Robert Schaffer is an Architectural Designer at Utile, a Boston-based design firm built like a think tank. Before coming to Utile, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where he received his Master of Architecture degree. Prior to PennDesign he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Architecture from the University of Wisconsin with a certificate in Sustainability.
Robert has experience working on a diverse range of projects at all scales, including national and international commercial competitions. Most recently, he interned at Rockwell Group in Manhattan, as well as Gensler in Dallas and ERDMAN in Madison, Wisconsin.
He has received multiple awards, most notably the Alpha Ro Chi Medal, Samuel K. Schneidman Fellowship, Warren Powers Laird Award, and a nomination for the KPF Paul Katz Fellowship from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the Theresa A. Purnitun Top Portfolio Award and Abby Marlatt Scholarship from the University of Wisconsin. In addition, Robert has received the Wisconsin Architects Foundation - Out of State Scholarship and placed 2nd in the Department of Energy’s “Race to Zero” National Design Competition with a team from the University of Wisconsin.
Robert’s work has been featured in the University of Pennsylvania’s publication Pressing Matters, Archinect, the Wisconsin Energy Institute, the UWM Report, the Department of Energy, the Ruth Davis Design Gallery, and the NAHR.
Utile, Boston, MA, US, Architectural Designer
I currently work & collaborate on a broad range of commercial projects ranging from large institutions, to housing projects, to retail spaces. Within these projects I work on all phases of the design and construction process, often times seeing a project through from proposal and conception to final construction documents and administration.
Polyhedral Structures Laboratory, Philadelphia, PA, US, Research Assistant
Venice Biennale Exhibition - Independently produced final deliverables for “Saltatur” exhibit, including renderings, animations & video post-production work.
Rockwell Group, New York, NY, US, Architecture Intern
Worked to submit a 40,000+ sq. ft. competition proposal. Produced construction drawings, renderings, schematics, and visualizations to be used for client and marketing purposes. Presented and organized client meetings, conveying multiple stages of design intent and process work.
Gensler, Dallas, TX, US, Interiors Intern
Worked within the interiors studio on all stages of projects, from concept and design development, to issued construction documents. Worked as a class of 7 interns to create a design solution for the new Boys and Girls Club Explore building, with the hope of issuing it as a precedent and template for future projects.
Erdman, Madison, WI, US, Architecture Intern
Aided in the design of interior and exterior projects. Developed & produced architectural & construction documents for client use. Utilized Revit, AutoCAD, Photoshop, and other design programs to carry out tasks.
University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, US, AutoCAD Intern
Operated AutoCAD along with Microsoft Word and Excel to develop and produce evacuation plans for all of the campus buildings at the University of Wisconsin.
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, US, MArch, Master's of Architecture
University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, US, Bachelors, Interior Architecture
Paul Katz Fellowship Nomination, Nomination
Alpha Ro Chi Medal, Award
Samuel K. Schneidman Fellowship, Award
Wisconsin Architects Foundation - Out of State Scholarship, Award
AIA Pennsylvania Student Award, Award
Warren Powers Laird Award, Award
Abby Marlatt Scholarship, Scholarship
Department of Energy “Race to Zero” 2nd Place, 2nd Place
Theresa A. Purnitun Top Portfolio Award, Award
Ruth Davis Design Gallery, Other
UW Design Studies Exhibition, Other
