My name is Melanie Ohar and I have recently graduated from Oxford School of Architecture. I have 6 years of experience working on a broad spectrum of design projects including commercial, residential, and environmental design.
Before graduate school I worked at Francis Cauffman on large commercial projects including pharmaceutical office spaces, medical research laboratories, law offices, and hospital construction. I’ve also previously worked for the government on large scale LEED office projects and with the Philadelphia based International Design Clinic on the planning and construction of social, educational, and sustainable solutions in relation to environmental design to fit the specific needs of various communities both locally and abroad. I additionally carry advanced software knowledge including, but not limited to AutoCad, Revit, and 3DS Max.
Francis Cauffman, Philadelphia, PA, US, Staff Architect
-Working on the beginning stages of the project ranging from concept development, test fit floor plans based on programmatic needs and adjacencies, and renderings.
-Working together with furniture manufacturer reps and dealers.
-Communicating with the planning department in regards to all design related matters, engineering, shop drawings, and installation scheduling.
-Surveying space and inputting as-built drawings into Revit.
-Drafting details ranging from casework, partition types, ceiling, and vision panels.
-Putting together construction documentation sets.
-Reviewing design submittals, request for information, plans & specifications, cost estimations, and schedules.
-Construction administration ranging from site visits, field reports, and punch lists.
-Understanding and implementing building code.
-Worked on new construction, renovations, fit outs, additions, office buildings, laboratories,
and healthcare.
-Managing projects from concept to construction.
Computer Science Corporation, Washington DC Metro Area, Project Management Associate Professional
-Responsible for maintaining an in-depth knowledge of the designated LEED Projects.
-Working together with outsource furniture providers while providing all required specifications.
-Checking and submitting approved material samples and specifications.
-Communicating with the planning department in regards to all design related matters, engineering,
production, logistic and installation scheduling.
-Working in depth with systems furniture
-Maintaining Department of Defense buildings through space reconfigurations and installation.
-Surveying space and inputting as-built drawings into AutoCad.
-Reviewing design submittals, plans & specifications, cost estimations, and schedules.
International Design Clinic, Philadelphia, PA, US, Designer and Project Director
-Responsible for local and international project design; sketching, background research, and on-site work
-Assisting in the development and production of design development documentation
- Formulating fundraising events to showcase the IDC mission to potential corporate connections and donors
-Maintaining solicitation for donation mailers by keeping donor information databases current
-Coordinating speaking engagements through relevant conferences, society meetings, and pertinent contacts
-Assisting in project plan submissions and publishing of IDC goals and ideals
Freelance Designer of Commercial Office Space, Philadelphia, PA, US, Independent Project Manger and Interior Designer
-Responsible for client interface and contacting interior design representatives
-Preparing preliminary design proposal
-Generating project budget following client’s limitations
-Surveying space and inputting as-built drawings into AutoCad and Revit
-Selecting specified lighting, furnishing, and project finishes
-Creating 3D models of client space and furniture in Revit and Sketch-Up
-Overseeing compliance with all applicable code and requirements relating to accessibility (ADA)
-Creating final presentation boards
-Placing purchase orders for material and furniture selections
-Overseeing installation of material and furniture
Susan Hopkins Interior Design, Philadelphia, PA, US, Junior Designer
-Responsible for surveying and inputting as-built drawings
-Creating 3D models of client space and furniture in Autocad and Sketch-Up
-Assisting the head designer with selecting finishes and sample ordering
-Maintaining furniture and material schedules
-Interfacing with clients and suppliers on behalf on the head designer
-Creating hand drafted furniture pieces
-Assisting in development of construction documentation
-Creating presentation boards and material selection boards
The Designing Link, Philadelphia, PA, US, Account Manager
-Responsible for approving companies and designers for accounts
-Maintaining vendor profiles
- Providing support on profile set up
-Maintaining current vendor data base
-Performing background checks on designers and contacting trade references
-Assisting in the development and production of design development documentation
Oxford School of Architecture, Oxford, UK, MArch, Masters in Architecture Part 2
