Archinect
Diego Morell-Perea

Diego Morell-Perea

New York, NY, US

 

About 

My focus is on experimenting with the possibilities of new paradigms in Architecture, pushing the envelope for true design with the potential of evermore powerful software and applied interdisciplinary theoretical research/development; synthesizing the conceptual to reality with sustainability and humanity in mind.  Having pursued a wide ranging academic experience, I have been interested in tireless research into material systems and their applications, to the complexities of urban design and its repercussions upon the social landscape.  I believe that when somebody hires a design service they deserve something that is not only of elegant resolution, but of sound harvesting and transcendental beauty.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Architectural Research Assistant, Terpsichore Intervals Dance Space 2

-Project leader in charge of design, research, project management, logistics and manufacturing of dance space, lounge, change rooms and conference room.
-Administered a team of nine undergraduate and graduate students throughout the design phase and manufacturing of project.
-Researched and created working models of sustaible lighting systems and solar shading devices.
-Realinzed project under limited budget while completing Graduate Thesis project.

Oct 2009 - May 2010
 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Architectural Research Assistant, Architecture of Crisis Exhibit

-Project leader in charge of design, research, project management, logistics and manufacturing; partnered in theme conception.
-Administered a team of eight undergraduate students throughout the design phase and manufacturing of working/finished models.
-Conceived methods of strategized transportation and simplified temporary installation of traveling exhibit.
-Concluded project under limited budget while completing Graduate Thesis and participating in the Solar Decathlon

Aug 2009 - Dec 2009
 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Team Member, DOE- UIUC Solar Decathlon Team

-Team member; performed in construction and disassembly in Champaign IL, and installation in the National Mall in Washington DC.
-Participated in production and cross-reference of as-built documentation and construction details; deviced solutions to overlapping issues.
-Concluded assembly of building envelope, accesibility criteria and plumbing systems.

May 2009 - Dec 2009
 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Architectural Research Assistant, Terpsichore Intervals Dance Space 1

-Project Leader in charge of research, conceptualization, development, project management, logistics and final manufacturing.
-Administered a team of 12 graduate students throughout the design development and final manufacturing processes.
-Constructed working models to test and refine salvaged wood sprung floor and interactive walls.
-Devised designs that facilitated the strict approval of the regulations imposed by the University Building Code and Fire Marshall.
-Concluded project under limited budget while completing 18 credit Graduate semester and participating in Solar Decathlon team

Mar 2009 - Aug 2009
 

MOREarch, Principal

-Produced built and unbuilt architectural work that has ranged from residential, commercial, and hospitality buildings.
-Collaborated with Wizard Studios in the design of themed events for Fortune 500 companies.
-Launched branding initiatives and graphic arts services for businesses

Jan 2004 - Aug 2008
 

Leslie Bursian Architect, Architectural Intern

-Worked as architecture intern, collaborated personally with architect.
-Performed tasks ranging from project conceptualization, presentation images and execution of construction documents.
-Taught me the value of properly and beautifully crafted construction documents and fine detailing.

May 2006 - Aug 2006
 

Education 

Columbia University, Masters, Masters Advanced Architectural Design

Experimental architecture + critical theory
Developed tools for cutting edge design + representation

May 2010 - May 2011
 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, MArch, Architecture

Sustainability + Research methods/theory
Professional practice development

Aug 2008 - May 2010
 

University of Puerto Rico, Bachelors, Environmental Design

Essential architecture tools + methods
Development in architecture studio/history/theory/structures
Code compliance

Aug 2003 - May 2008
 

Awards 

GSAPP_ABSTRACT Publication, Other

Featuring GSAPP Critic Selected Work

2010
 

US Dept of Energy Solar Decathlon, 2nd Place

Second place finish in international competition

2009
 

Edward C. Earl Prize, Nomination

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Critic Selected Work

2009
 

Edward C. Earl Prize, Nomination

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Critic Selected Work

2008
 

High Honors Award-Escuela de Arquitectura Universidad de Puerto Rico, Award

2008
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills