Archinect
Yash Akhouri

Yash Akhouri

New York, NY, US

 
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About 

As an international architecture graduate from the University of Oregon, I completed my Bachelor of Architecture in an accelerated four years and recently earned an MS in Architecture, focusing on Biogenic Materials and Mass Timber. My design philosophy is rooted in sustainability, inspired by my diverse upbringing, where I learned the value of resourcefulness and circular economy principles.  

I am passionate about creating thoughtful, lasting designs that not only minimize environmental impact but also address the challenges faced by communities most affected by climate change. I believe architecture has the power to improve lives, and I strive to design with empathy, ensuring that my work supports resilience and equity for vulnerable populations.

Outside of architecture, I express my creativity as a photographer and enjoy hands-on woodworking, blending craftsmanship with my commitment to sustainable practices. I believe in designing with purpose, always striving to make a meaningful impact. I am filled with ideas and cannot wait to share them.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Institute for Health in the Built Environment, Remote , Web Specialist

- Social media manager
- Website manager for all updates and UI development

Aug 2024 - current
 

University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, US, Graduate Teaching Assistant

Architecture 201- Intro to Architecture
- I assisted students in tackling their questions about architecture and ideas. I was in a privileged position to share examples beyond the Western examples that we usually discussed in an introductory class.

Sep 2023 - Dec 2024
 

Student Academy to Inspire Learning, Eugene, OR, US, Lecturer, Mentor

- Mentor and lecturer for BIPOC students from underprivileged communities.
- Conducted design workshops in which we gave students a college architecture studio experience.

Jun 2023 - Sep 2024
 

TallWood Design Institute, Corvallis, OR, US, Mass Timber Researcher + Construction/Fabrication

- Collaborated as a team of six in the construction of Oregon’s first panelized mass timber house, pioneering affordable, resilient, climate-neutral housing solutions through digital fabrication.
• Reduced waste and construction time by using CNC-based and advanced digital fabrication techniques for a 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath prototype.
• Presented research at the 2024 International Mass Timber Conference, focusing on carbon sequestration and commercialization of mycelium in construction, attracting interest from USDA for commercialization.
• Worked with a cross-functional team to optimize material efficiency, decreasing material waste by 20% through innovative hand tooling processes.

Sep 2023 - Jun 2024
 

Institute for Health in the Built Environment, Eugene, OR, US, Biogenic Materials Researcher

• Developed a 95% biobased wall assembly using agricultural waste streams and mycelium-based materials. Collaborated with Oregon State University Wood Science and Engineering to conduct mechanical testing
• Engineered ASTM-compliant thermal hotbox to confirm material performance at temperatures up to 260°F, comparable to commercial biobased products.
• Performed acoustic tests in a micro-acoustic chamber, demonstrating mycelium insulation's sound absorption comparable to commercial biobased materials across a wide frequency range (50Hz-10,000Hz).
• Authored paper "Mycelium as Air Filters for Rural Schools in South America," demonstrating equal performance air filtration to standard MERV 8 filters with slight fan speed adjustments.

Sep 2023 - Jun 2024
 

University of Oregon Facilities, Eugene, OR, US, Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator

• Achieved a 35% reduction in College of Design waste through material recycling and repurposing initiatives, optimizing design studio sustainability.
• Provided technical maintenance for key studios (woodshop, ceramics, sewing) and streamlined waste materials reuse.

Jul 2023 - Sep 2023
 

University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, US, Design Lead, Fabricator, Project Manager

Led the design, fabrication, and project management for the TIME SPACE EXISTENCE exhibition at Palazzo Bembo, from concept to construction.
• Spearheaded material selection and procurement, resulting in a 60% cost reduction and a 71% decrease in carbon emissions.
• Utilized advanced manufacturing tools (CNC machines, 3D printers, vinyl cutters) to produce high-quality components, ensuring precision and exceptional craftsmanship.
• Produced high-end renderings for multi-scale publication and shop drawings for installation by a foreign team.
• Featured next to SnØhetta and Norman Foster Partners in the Giardino della Marinaressa

Oct 2021 - May 2023
 

Boogertman & Partners Architects, Nairoba, KE, Architectural Design Intern (Generative and Sustainable Design Intern)

• Led an international design team in a competition to create a sustainable school for girls in Mozambique, integrating 60% waste materials into the design to minimize the carbon footprint.
• Pioneered the use of generative design and AI at the firm by developing Grasshopper scripts to analyze noise, wind, sun, microclimate, heat gain, and daylighting. This approach improved design efficiency by 12% and reduced energy consumption by 23% compared to initial proposals, garnering a Creativity and Innovation award at the Homes Expo.
• Delivered client presentations focused on environmental responsibility, highlighting the use of local materials

Jun 2022 - Sep 2022
 

University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, US, Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant for Environmental Control Systems 1
- An opportunity to continue and share my obsession for simple solutions to complex problems. I studied Francis Kére's work to better understand the idea of radically simple which I was able to share with students and introduce ideas beyond Western examples of architecture.

Jan 2022 - Apr 2022
 

Education 

University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, US, Masters, Master of Science in Architecture - Mass Timber Design and Bio Materials Research focus

Project : Biogenic Materials for Mass Timber Wall Assemblies
The integration of mass timber and biomaterials as innovative approaches to sustainable construction. I developed a 95% biobased wall assembly using agricultural waste, local mycelium for insulation, bioplastics as a weather-resistant barrier, and cladding made from invasive species. I aimed to create replicable, carbon-sequestering construction methods accessible to a wide audience. I also investigated how mass timber can advance prefabrication, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, optimizing its use for affordable housing solutions. Through this work, I aimed to demonstrate how biomaterials and timber technologies can reduce environmental impact while addressing regional challenges.

Activities/Committees: Oxford Consortium for Human Rights Fellow || Dean's Advisory Council || 25 Ducks || Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction Fellow

Sep 2023 - Jun 2024
 

Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, US, Wood Science and Engineering

Completed coursework encompassing the fundamentals of wood as a versatile material, including engineered timber products, forest ecosystems and their economic impact, fungi's relationship with timber, adhesive technologies, mechanical testing methods, species identification, and environmental management practices.

Engaged in research exploring the rich history and architectural ingenuity of Norwegian Stave Churches, and creatively repurposed mass plywood waste to design and fabricate a Viking-inspired stargazing chair, blending traditional craftsmanship with sustainable practices.

Sep 2023 - Dec 2023
 

University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, US, BArch, Bachelor of Architecture

Accelerated 4-Year Program
Minor: Interior Architecture - furniture focus

Activities/Committees: AIAS(President, Vice President, Media) || Freedom By Design (Historian) || Dean's Advisory Council || Head of Architecture Advisory Council || ASHRAE member

Sep 2019 - Jun 2023
 

University of Florida + Vicenza Institute of Architecture, Vicenza, IT, Study Abroad

An intensive studio abroad based in Vicenza, Italy. This trip allowed us to visit multiple Italian cities and towns from which we were able to draw inspiration and learn through all the senses.

Apr 2022 - Jun 2022
 

Awards 

Holcim Fellow, Other

1 of 15 students chosen in North America to be a part of this amazing fellowship partnered with ARUP, SOM and Henning Larsen. This was a great opportunity to learn and come up with our own projects in just 1 week on the topic of decarbonisation at scale.

2024
 

COVID relief competition, 3rd Place

Won prize money that went to purchasing stations that allowed students to donate materials and take materials so that we would prevent waste and create a circular material economy.

2024
 

Travel Award, Scholarship

1 of 3 students chosen to receive travel funds for the Vicenza Institute of Architecture study abroad organized by the University of Florida.

2024
 

Oxford Consortium for Human Rights, Award

• Participated in a workshop focused on community action, exploring the intersection of human rights, housing inequality, and climate change risks.
• Engaged with scholars and local activists in Sonoma County, discussing civil rights advocacy within the farmworker and Hispanic community.

2024
 

Thesis project feature, Honorable Mention

1 of 10 projects picked out of hundreds to feature in Dezeen from our graduating cohort.

2023
 

Dean's List, Honorable Mention

2023
 

Commencement Speaker, Nomination

College of Design Commencement Speaker

2023
 

APRU Travel Award, Award

Travel Funds for APRU conference. Held Online due to pandemic

2021
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills