Website: http://cargocollective.com/soniaterez
Originally from the Midwest (Toronto and Detroit), Sonia holds a Master of Science in Architecture degree, specializing in Digital Technologies, as well as a Master’s in Architecture, both from the University of Michigan. She also received her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan. Her professional experience includes a wide range of scales, including custom cabinetry design, small commercial renovations, a large automotive design center in China and a historical renovation of one of the oldest hotels in the country.
Her personal interests in architecture include combining the use of digital technologies with a strong cultural history. She works to gain a deep knowledge of the cultural aspects that drive a project and are integrated into the work. Sonia embraces every project as an opportunity to gain unique experiences in the field, while acquiring invaluable knowledge that will help her achieve professional goals.
Outside of the office, Sonia enjoys hiking, bike riding and is currently training for a marathon. She also travels when she can, and enjoys exploring beyond her own culture to gain new experiences that will bring diversity to her work.
Barbara Felix Architecture + Design, Santa Fe, NM, US, Architectural Intern
We are currently working on the renovation of 162 guest rooms at the La Fonda on the Plaza hotel. The project is a significant historic building in downtown Santa Fe, therefore we are working to restore the original intentions of the design while improving the overall appearance of the building. The project is currently in the construction document phase and the renovations are scheduled for completion by August of 2013.
Olson Kundig Architects, Seattle, WA, US, Intern
As part of the externship program during spring break with the University of Michigan, I was accepted as an intern at Olson Kundig Architects. The work during the week mainly focused on a design presentation for the proposal of a Net Zero Passive House.
SmithGroup, Detroit, MI, US, Architect 1
I primarily worked in the design development of a 4.5 million square food automotive design center in Changchun, China (FAW). The team consisted of approximately 40 people, including architects, and engineers. My specific roles included the development of the exterior facade, coordination between the structural, mechanical and electrical systems and emergency egress from the building and site. The architectural work was completed in Revit, and included 7 architectural models.
Other tasks included assembling schematic design packages as well as AIA design award submissions. Three projects that were submitted were awarded Michigan AIA awards.
Gensler, Detroit, MI, US, Intern
The work over the summer mainly consisted of designing the interior renovation of a bank for the Jefferson East Business Association to include office and community spaces. The design was awarded the JEBA design award.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, US, Masters, MS in Digital Technologies
Master of Science in Architecture: Digital Technologies Concentration.
Throughout the year, a single research project was focused on, along with several other classes related to digital technologies. The research was called, Epicurean Cast and it explores the use of digital technologies in close coordination with the human hand in the production of the final product. Formally, the work explores the translation of the human body and its sensual qualities into a terra cotta column.
For images and related work, please visit my blog: http://digitalundertaking.blogspot.com/.
The work has also been featured on suckerPUNCH: http://www.suckerpunchdaily.com/2012/08/22/epicurean-cast/
Rackham International Research Award, Grant
This grant supported my research and allowed me to study the architecture of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona, Spain as well as the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
Rackham Graduate Student Research Grant, Grant
This grant is supporting the fabrication of a full scale terra cotta column with the use of a three axis CNC router. The column is the culmination of the research being done in the MS in digital technologies program.
SmithGroup Scholarship, Scholarship
I was chosen by SmithGroup to receive a scholarship and this also included a position as an intern during the summer directly following the award year.
