Archinect
Aaron Merchant

Aaron Merchant

Champaign, IL, US

 

About 

Energetic, motivated young architectural designer working toward professional licensure.  Ambitious, team player.  LEED Accredited Professional.  Experienced in a variety of project types and roles.

Employment 

BLDD Architects, Champaign, IL, US, Architectural Intern

Collaborated with a multidisciplinary project team in the development of a design proposal for the renovation and expansion of a large indoor sports arena.

Assisted with space programming and with preparation of project cost estimates during the schematic design phase.

Aided project architects in the modeling of projects and development of working drawing sets during various phases of design.

May 2011 - current
 

Aerotek Architecture & Engineering, Hoffman Estates, IL, US, Contractor | Merchandise Planning

Partnered with merchandise analysts and buyers to optimize fixture layout and product placement for new home fashions department rollout in Kmart and Sears retail centers.

May 2010 - Aug 2010
 

Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, Chicago, IL, US, Associate | Architectural Intern

Collaborated with project teams in the design and execution of varied building programs, including residential, commercial, retail, institutional, and master planning.

Developed schemes and working drawing sets for various project phases from pre-design through construction.

Facilitated communication and established rapport among clients, consultants, and contractors.

Coordinated with multiple project consultants regarding design, bidding, and value engineering.

Managed flow of correspondence and items related to construction administration, including RFI, shop drawing submittals, and preparation of field observation reports.

Interacted with various municipal and regulatory entities, including Chicago Dept. of Buildings, Dept. of Zoning, and Planning Commission regarding permitting and entitlement processes.

Oct 2006 - Oct 2008
 

Menard Inc., Eau Claire, WI, US, Store Designer | CAD Draftsman

Developed schematic designs and construction documents for new stores and remodels.

Produced drawings and renderings for municipal presentations.

Prepared design schemes and supporting materials for in-store sales/leasing ventures and special projects.

Collaborated with construction project managers to troubleshoot and resolve field issues related to design.

Actively maintained, managed, and revised drawing sets throughout the building process.

Aug 2005 - Oct 2006
 

Education 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, US, MArch, Architecture

Focus on integrated architectural design, building technology + performance, and environment-behavior studies

Member, 2011 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon team
Member, Gargoyle Honor Society
Member, American Institute of Architecture Students [AIAS]

Aug 2010 - May 2012
 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, US, Bachelors, Architectural Studies

Undergraduate studies in architectural design and the liberal arts

Volunteer, East St. Louis Action Research Project [ESLARP]
Member, American Institute of Architecture Students [AIAS]
Member, Architecture Student Advisory Council [ASAC]

Aug 2001 - May 2004
 

Miami University, Oxford, OH, US, Architecture

Volunteer, Miami University Center for Community Engagement in Over-the-Rhine
Member, Miami University Collegiate Chorale

Aug 1999 - Jul 2000
 

Awards 

Graduate Design Award | ga[BIO]Network, Nomination

2011
 

Edwin C. Earl Prize in Design | Stockholm Contemporary Art Gallery, Nomination

2003
 

Edwin C. Earl Prize in Design | Novelist Retreat, Nomination

2002
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills