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Margaret Logas

Margaret Logas

Orlando, FL, US

 
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About 

From early childhood, I loved to build things and work with my hands. Though I have a BA in Art History, my true love was studying Architecture. To me, it was fascinating to be able to create a structure that was not only a functioning mode of protection from the elements, but a freestanding work of art that could be experienced using all of our senses. While working on my BA, I concentrated on studying classical and historic works of architecture and building models of historic homes. I loved to photograph decorative details of buildings and document areas where architects made creative and playful use of space.

After starting my family, my husband and I decided to homeschool our children. This decision made a momentous impact on my life. Not only was I able to develop warm, personal bonds with my family and friends, it gave me the confidence to pursue personal goals and seek opportunities that I otherwise would not have sought out. One goal was to teach Art to children, and later adults, opening a world of creativity to many people who never would have normally felt they could express any visual creativity. Homeschooling also opened up the opportunity for me to earn a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. This enabled our family to continue our educational journey. As a Reference Librarian, I have been able to incorporate my art skills by leading “Paint Night” programs at the library while also teaching art classes to homeschool groups.

As my children neared their nest-leaving stage, I began to pursue my life-long love of architecture by taking drafting classes at Valencia College. In my course of study at Valencia College, I chose classes that gave me a strong and workable foundation in the basics of architectural planning and design. I love the feeling of being able to manipulate space in Revit as well as bringing creations to reality through model building. I am proud to note that I thoroughly enjoyed learning as many aspects of the field as I could while earning top grades. I have made many friends through group work which I have found has been a great way to hone leadership skills and discover the strengths of my fellow teammates. Being the group leader gives me a chance to learn so much about my teammate’s backgrounds and think of unique ways to put their strengths and experiences to good use.

With all the architectural prep work, I am extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to pursue a Masters in Architecture with the University of Florida’s CityLab campus in Downtown Orlando. Though students produce many exciting and unusual works, I find my passion in bringing an old space back to life, discovering what made it beautiful, or making it fit for today's needs. 

Employment 

McCree General Contractors and Architects, Orlando, FL, US, Architectural Designer

Sep 2022 - current
 

University of Florida, Orlando, FL, Graduate Assistant

Develop an Architectural Library for the satellite campus; provide reference services for the students attending the program

Jan 2019 - May 2023
 

Zyscovich, Winter Park, FL, US, Architectural Intern

Mar 2022 - Sep 2022
 

Bumpus and Associates, Celebration, FL, US, Architectural Intern

Apr 2021 - Mar 2022
 

Seminole County Public Library, Orlando, FL, US, Reference Librarian

o Assist patrons with reference and information needs
o Set up book displays promoting library materials
o Order materials to enhance library’s collection
o Brainstorm and implement ideas for Adult Programming such as a non-fiction monthly book club, genealogy club, paint night, and family game night
o Create graphic documents such as Events Calendar, flyers, and bookmarks

Jun 2007 - Jun 2021
 

Circle Christian School, Regent Academy, Various Homeschool Groups, Apopka, FL, US, Art Teacher

o Teach the history and techniques of various famous artists
o Plan coordinating Art projects for students using different mediums to reinforce Art lesson
o Curriculum Development
o Teach Eras of Art History to students
o Plan Art field trips such as visiting local artists and museums

Jan 2004 - May 2015
 

Historic Michie Tavern, Charlottesville, VA, US, Docent

o Led tours to groups through the museum that included hands-on activities such as teach a Colonial Reel, teach how to write with a quill pen, and re-enact Colonial history lessons.
o Research artifacts currently held by the museum
o Create and sew period correct clothing for other employees of the Tavern

Apr 1996 - Oct 1999
 

Education 

University of Florida, Orlando, FL, US, MArch, Masters in Architecture

Enrolled in IPal Program

Jan 2019 - May 2023
 

Valencia College, Orlando, FL, US, Architecture

Architectural Drafting Certification

Jan 2016 - May 2019
 

Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, US, Masters, Library and Information Science

Jan 2005 - May 2007
 

University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, US, Bachelors, Art History

Aug 1987 - May 1991
 

Awards 

Director's Award, 1st Place

University of Florida - Extraordinary commitment to leadership and service

2023
 

Academic Excellence Award, 1st Place

University of Florida - Academic excellence and leadership

2023
 

Orlando Miniature Club, 2nd Place

This award was a "Best in Show" category, winning second to a beautiful Bavarian Village built by someone who constructed miniatures for movies. My piece was a Tudor house, yard, and furnishings that I built.

1993
 

Arts Alliance Logo Design Contest, 1st Place

The Arts Alliance was a student Art Club at the University of Central Florida. Students were given the opportunity to compete to design a logo for the newly formed club.

1991
 

South Eastern Miniature Trade Association, 1st Place

SEMTA was an organization that held a yearly trade show and contest for miniature building enthusiasts. That year, I won 1st place in the Most Imaginative Dollhouse category for a house and furnishings that I built out of cardboard boxes.

1985
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills