Kioxin, Inc., South Barrington, IL, US, Intern Architect
- Handled a majority of the drafting workload from predesign
to construction documents. Also produced a series
of marketing materials through the use of digital tools and
graphic design. Other responsibilities included:
- Product Research
- Code Research
- Contractor Coordination
Stanius Johnson Architects, Duluth, MN, US, Intern
- Predominately this position entailed the creation and
management of digital models for the purposes of both
design development and client review. Other responsibilities
included:
- Site measurements
- Client presentations (meeting minutes, digital direction)
Judson University, Elgin, IL, US, MArch, Graduate Architecture
I enrolled in several advanced seminars towards my concentration in sustainable design, as well as History of Chicago After the Fire and Advanced Digital Design. Through my Master's Thesis, I developed a theory which restructures the relationship between architecture and its surrounding ecosystem within the framework of species interaction theory.
Judson University, Elgin, IL, US, BArch, Architecture
I enrolled in a variety of studio environments in order to broaden academic horizons as well as attended a summer architectural study tour through Italy, France, and Spain as a unique learning experience. Through this process I learned to design for the human experience, developing a personal method of design focused on personal experience and innovation while grounded in research and evidence-based design.
Dean's Award for Academic Excellence, 1st Place
This is an award given by the Dean of the School of Art, Design and Architecture at Judson University to the graduate architecture student with the highest GPA.
ARCC King Student Medal For Excellence in Architectural + Environmental Research, Award
Named in honor of the late Jonathan King, co-founder and first president of the Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC), this award is given to one student per ARCC member college, school, institute, or unit. Selection of recipients is at the discretion of the individual member institutions, but is based upon criteria that acknowledge innovation, integrity, and scholarship in architectural and/or environmental design research. The award may be made at either the graduate or the undergraduate level.
AIA Henry Adams Certificate of Merit, Award
Each year The American Institute of Architects awards an engraved medal and certificate of merit to the top-ranking graduating student in each architecture program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (or CACB for Canadian schools). A certificate of merit is awarded to the second-ranking graduating student. These awards are provided as part of the AIA Scholarship Program.
Formerly called "The School Medal", the AIA Henry Adams Medal and Certificate program began in 1914 and was awarded for "general excellence in architecture throughout the four-year course to graduating students of architecture schools recognized by the Institute." The graduate was later presented with a copy of Mont St. Michel and Chartres, written by Henry Adams. The copyright of this book was later bequeathed to the Institute by the author.
Eagle Scout, Bronze Palm, Award
Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting.
In 2012, the centennial year of the Eagle Scout Award, 57,976 Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank—more than in any previous year.
From 1912 to 2012, more than 2 million Boy Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank.
Around 7 percent of all Boy Scouts earned the Eagle Scout rank in 2012.
In 2012, the average age of boys earning the Eagle Scout rank was 17 years of age.
