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Ariel Chesley

Ariel Chesley

Leeds, GB

 
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About 

I am fascinated by the intersection of ideas through my own hand-drawn observations and continuous research in topics such as preservation, materiality, and urban challenges. Just a year ago I was an active member of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), taking leadership positions including 1st Year Class Representative, Treasurer, Vice President and President. Through the AIAS, I have had the opportunity to attend conferences such as the AIAS Grassroots Leadership Conference, Northeast Quad conferences in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and FORUM National Conference in Boston, MA.

My professional experience is dynamic and varied, with skills ranging from marketing and construction management to architectural design. I am an enthusiastic design professional, with endless curiosity and a passion to form new relationships between the built and the natural world across multiple scales.

Employment 

Shalom Baranes Associates, PC, Washington, DC, US, Architectural Designer

- Prepared the narrative and graphics for a Historic Preservation Review Board submission to analyze challenges to the proposed buildings and enhance their relationships to the existing structure
- Rendered 6+ views in 3Ds Max to reflect facade decisions, site characteristics, and material research
- Coordinated residential unit standards across multiple buildings including partition, mechanical, and spatial requirements
- Assembled graphics for the DC Zoning Administration to solve site-specific issues
- Delivered a 3D-printed site and 8 building iterations to prioritize design elements
- Organized a Schematic Design package for a 10-story residential building
- Implemented site utilization surveys to determine site feasibility and appropriate

Aug 2017 - current
 

Richard Price Architect, Charlottesville, VA, US, Architectural Intern

- Rendered digital models for marketing use
- Edited and created construction documents using AutoCAD
- Documented measurements on-site to coordinate with specific contractors
- Assembled a framing scheme, roof and wall details, and 3D models for a tool shed and garage
- Created a website for the project on East High Street to market locally

May 2016 - Aug 2016
 

Turner Construction Company, Washington, DC, US, Field Intern

- Supported engineering team by updating the drawing set, ASIs and RFIs
- Coordinated architect and engineer punch list items with subcontractors on BIM 360 Field
- Assembled close-out documentation by organizing Operation and Maintenance data
- Observed daily morning foreman’s huddles and actively walking the job site to document progress through photography
- Documented inspection results using Bluebeam and Excel to block out areas that have passed/failed

May 2015 - Aug 2015
 

Turner Construction Company, Washington, DC, US, Marketing Intern

- Created intern newsletter using Adobe Creative Suite
- Assisted in production of proposals, awards submissions and client deliverables
- Produced and directed video to kick-off quarterly corporate meeting
- Documented job site progress through photography and project team interviews
- Served as Intern Captain, coordinating networking events and ways to share intern experiences

May 2014 - Aug 2014
 

Education 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, US, Bachelors, Architecture

My studies focused on the balance between responsible design and the exploration of new topics, ideas and approaches through research and process. Through the study of architectural history from ancient times to present, to contemporary issues and theories that go deeper than the physical environment, I found myself interested in accessibility in terms of green spaces, food production, and walkability. Each studio was unique, from studying climate issues in Venice, Italy, or ArcGIS mapping Toronto in order to find opportunities for design interventions as well as inequalities in an urban environment. My research culminated in a research thesis on food production in low-access sites, resulting in a vertical aquaponics hub that would be both a space for the community to use as well as experience.

Aug 2013 - May 2017
 

Awards 

Blair E. Phillips Memorial Award, 1st Place

This scholarship was established to honor Blair Phillips (B.S. Arch’11), his life and accomplishments, and to support future awards to students at the University of Virginia. The awardee(s) will be selected for their embodiment of those traits most admired in Blair:

- Positive attitude and natural ability to draw people together
- Quietly contributing and adding value to academic and social culture through unobserved ways
- High levels of creativity, motivation, and enthusiasm applied to diverse interests
- Serves behind the scenes to support the efforts of others
- Dedication to work balanced with an eagerness to play
- Ability to bridge disciplines and connect people who strive to create a better environment
- Compelling design work of complete originality
- Active interest in assisting peers with design questions and challenges
- Caring concern for family, friends and colleagues as demonstrated through action and words

2018
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills