Archinect
Michael Buonanno

Michael Buonanno

Chester, NY, US

 

About 

For the past five years, I have been a full time student pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Architecture at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at The City College of New York. I am currently completing my Thesis with an expected graduation in May 2014. Over the past five years, my work experience, design projects, and volunteer efforts have allowed me to learn and develop skills useful in todays design profession.

As a sales specialist with Coach, I have the experience of communicating and working with clients, building relationships to drive business, working on teams, and providing excellent customer service. I am also involved with seasonal floor layout and designs to further boost sales as well as showcase new product.
I have interned with the Construction and Design department at luxury retailer Hermes of Paris. Working closely with the Facilities Manager, I assisted on site visits, worked with vendors, monitored contracts, and used various computer programs to develop floor plans and design schemes.

In January 2013, I traveled to Morocco where I lived and worked as an English Instructor to students at a public high school. Perhaps my most rewarding work, I managed a class of 30 students, developed lesson plans, and created a dynamic dialogue between myself and students to promote a positive and conducive learning/work environment. My weekends were spent traveling the country and learning about its diverse architecture and history.

Back home, I have worked on the Executive Board of my schools AIAS Chapter to promote student involvement on campus and to foster knowledge about architecture and the design profession, while getting involved with community projects through our Freedom By Design projects.

I am a young professional, eager to work, excited to learn, and intrigued by the endless possibilities our world has to offer. Working with and helping others, smiling and laughing, and positive thinking drives me and the work I wish to do.

Employment 

Hermes of Paris, New York, NY, US, Construction and Design Intern

Interpret drawings, specifications, and technical reports as required.
Modified/Redesigned store layouts as needed.
Develop floor plans, sections, and elevations.
Monitor contractors and subcontractors involved with various projects.
Regularly update spreadsheets, costs, and associated record keeping.
Create separate systems for record keeping concerning Life Safety Systems, HVAC equipment, vendor contracts, lighting systems, etc.

Aug 2013 - Jan 2014
 

Association ARRIHAB, Rabat, Morocco, Program Coordinator

Teach English and instruct high school students.
Design and develop lesson plans to meet student needs.
Manage a classroom environment of 30 students.

Jan 2013 - Feb 2013
 

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), New York, NY, US, Chapter Vice President

Attend board meetings and organize events with fellow board members.
Assist President in developing our chapter and supporting the organization.
Set up Freedom By Design, a design-build program to help people in the community.
Build a strong foundation to grow our chapter and develop fellow students.
Plan events such as firm tours, student mentoring with alumni, portfolio reviews, and attend regional and national conferences.

Jun 2011 - Jun 2012
 

Education 

City College of New York (CCNY), New York, NY, US, BArch, Architecture

Aug 2008 - current
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills