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My name is Erin Colshan. I recently graduated from the master’s program in Emergent Technologies and Design at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, England this past October 2011. I became interested in parametric design and the ways in which it can be used as a tool in the architectural designing process during my undergraduate studies at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. I received my bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona in 2009, where the focus of my education was the translation of conceptual design to realized architectural projects.
My education in EmTech has given new life to my architectural creativity. In architecture, digital design and fabrication processes often run parallel to one other, but rarely are they seamlessly interwoven. Emergent Technologies’ main focus is to teach techniques of unifying the design and fabrication processes through digital exercises using techniques such as scripting, biomimetics, emergence and fabrication methods. By using these methods of design during all phases of project development, a more optimized architecture can be created more efficiently. I was able to embody and encompass these ideas, putting them into practice in my dissertation project, Crystal City, where my team and I designed an infill housing scheme in a high density urban fabric using growth and structural strategies drawn from polycrystalline metal structures. The unit was designed as an adaptable and semi-customizable unit, which used a growth algorithm to dictate it’s urban development into existing tissues based on several adaptable input parameters.
Although my master’s degree offered a digital-contemporary spin on traditional design techniques, I have a strong foundation in the skills needed for working in an design build environment. My past internships taught me the quick design turnaround needed in the work atmosphere as well as editing and creating construction documentation. I enjoy a fast paced setting, and am itching to finally see the fusion of design, fabrication and construction into one cohesive method. In EmTech I worked within these processes, and would like to foster and strengthen their cohesive potential, along with gaining valuable practical experience in a creative environment. I am an inventive thinker and creative in finding original solutions.
Nardi Associates LLP, Monrovia, CA, US, Designer I
Working together with the principal architect on Dos Lagos Hotel, from schematic design to working drawings. Boutique hotel comprised of 120 rooms, conference center and restaurant. Simultaneously
working on cost estimating and consultant coordination. Developed all graphics and presentation materials for client and consultant meetings.
Co-organizer for the design and exhibition portion of “China-USA Synergy,” a program created by Nardi
Associates and City Club to explore and discuss the interaction of cultural relationships, trade and business development between China and the USA. Fabricated and assembled all exhibition material and displays.
Tutor Doctor, Orange County, Private In-house Tutor
Currently tutoring two high school students in Algebra II, Trigonometry and Honors English, as well as tutoring a professional in AutoCAD drafting techniques.
Porolissum Prietenie [Non-Profit Corporation], Zalau, RO, Founder and Director
I am the founder and director of Porolissum Prietenie, a non-profit corporation which caters to needy children and families in the Transylvanian outlying areas of Zalau. After working with the children and families in Moigrad, Romania, I became motivated to start an organization to assist them in differing ways dependant on the specific situation. PP recently received its 501(c) non-profit status and have dispersed our first large scholarship, dispersed to a woman in a local village whose son needs an expensive
heart operation. We are currently hoping to begin coordination with a local artisan school to employ and empower locals with skills in local artisan crafts, as well as working with a local orphanage.
Marmol Radziner, Los Angeles, CA, US, Architectural Intern
During my internship I worked extensively on a detailed client model. I received experience with Revit, drafting plans, sections, elevations and details. I was also in charge of cataloging building and research materials for a new database.
Porolissum Forum Project, Moigrad, RO, assistant archeologist and architectural consultant
The Porolissum Forum Project is an Archeological Field School run by an American/Romanian Archeologist team. I received experience in all aspects of excavation, architectural surveying and analysis, drawing profiles and sections of trenches and architecture and the recovery and study of
artifacts, ecofacts and floor models. I used AutoCad and Rhino to model the architectural findings of the excavation, two and three-dimentionally, and had extensive experience with mapping using Total Station for the use of mapping all findings.
HMC Architects, Ontario, CA, US, Architectural Intern
During my time at HMC I worked within a team for numerous months preparing projects for DSA submittal. I conducted site visits for potential projects and to view progress of current projects. I also worked extensively in AutoCad drafting plans, sections, elevations and details, produced presentation documents, documentation pamphlets & 3D SketchUp models, and I collaborated with HMC’s master model builder on several large models for clients
Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA), London, GB, Masters, Emergent Technologies & Design
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA, US, BArch, Architecture
California State University, Florence, Florence, IT, Architecture
Study abroad program during my studies at Cal Poly Pomona.
Concours d'Elegrance, Award
Undergraduate thesis design award
AIA/LAIAC 1:2 Competition, Honorable Mention
Dean's Choice Award Scholarship, Scholarship
The Dean of Cal Poly Pomona's Architecture department chooses one student portfolio to receive a scholarship.
"Can"struction, Honorable Mention
Took part in creating a sculpture from can's with a group of five Cal Poly students. I was the organizer and design captain.
Raphael Soriano Travel Scholarship, Scholarship
A scholarship for one student who is planning to travel abroad for study.
