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Nicola Vega

Nicola Vega

Atlanta, GA, US

 
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About 

WHO I AM

I am a native of Trinidad & Tobago, currently living and working in the US. I consider myself an advocate for many social causes and volunteer regularly when not dancing salsa or practicing yoga. I have many diverse educational pursuits such as teaching myself to code and learning Spanish.

WHAT I'VE DONE

I've finished a half marathon and performed with steel orchestras on the national stage in Trinidad. I've been the subject of photo shoots for my friends majoring in photography and fashion. I've built houses with Habitat for Humanity, provided disaster relief with the Red Cross and collaborated on the design of reusable form-work for poured earth construction in Ghana through the UN Online volunteers. I've also worked as a hired gun for clients in Trinidad and the US, who needed architectural or graphic design services on a budget and a deadline. I graduated from the Savannah College of Art & Design with a B.F.A in Architecture.

WHAT I DO

I design with the intent to improve quality of life by creating sustainable built environments that foster interaction between the user, the architecture, the community and the environment.

http://j.mp/nv_samples

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Phillips Partnership, Atlanta, GA, US, Project Coordinator

– Responsible for the design and construction administration process for multiple retail projects.
– Planning & ADA Remodeling Projects for CVS stores in Georgia.
– Developing master construction document sets, standard specifications and design updates.
– Ensuring integrity of store design, in partnership with CVS internal store Layout Coordinators.
– Balancing workload demands of multiple projects at various stages of design and construction.
– Updating store layouts with as-built dimensions to ensure ADA compliance.
– Researching code requirements, fire-safety regulation and ADA Standards for Accessible Design
– Project Management responsibilities include: scheduling and determining project scopes.
– Producing full construction document sets.
– Directing site contractors and engineering consultants.
– Communicating with clients and city officials.

Mar 2016 - current
 

Design NV, Social Design + Creative Direction

Recent Projects:

Jessadi Project
– Designed and built Project website.

Thomas & Reel Engineering Consultants - Savannah, Ga
– Designed and built new company website, Marketing Campaigns & Logos.

Jeremy Jarrett Design Build - Winston Salem, NC
– Produced three dimensional visualizations of outdoor spaces for residential and hospitality clients.

West Indian Rhythm Connection (W.I.R.K) - Trinidad & Tobago
– Designed and Produced Multimedia Electronic Press Kit using Indesign
– Praised by client for layout and rapid delivery

Crepe Guys - Indianapolis, Indiana
– Developed entire design concept
– Lighting Design and fixture specification
– Space planning and architectural details
– Custom furniture design and selection
– Praised by client for the creativity, functionality, cost-effectiveness and vision of finished project
– Delivered final presentation

FiletMinJohn - La Jolla, California
– Designed Layout and specified colour for cookbook employing the use of Indesign
– Retouched and Resized Images using Photoshop
– One week turn around
– Praised by client for the creativity, use of colour and rapid delivery

Rose Pink Connection
– Logo Design & Development
– Design of Print Collateral including Business cards, Letterhead and Promotional materials such as gift certificates and bookmarks
– Brand Identity
– Established Web Presence

St. Dominic’s RC Church
– Promotional Materials such as event posters, flyers and programmes.
– Funeral Programmes, video slideshows and photo montages for deceased parishioners

Jul 2004 - current
 

Aarons Inc. Corporate HQ, Atlanta, GA, US, Architectural Designer - Store Planner

– Commercial Retail Design, Planning & Remodeling Projects for Aaron’s Corporate & Franchise stores across the US and Canada.
– Development of master construction documents, standard specifications and design updates.
– Ensuring integrity of store design, in partnership with construction manager.
– Balancing workload demands of multiple projects at various stages of design and construction.
– Updating store layouts with as-built dimensions to ensure correct material orders and furniture layouts during the re-modelling process.
– Partnering with internal construction departments to deliver quality stores, on schedule and under budget.
– Project Management responsibilities include: scheduling, determining project scopes and purchase orders.
– Assisting in the research of code requirements, fire-safety regulation and ADA compliance.

Aug 2015 - Mar 2016
 

Thomas & Reel Engineering Consultants, Savannah, GA, US, Architectural Designer

– Structural detailing & Production of Construction Document Sets for residential and commercial projects.
– Preparation of bid documents & forensic reports detailing building damages for insurance companies.
– Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Document Phases & Production of Architectural Renderings.
– Review and Revision of mechanical, electrical and plumbing details. Familiarity with air balance calculations.
– Design and Production of details for life safety and accessibility (ADA)
– Management of Revit/CAD Library, development of consistent Office Graphic/Drafting Standards and quality control of document sets and library components for usability and accuracy.
– Communication with clients to resolve any structural or logistical issues that arise within their project.
– Digitally sealing document sets for building permitting.

Aug 2014 - Oct 2015
 

Farrington Design Group, Atlanta, GA, US, Architectural Designer 1

– Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Document Phases
– Instrumental in transitioning the firm from Microstation to Revit in the design documentation phases
– Developed Revit families consistent existing Office Graphic/Drafting Standards
– Projects included: New Retail Construction for Starbucks Coffee Company, Office Renovations, Fit-out projects, Research & Production Laboratories & Church Daycares.
– Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Buzzsaw, AutoCAD

Mar 2015 - May 2015
 

Thomasville Landmarks, Thomasville, GA, US, Architectural Intern

– Assisted with Sustainable Revitalization and Development initiatives of historic districts in Thomasville, GA
– Designed floor layouts based on historical typologies to aid in Residential Restoration adhering to Historic Preservation guidelines.
– Designed signs to attract potential buyers of restored residences.
– Prepared multimedia presentations and documents for board meetings.
– Visited sites of Historical Landmarks to determine feasibility of acquisition.
– Produced exterior architectural renderings of proposed urban revitalization projects using Revit and Photoshop

Mar 2012 - Sep 2012
 

CDA Architecture, Port of Spain, Trinidad , Architectural Intern

– Participated in Design Development and Construction Documentation phase on Residential and Commerical Projects
– Accompanied Junior Architect on site visits to monitor construction progress.
– Gained knowledge of the role of the Architect as Project Manager.
– Produced Construction Documents employing the use of AutoCAD
– Introduced to Project Management and Construction Administration

Jul 2007 - Aug 2007
 

OBMI, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Architectural Intern - Research Assistant

– Participated in all phases of a design for tender of a National Mixed-use Transportation Hub
– Researched specifications for furniture, fixtures, entertainment offerings & mechanical circulation
– Produced Construction Documents employing the use of AutoCAD and ArchiCAD
– Introduced to Quantity Surveying, Feasibility studies and Cost Analysis and Estimation
– Collaborated with animation studio to produce walk-through animation.
– Accompanied Principal on various site visits to observe construction process and progress.

Aug 2005 - Dec 2005
 

The Synthesis Group, Port of Spain, Trinidad , AutoCAD Technician

– Participated in Schematic Design and Construction Documentation phase of Residential and Institutional Design
– Introduced to and participated in Site analysis and Planning
– Produced Construction Documents employing the use of AutoCAD
– Introduced to Office Drafting Standards
– Enhanced knowledge of AutoCAD for use in drafting. Gained knowledge of the value of sketching as a necessary medium for preliminary design.

Aug 2004 - Dec 2004
 

Education 

Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA, US, Bachelors, Architecture

- Combined Honors Scholarship for excellence in Portfolio and Academics.
- Dean’s List (2006, 2008-2011)
- Petitioned for the reinstatement of the late night shuttle for students living off campus.
- Conducted Latin dance demonstrations and classes for underprivileged youth.

Jan 2006 - Sep 2011
 

Holy Name Convent, Port of Spain, Trinidad, High School, CXC, GCE

- Secondary Schools Drama Festival, Honorable Mention Antagonist -Ti- Jean & His Brothers.
- Trinidad & Tobago Music Festival, 1st Place Junior Choir.
- Extra-curricular activities - Badminton, Ceramics, Swimming.

Sep 1997 - Jun 2004
 

Awards 

Panorama Finals, 3rd Place

Caribbean Airline Invaders

2011
 

Combined Honors Scholarship, Scholarship

Savannah College of Art and Design, for excellence in Portfolio and Academics
Duration of study (2006-2011)

2011
 

U.W.I SPEC Half Marathon, Award

Top 5 - University Students/ Top 25 - Ladies

2010
 

Combined Honors Scholarship, Scholarship

Savannah College of Art and Design, for excellence in Portfolio and Academics
Duration of study (2006-2011)

2006
 

Academy of Art University Summer Portfolio Grant, Grant

75 % tuition awarded for study

2002
 

Trinidad & Tobago Art Society, Grant

Art Workshop in Fine Arts

2000
 

Secondary Schools Drama Festival, Honorable Mention

Antagonist --- Ti- Jean & His Brothers

2000
 

Trinidad & Tobago Music Festival, 1st Place

Junior Choir.

1998
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills