Archinect
Kirk Mitchell

Kirk Mitchell

Teaneck, NJ, US

 

About 

I am an ambitious young professional with a passion for design seeking a rewarding and challenging position as a project architect in a company where I can utilize my 13 years of experience for the benefit of the company. I have a tremendous drive and work ethic that has led me to many facets of the building industry including architecture, real estate investment, development and construction.

I have been working in the field of architecture since 1999, interning for design firms while still attending Howard University as an undergraduate student. I was lucky enough to fall into the generational transition from hand drafting to computer aided drafting where I was able to become proficient in both trades. Since then, I have become an expert in graphic presentation and 3D modeling producing high-end photo-realistic computer generated renderings.

I have extensive experience as a project manager in all phases of a project's design including feasibility studies, program analysis, schematic design, completing zoning & planning board submittal sets, design development and construction documentation. My background project types include mixed use development with an emphasis on high-end multi-family residential building with ground floor retail and integrated parking, as well as sales & service commercial auto dealerships.

Employment 

Scott F. Lurie, Architect, Oradell, NJ, US, Architectural Designer, Project Manager, Business Developer

As the northeast design professional for Hyundai Motor America my responsibilities included on-site surveys documenting existing conditions and designing conceptual floor plans, exterior elevations and hand sketched exterior perspectives for over 200 Hyundai dealerships spread across the entire northeast region of the U.S. Coordinated with dealer ownership, architects, contractors, engineers and HMA's regional and district rep's to lead the design direction for customized facility renovation plans tailored to individual dealer's site, building and budget. Personally responsible for acquiring seperate (renovation & new build) contracts for our office to be the developing architect for 16 dealers, within 20 months. Lead designer in office with projects varying from multi-family residential, commercial and off-site ER medical facilities.

Mar 2010 - May 2012
 

Dean Marchetto Architects, PC (now Marchetto, Higgins, Stevie Architects, PC), Hoboken, NJ, US, Architectural Designer, Project Manager

Designed numerous projects ranging from individual townhouses to high-rise mixed use urban developments using innovative contextual design solutions guided by new urbanism principles. Gained experience designing creative cost effective, sustainable buildings. Responsible for all aspects of design phases from program analysis and schematic design to finished zoning & planning board submittal sets with rendered comprehensive site plans and 3D photo-realistic presentation renderings. Composed various power point presentations and presented project design solutions to clients, developers, zoning & planning board members, city council and mayors in cities including Hoboken, Jersey City & Newark, NJ. Generated working drawings for various residential and retail project types while supervising draftsmen and coordinating subcontractors, engineers, building managers and owners to meet critical project deadlines.

Jul 2003 - Mar 2009
 

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, US, Graduate Intern, Teaching Assistant

Prepared for graduate level architectural work in the areas of computational design and building diagnostics. Completed a six week studio project developing a feasibility study and design of an economically practical community center with a series of sustainable 'green' townhouses in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh, PA. Enhanced my 3D modelling capabilities by instructing undergraduate students in an advanced CAD class using the software programs 3D Studio Max and Maya.

May 2001 - Sep 2003
 

Ecoplan Architects, Planners and Interior Designers, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, US, Student Intern

Assisted in design development of interior spaces of The Babbio Center for Technology Management at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. Generated 3D models and rendered images to present design solutions to client for review and final approval.

Dec 2001 - Jan 2002
 

The Hillier Group, Newark, NJ & Washington, DC, Student Intern

Assisted with schematic design, working drawings and 3D model renderings of numerous project types varying from cutting edge educational facilities to large scale corporate headquarters and office parks. Assembled the majority of office power point presentations and coordinated in office seminars for continuing education credits.

May 2000 - May 2001
 

Education 

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, US, Masters, Masters of Science in Architecture (Computational Design & Building Diagnostics)

The Master of Science in Architecture (MSA) is a 9-month program, introducing practitioners to the fundamentals of both computational design and building performance and diagnostics. Applicants to the program are expected to have a prior degree related to the building sector, including architecture, engineering, planning, or management. By design, the degree can be completed in nine months, allowing those who are already established in the industry to take a leave and return with relatively little discontinuity in their professional careers. The program covers state-of-the-art approaches to building systems integration and total building performance, culminating with a project in which students must apply this knowledge to realistic problems, using appropriate analytical and modeling skills.

Sep 2002 - Jun 2003
 

Howard University, Washington, DC, US, BArch, Bachelors of Architectural Design & Planning

Within the School of Architecture and Design, emphasis is placed on instruction, research/scholarly activities and activist community service. These are directed toward the development and nurturing of problem solving abilities, creative/critical thinking skills and professional expertise. The ultimate application of these is directed towards the preservation and enhancement of the environment through architecture, design and planning.

The program places emphasis on student competence in the following pragmatic areas: design, inquiry/research, architectural history and theory, human behavior and environment, technical systems, computer usage and professional practice. Study in these areas provides the student with fundamental design and communication skills through critical thinking, conflict resolution, visual literacy, knowledge of forces that shape and influence societal and human affairs and the impact of new technologies in an ever-changing world test.

Sep 1996 - May 2002
 

Dessau Institute of Architecture, Dessau, Germany, 4 Week Charette

A four week collabortive project with students from Carnegie Mellon University, Florida Atlantic University, Bouwakademie Maastrich (Holland), Ecole D'Architecture (France) and Dessau Institute of Architecture (home of the Bauhaus movement) using the charette process to develop conceptual plans for the revitalization of the Tacheles, an historic artists' venue.

Sep 2001 - Oct 2001
 

Awards 

Architecture Intern of the Year Award - AIA State of New Jersey, 1st Place

An award may be given to an individual recognized as having made a major accomplishment in the Intern Architect Program and has distinguished himself / herself both professionally and personally by not just meeting the requirements of the program, but by surpassing them. The award basis is to be on both professional and technical accomplishments.

2003
 

George W. Anderson Jr. Award -Carnegie Mellon University, 1st Place

The George W. Anderson, Jr. Award may be awarded to graduate students studying in the School of Architecture who demonstrate, through their work, “an exceptional level of attention to detail AND dedication to beneficially impacting the community.” A maximum of two awards may be awarded to qualifying students at the discretion of the selection committee.

This award is open to graduate students in the School of Architecture.

2002
 

Full Tuition Graduate Scholarship in Carnegie Mellon University MSA Program, 1st Place

A full tution scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University - Masters of Science in Architecture Graduate Program.

2002
 

Clarence Tabor Memorial Scholarship -AIA Architect League of Northern NJ, 1st Place

The Clarence Tabor Memorial Scholarship Award is given to an undergradute student entering their fifth and final year of Architecture, and is based on scholastic excellence, attitude toward the profession, probable success as an architect, and need for financial assistance.

2001
 

Trustee Scholarship for Architectural Planning - Howard University, 1st Place

The Howard University Trustee Tuition Scholarship is merit-based award (financial need is not a criterion) that recognizes high academic achievement within individual schools and colleges. The Scholarship is awarded annually by the Office of Financial Aid based on recommendations from the Deans of individual schools and colleges.

Criteria for awarding Trustee Tuition Scholarships by schools and colleges are:

•Eligible applicants must be enrolled as full-time students
•Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average based on full-time enrollment for the prior academic year (the minimum of 12 credits for full-time status will not include credits from courses in the Center for Academic Reinforcement)
•The Scholarship may be adjusted based on receipt of other tuition awards
•No demonstrated financial need required
•Award amounts are equal to full or half the cost of tuition only

2000
 

Areas of Specialization