Archinect
Joshua Palmer

Joshua Palmer

Des Moines, IA, US

 

About 

I’m a guy from the Midwest. I have worked as an architect and in building furniture. I love getting my hands dirty making things. I have also had the opportunity to work overseas and see the manner in which a large portion of the world struggles just to live. My hope is that, as I continue my work as an architect and building furniture, that I can bridge the gap between the design of things and the lives of people, no matter where they live or who they are.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

OPN Architects, Des Moines, IA, US, Architect

Working as an independent architect on projects ranging from a restaurant, exercise facility, and a pool house. Coordinated independent work with contracting for local architecture firm; developing a campus plan for the Principal Financial Group and a school remodel.

Nov 2010 - current
 

UNICEF, Monrovia, Liberia, Consultant Architect

Oversaw the daily construction of a school in Ganta, Liberia; developed preliminary plans for a new UNICEF Junior High School design; and drafted a work plan for the management of the next two (2) years of infrastructure projects totaling ninety (90) projects. Much time was spent working with the indigenous contractors and workers to enlighten them on proper construction techniques and methods. Near the end of the project, UNICEF began planning the transition to the next round of schools funded by the Fast Track Initiative (FTI) established by the World Bank.

May 2010 - Aug 2010
 

World Bank, Monrovia, Liberia, Short Term Technical Consultant

Completed a rapid technical assessment of the infrastructure completed by the Liberian Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) under the World Bank sponsored Community Empowerment Programs I & II (CEPI & CEPII). On-site inspections of twenty-five percent (25%) of the 133 completed CEP subprojects were conducted. The projects included schools, clinics, markets, bridges and water and sanitation facilities, for a total of 32 sites visited. A review was made of the quality of materials, workmanship, supervision, project documentation and the costs for each project at each site. A report was then submitted detailing the quality of the built works; the level of supervision; and recommendations for repair and maintenance.

Jan 2010 - Feb 2010
 

DAI/LCIP, Monrovia, Liberia, Technical Consultant

Assistance was provided to the Ministry of Education (MoE) for the oversight of construction for forty primary schools distributed throughout each of the fifteen counties of Liberia. A strong focus was maintained on developing the capacity within the Division of Educational Facilities (DEF). Regular coordination meetings were held with the Minister of Education, USAID coordinator and other donor and government agencies. Some other responsibilities included the preparation of construction contracts; the full range of bidding documentation; procurement and bid evaluation; construction supervision; and the assessment of in-house staff procedures. As well, detailed strategies were developed for future education infrastructure for use by donor agencies and the MoE.

May 2009 - Dec 2009
 

Architecture For Humanity, Ganta, Liberia, Design Fellow

Designed a primary and secondary school as part of the UNICEF Learning Along Borders for Living Across Boundaries (LAB4LAB) program. Located along the border with Guinea the site was chosen to build cross-border relationships and community buy-in in an area that had been responsible for much of the cross pollination of conflict in the past twenty years.
Responsibilities included full project delivery of a sustainable long term solution to the needs of the community with respect to the existing working conditions and restraints. Provided supervision for the project from initial programming with UNICEH HQ through procurement of a contractor. The delivery of the final design required the drafting of specifications and bid documents, management of the bidding process, evaluation of the bids within the UN procurement procedures and negotiation of the final contract.
The project also required the coordination of the local community authorities, county education officer, county commissioner and tribal chiefs for the approval and acquisition of the site. The local UNMIL engineers were engaged to repair and clear the road and the site prior to construction. The project is currently nearing completion.

Jun 2008 - Mar 2009
 

HLKB Architecture, Des Moines, IA, US, Architect

Managed and designed projects of varied scale and scope including a multi-million dollar hospital operating room expansion; university school facilities; residential construction; and boutique retail spaces Coordinated and developed project programs based on comprehensive analysis of client needs; Prepared technical drawings and specifications; Consult with technical experts, engineers, and government officials; Review and ensure compliance with all applicable codes; Supervise construction administration, including site visits and evaluations.

May 2002 - May 2008
 

Imrey Culbert Atelier, New York, NY, US, Consultant

Hired on contract basis to assist in the development of the museography and presentation materials for the Louvre-Lens Competition. The overall design and planning were managed by SANAA and museum design and lighting presentation materials were provided by ImreyCulbert. Personal responsibilities included investigations into museum layout, and methodologies of viewing art; and natural daylighting studies. Final presentation materials were incorporated into the final presentation documents. The competition entry was selected as the winning entry beating out some very high profile international firms.

Jun 2005 - Aug 2005
 

HNTB, Kansas City, MO, US, Intern Architect

Developed drawings for the Council Bluffs Auditorium. Assisted in the University of Pittsburg Stadium Renovation and the punch-out of the Invesco Field Football Stadium in Denver, Colorado.

Oct 2001 - May 2002
 

Architecture Studio, Paris, France, Intern Architect

Assisted in the documented three prisons around the outskirts of Paris in Liancourt, Chauconin-Nefmontier and La Farlede. Developed and edited presentation materials for the Athens Opera House Competition.

Jun 2001 - Aug 2001
 

Education 

The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, BArch, Architecture

Aug 1997 - May 2002
 

Awards 

Iowa Sustainable T-Shirt Design, 1st Place

2007
 

Design Engine 3d Chair Competition, Honorable Mention

2005
 

McCormick International Sculpture Competition, Honorable Mention

2005
 

KU Bus Shelter Competition, 1st Place

2000
 

Areas of Specialization