Presentation

My name is Helena Rocha Gonçalves (Lisbon, 1986) and I graduated on a Master’s degree in Architecture at Lusíada University of Lisbon, one of the top private colleges in Portugal, in January 2011.

In my senior year of college I felt the need to add to my academic path a subject that, in my perspective, has been scarcely highlighted: the study and investigation of industrial areas that endure in the urban landscape of contemporary cities.

Following this came the theme of my master dissertation and the main purpose was to understand what various ways industrial structures may, through an architectural solution, be reintroduced in the urban, social and economic context of the contemporary city.

After completing the course and participated in a public competition I began my professional career in an architecture studio a based in Lisbon - JCFS Architects & Designers, Inc. – consisting of an internship to gain access to the Portuguese Order of Architects and so to begin an important stage of my journey and career as an architect.

Recently I have finished my internship and received my certificate as an architect and so started working as a full-time job.

Professional experience

At the office JCFS Architects & Designers, Inc in which I work since November 2009 to present, I am an intern architect and deal from single-family housing projects to urban planning.

Between all projects of Architecture I gained experience in several areas, such as Previous studies, Licensing and Execution Project, Urban planning, Rehabilitation, Equipment design, and also 3D Modeling and rendering.

Motivation

At the moment l am looking for a new professional challenge as an architect. I am aware of your work through some architecture newspapers where I identified some of the architectural principles that I intend to improve and follow in the future.

Therefore, the profile of the Roman and Williams office raises me a strong desire to learn and implement all my potential. The contemporary, the minimalism and the functionality, the research and the materialities, the details and the identity of each intervention are some characteristics that I aspire to put into practice and with which I identify myself.

My contribution

Over the last few years all the academic and professional knowledge I acquired propelled me into a new phase, motivated and inspired to invest in new concepts and experiences. I acquired knowledge in various fields through seminars, participation in exhibitions and conception of furniture designs.

I contacted with other subjects that I understand to be part of a multidisciplinary essential approach in the area.

Associated with these factors and how you can verify in my CV I invested in my technical and drawing training, such as in 3D modelling, rendering and graphic design.

For these reasons I believe that collaboration with your office can be mutually beneficial.

In this way and looking for a new challenge in my professional career where I could learn, grow and implement my full potential.