I approach the design process as a dialogue between the poles of theory and practice, concept and material expression: I often begin a project with the exploration of a material or tectonic characteristic that becomes the inspiration for an expressive design concept.
My approach to urban design is founded on disciplined research and analysis and informed by Scandinavian practices that emphasize the human element and the needs of community.
I am seeking a position that matches my keen interest in sustainable, urban environments with my passion for architectural design and knowledge of integrated design systems and strategies. I am an intuitive, convergent-thinker who thrives in multidisciplinary environments that embrace creative collaboration.
Wayne County Community College District, Detroit, MI, US, Faculty
Collaborate with the Provost of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer to develop, write and teach a new curriculum for an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Sustainable Environmental Design and Renewable Energy Technology as precursor to pursuit of a four-year baccalaureate degree.
—Analyze current course offerings and research competing programs to set academic precedents for an associate degree program in sustainable environmental design.
—Provide strategic overview for a comprehensive and forward-looking curriculum that is responsive to the skills required for the broader ‘green’ jobs market.
—Teach five new courses covering environmental and sustainable principles for the advanced degree program.
YAMASAKI, INC., Troy, MI, US, Architectural and Urban Designer
Worked on large-scale urban and sustainable design projects, competitions and conceptual designs until the firm ended business operations. Projects included:
—Masdar City Development, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Project designer for a residential section of this unprecedented zero waste, carbon neutral city. Responsible for research and design of green and sustainable technologies, pedestrian networks and parking structures, model making, graphic design and client presentations.
—Barwa International Development, New Cairo City, Egypt
Developed CAD documentation, rendered presentation material and produced client presentations for this unique, high value community created as a focus for national economic regeneration.
—Kond District Redevelopment Competition, Yerevan, Armenia
Urban design competition for redevelopment of one of the oldest quarters of Armenia’s capital. Executed site analysis, framework plan, conceptual proposal and master plan; built study model.
—Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Corporate headquarters tower. Responsibilities included design, 3D modeling, CAD drafting, production of renderings and graphic presentation.
TWBTA: Tod Williams Billie Tsien, New York, NY, US, Model Maker
Adapted and re-built an existing study model of the Asia Society Hong Kong Center complex to meet new design requirements. The complex opened in February 2012.
James Vincent Czajka Architects, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer
First post-undergraduate professional position. Firm noted for restoration of historic urban sites and cultural institutions in New York. Responsible for conceptual design; CAD drawings; 3D models; graphic representations; construction documentation; specifications; site survey; feasibility studies; and presentations to clients.
—Projects included: American Academy of Arts & Letters; New York Society Library; Elephant House Restoration, Bronx Zoo; Myerson Residence, Amagansett; Guardian Angel Church.
Tendenze Design, Pottersville, NJ, US, Assistant to the Principles
Responsible for model construction, coordination of construction efforts, hands-on electrical, carpentry and masonry projects at this high-end residential design-build firm specializing in architectural salvage.
Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, US, MArch, Architecture
—International semesters in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Barcelona, Spain, focusing on context sensitive design and urbanism.
—Concentrated study of sustainable environmental and passive solar design with leading international practitioners including Transsolar, Behnisch Architekten, and D.I.R.T. Studio.
Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, US, Masters, Urban Design
—Advanced studio projects for Los Angeles and New Orleans; semester in New York City taught by Rogers Marvel Architects.
—Concentrated study with D.I.R.T. Studio and William Morrish; workshop in GIS technology.
Royal Academy of Arts, Copenhagen, DK, Fulbright Scholar
—Authored major study on the quality of public space in Ørestad, a developing urban area in Copenhagen, on the island of Amager. Published in the Danish architectural journal, Arkitekten, June 2002; reported and debated nationally on Denmark Radio (DR).
Williams College, Williamstown, MA, US, Bachelors, Architectural Studies
—Graduated Cum Laude
—Developed independent and interdisciplinary major in Architectural Studies.
Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS), Copenhagen, DK, Architecture
—Concentration in the design practices of Scandinavia.
Cranbrook Kingswood Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MI, US, High School, Liberal Arts
—Graduated Cum Laude
—Earned prestigious Faculty Senior Award for outstanding achievement in all academic disciplines.
Fulbright Scholar, Grant
Grant to study human-centered urban design and public space design at the Royal Academy of Art, School of Architecture in Copenhagen, Denmark, under the tutelage of Jan Gehl, an international leader in the field.
Authored a major study on the quality of public space in Ørestad, a developing urban area in
Copenhagen, on the island of Amager. Published in the Danish architectural journal, Arkitekten, June 2002; reported and debated nationally on Denmark Radio (DR).
Williams College Center for Environmental Studies Grant, Grant
Grant from the Williams College Center for Environmental Studies to produce a photographic study of the interdependence of architecture and nature in Eliel Saarinen’s Cranbrook. Mentored by renowned architectural photographer Balthazar Korab.
Mellon Grant for the Study of Multimedia, Grant
Grant to research digital possibilities for organizing and presenting information with recognized post-modern theorist Dr. Mark C.Taylor, at Williams College, Williamstown, MA.
Cranbrook Kingswood Faculty Senior Award, 1st Place
Prestigious award to one graduating male and female student for academic and all-round distinction.
