As a successful architectural and interior designer, Lucia brings over 10 years of creative problem solving and conceptual thinking skills to the commercial, retail and residential arena. She began her career in the branding industry at Master of Branding and Dbox, where she spearheaded concept development and planning efforts for product launches, awards ceremonies, and trade shows.
Lucia oversaw the aspects of packaging design projects for clients including Dior, Vera Wang, Ana Sui, and Marc Jacobs. In addition, she designed and executed photo-realistic images for marketing brochures as an integral part of the in-house visual representation team.
She then joined Rafael Vinoly Architects where she designed high-end residential, commercial, and institutional projects which included project research, material selection, and creating photo-realistic renderings for design proposals and marketing purposes. After a long tenure at Vinoly Lucia continued her career at HOK focusing on various hospitality projects, such as the Hilton Niushoushan (China) and the Atlantis Sanya, Hainan (China). The expansive property covers 540,000 square meters overlooking Haitang Beach with a 52-story tower as its centerpiece.
Most recently transitioning to Gabellini Shepard and Gregory Tuck, Lucia manages the end-to-end schematic design, design development, and execution ef-forts for high residential and commercial projects in New York City, Moscow, and St. Petersburg, Russia. She also collaborates with diverse cross-functional teams and project entities including principals, lighting designers, structure engineers, etc., to establish project specifications in a timely manner.
As a freelancer, Lucia oversaw a renovation project of 37,000 square feet at the Harlem School of Art, which entailed the planning and execution of design and presentation with an emphasis on custom millwork. The project was published in the New York Times. She also managed the renovation of a 3,600 square foot townhouse project from conception through production of set construction.
Lucia was born in Liberia and received her Bachelor of Arts from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. in 2005 and completed her Master's degree in Architecture from Parsons in 2010. During her studies, work experience, and extensive travels to India, Europe, and South America, Lucia built a fundamental understanding of place and space making for individuals and the public.
Since 2014 Lucia has devoted her spare time and creative energy to her profession and in addition to runs her own fashion brand, Venus Over Water, which celebrates African heritage alongside modern-day silhouettes.
Gregory Tuck Architecture, Brooklyn, NY, US, Project Designer, Project Manager
• Manage the end-to-end schematic design, design development, and execution efforts for residential and commercial projects in New York City, Moscow, and St. Petersburg, Russia
• Collaborate with diverse cross-functional teams and project entities, including Principle, lighting designers, structure engineers, etc., to establish project specifications
• Develop tracking capabilities to proactively communicate project milestones to key stakeholders
• Prepare feasibility reports fit-out of the project and interior design materials
• Oversee a team of three and ensure proper work morale and output throughout the life cycle of projects
Gabellini Sheppard Associates, New York, NY, US, Project Designer
• Spearheaded the completion of the residential condo project and sales gallery, XI, which consisted of preparing feasibility reports and design proposals and presenting them to prospective clients
• Worked closely with the design team to create a schematic design, design development, and exact fit-out specifications for project materials
• Supported the work and vision of specific project entities including consultants and contractors while monitoring and updating budgets and schedules.
Beckman Studio Design Build, New York, NY, US, Project Designer
• Participated in fast-paced design projects while congruently designing and managing projects including the early planning stages through project completion
• Performed daily on-site walkthroughs to remain abreast of project updates and contractor performance with the intent of delivering high-quality design and product
• Managed the project budget, contractor estimates, and quality control of each project
HOK, New York, NY, US, Senior Architectural Designer
• Served as a design expert, in collaborating with stakeholders and customers to create innovative design solutions from concept to completion
• Conducted market research on competition and relevant materials and selected design materials based on findings
• Developed photo-realistic design renderings to be utilized proposals and marketing efforts
Rafael Viñoly Architects, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer
• Designed for high-end residential, commercial, and institutional projects which included project research, material selection, and creating photo-realistic renderings for design proposals and marketing purposes
Gauthier Architects, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer
• 1,500sqf residence for the Home Delivery exhibition at MoMA.
• 2,000sqf Theater.
• 6,000sqf five-story single-family townhouse.
• Multi-generational home.1
• Research project for a prototypical art institution.
• Selection of interior materials and coordination with vendors.
DBOX, New York, NY, US, 3D Illustrator
• Exterior and Interior renderings for print-outs and websites of various real estate developments.
• Photorealistic renderings for various architectural firms including Zaha Hadid Architects and TEN
Arquitectos.
