Archinect
Matthew Lightner

Matthew Lightner

Brooklyn, NY, US

 

About 

I am a recent, two and a half year out, graduate of Pratt’s Masters in Architecture program, though I have been working in the construction and design fields for almost 15 years, as well as throughout my time at Pratt. For roughly three years, I have been working for a several architecture firms in Brooklyn and New York, while also spending a year and as a part time instructor teaching first year architecture studio at NJIT in Newark, NJ. During my time as a designer, I have had the benefit of working in all aspects of the architecture process, from design development to construction documents, from dealing with clients to contractors and DOB filing.

During my time at Pratt, I was able to avail myself of the many opportunities a contemporary architecture program can provide, from top of the line fabrication techniques (CNC, 3D printing, lasercutting) to various assistanceships, both in the graduate school office and in the classroom all while becoming highly proficient at 2D and 3D modeling and presentations.

Prior to my graduate work, I designed and built a completely interactive thematic event space and artists’ workshop in San Francisco, as well as various set designs and installations for film and theater. Previously, I worked on a construction crew as an independent contractor.

I am a positive and motivated individual with a keen eye for detail and strong work ethic. My varied work history as both a creative and a pragmatic problem solver, with experience leading and being a member of teams and also working alone, make me an ideal candidate for a Junior Architect, Job Captain, Project Designer, Design Professional position or similar.

Employment 

TPG ARCHITECTURE LLP, New York, NY, US, Project Architect

Produces and reviews full construction sets for Client Review, Coordination, Bidding and
Filing. Participated in client, vendor and engineer meetings. Selected materials, finishes and fixtures. Projects were large scale Retail stores in New York and Miami.

Aug 2015 - current
 

Studio Tractor Architecture PLLC, Brooklyn, NY, US, Architectural Designer

Job Captain and Draftsman practicing Schematic Design, Design Development,
producing CD’s, Bid Sets, RFI’s, DOB, LPC and other Filing Documents. Performed site visits and surveys.
Selected materials, fixtures and appliances. Projects were high end Urban Residential renovations and remodels in Brooklyn and New York.

Oct 2014 - Aug 2015
 

Slo.VIS, Brooklyn, NY, US, Architectural Designer

Worked primarily in drafting, 2D and 3D modeling as well as site surveys, clerical & filing. Participated in most aspects of small residential architecture firm, including day-to-day operations, client meetings, DOB interaction with expediter and contractor negotiations.

Apr 2013 - Sep 2014
 

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Newark, NJ, US, Adjunct Studio Instructor

Teaching first year Architecture students design and presentation fundamentals, including reading and writing assignments, discussions and lectures.

Aug 2013 - Jun 2014
 

Pratt Institute - GAUD, Brooklyn, NY, US, Graduate Assistant

Worked in various fields of assistanceship in Pratt Architecture's Masters department, including studio assistant, office assistant, shop department and exhibition production coordinator.

Aug 2011 - Jun 2013
 

The Secret Alley, San Francisco, CA, US, Founder, Lead Designer

Founded, designed and built fully interactive installation, event space and artists' workspace, including fabricating interior building fronts, synthetic trees & hills, as well as financing, event planning, marketing & production.

Dec 2005 - Aug 2010
 

ELSU, Inc, Sacramento, CA, US, Contractor

Worked in all aspects of small construction firm from landscaping and house painting to framing, electrical and masonry. Other duties included managing small work crews, contract negotiations, landscape design and permit filing.

Jan 2003 - May 2006
 

Education 

Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY, US, MArch, GAUD

Focuses included design fundamentals, architectural theory, digital fabrication, design development and presentations

Aug 2010 - May 2013
 

University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, US, Bachelors, English

Focuses included English writing & comprehension with an emphasis on literary theory and criticism. Other studies included rhetoric and linguistics.

Aug 2000 - Jun 2002
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills