Archinect
Rebecca Commissaris

Rebecca Commissaris

New York, NY, US

 
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About 

I’ve always considered myself a cross-genre architect. Early in my career, I identified more as an artist, receiving a BFA alongside a B.Arch from the Rhode Island School of Design (graduated with honours, AIA Henry Adams Medal and Thesis Award). I then practiced architecture for a couple of years while continuing my art practice. In 2019, I returned to university for a post-professional M.Arch at YSoA to further expand my understanding of the discipline. I took course on the history and theory of urban planning and environmental/geographic courses (using ArcGIS software) to explore architecture’s relevance in social and environmental change. I graduated with the William Wirt Winchester Fellowship – the school's highest distinction. 

Employment 

Cheshire Architects, Auckland, NZ, Architectural Designer

Britomart Office Foyer, Central Auckland, NZ
Heritage renovation: interiors, bespoke lighting and fixtures, SD

The Hotel Britomart, Central Auckland, NZ
New build: cabinetry, accessible rooms, specifications, DD, CD

Wine Cellar at Tara Iti Golf Club, Te Arai, NZ
New build: comprehensive design, cabinetry and security, SD

Jan 2019 - Jul 2019
 

Cheshire Architects, Auckland, NZ, Architectural Designer

The Hotel Britomart, Central Auckland NZ
New build: concept package, physical models, SD

Anzac Avenue Retail, Central Auckland
Re-purpose of existing infrastructure: project architect, DD, CD

The Hoppers at City Works Depot, Central Auckland, NZ
Re-purpose of existing infrastructure: DD, CD

Design Competition (undisclosed), Central Auckland, NZ
New build: competition entry design package

Gildara Flagship Store, Mongolia
Retail fit-out: concept drawings and renderings, packaging design, SD

“BLOCK” a monthly architecture publication for the Auckland branch of NZIA
Graphic editor

Mar 2016 - Jun 2017
 

Education 

Yale University, New Haven, CT, US, MArch, Architecture

Aug 2019 - May 2021
 

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence, RI, US, BArch, Architecture

Aug 2010 - Jun 2015
 

Awards 

H.I. Feldman Prize, Nomination

Awarded annually to the student “...who demonstrates the best solution to an architectural problem...”

2021
 

William Wirt Winchester Fellowship, 1st Place

Yale School of Architecture’s highest distinction. Awarded to the student “...whose academic performance has been consistently at the highest level, who has displayed the most promise and potential for a future professional role, and who has completed a piece of distinguished independent work.”

2021
 

H.I. Feldman Prize, Nomination

Awarded annually to the student “...who demonstrates the best solution to an architectural problem...”

2020
 

H.I. Feldman Prize, Nomination

Awarded annually to the student “...who demonstrates the best solution to an architectural problem...”

2019
 

American Institute of Architects Henry Adams Medal, 1st Place

“Awarded to the graduating student with the highest academic ranking in the first professional degree program.”

2015
 

Undergraduate Thesis Award, 1st Place

2015
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills