Archinect
Melanie O'Brien

Melanie O'Brien

New York, NY, US

 

About 

I am an architectural designer originally from Ireland, and currently based in New York City. I have primarily worked on high-end residential projects in New York, Australia and Ireland from concept design to construction administration. In my spare time, you may find me in my home studio creating abstract paintings.

Employment 

Vocon, New York, NY, US, Technical Project Designer

Jan 2020 - current
 

Koko Architecture + Design, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer, Project Manager

Lead the design and execution of multiple simultaneous projects in the residential, hospitality and workplace sectors from conceptual design through contract administration. Generate construction documents, and act as main point of contact for clients and construction teams. Aid bidding process with contractors, lead meetings, collaborate with partners on design intent, present design solutions to clients, communicate with material and product specialists to determine correct specifications, conduct weekly construction site meetings

Mar 2015 - Jan 2020
 

Walker Architects, Dublin, IE, Project Team

Create content for a public architectural exhibition to be displayed in the Irish Architectural Archive in Dublin showcasing the work of Irish modernist architect, Robin Walker. The role included editing photographs for display, designing physical models of completed projects and digitalizing architectural drawings for laser cutting materials.

Jul 2014 - Nov 2014
 

DiMase Architects, Melbourne, AU, Architectural Designer

Collaborate with peers and principal on concept design and design development, generate hand drawn representations for client presentations, construct physical test and presentation models, generate and manage specification catalogues. Survey existing conditions and model in BIM software, draft construction documents, lead millwork projects.

Jun 2011 - Jul 2012
 

O'Donnell Architects, Galway, IE, Architectural Intern

Generate planning application drawings for residential projects in a protected area of the west coast of Ireland and make physical study models.

Jul 2009 - Nov 2010
 

Education 

University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, IE, MArch, Architecture

Sep 2012 - Jun 2014
 

The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, AU, MArch, Architecture

International Exchange Program, funded by a full ISEP scholarship.
Conducted research exploring the role property development has in shaping the future of our cities, as well as the regeneration of sustainable design.

Jan 2013 - May 2013
 

University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, IE, Architecture

Sep 2007 - Jun 2010
 

Awards 

National IWTN Research Award, 1st Place

"Rhythmic Occupancy: the revitalization of a rural Irish town"

2014
 

Research and Innovation Award, UCD, 1st Place

Research project into the morphology of a Dublin river course selected as best in year

2013
 

ISEP, Scholarship

Awarded a full scholarship for exemplary academic achievement

2013
 

Shed Light, Melbourne, Grant

Pavilion selected to be included in the annual Light in Winter festival

2012
 

Bruce Shortt Memorial Prize, 1st Place

Awarded for most outstanding project in UCD for study of the vernacular architecture of Oporto, Portugal

2009
 

Best Project in Year, UCD, 1st Place

Design of an inner-city bookshop selected as best in first year category

2008
 

Art Award, 1st Place

Received for outstanding achievement in art in high school

2007
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills