Archinect
Laura Casas Fortuno

Laura Casas Fortuno

Bronx, NY, US

 

About 

Employment 

Ralph Lauren Corporation, New York, NY, US, Project Manager, Retail Store Development

Manage the design and construction of retail stores in the U.S. and South America, from schematic design to store opening.

This process includes coordinating RL partners, local architects, vendors and contractors.

Feb 2015 - current
 

Brooks and Falotico Associates, New Canaan, CT, US, Architectural Designer

●Integral part of a team working on high­end residential projects in Fairfield County, CT Westchester County, NY; and the Hamptons.

● Create initial survey drawings and documentation, including site analysis of code and regulations.

● Develop building sections, elevations, and interior drawings, including millwork details, kitchen & bathroom material details.

● Work closely with interior decorator in the coordination of light fixtures and electrical outlets.

● Estimate projected construction costs budget. Analyze different contractor bids and create comparison to present to the client.

● Create schedules for appliances, millwork, architectural trim, floor finishes, stone & tile, plumbing and hardware.

Jul 2013 - Feb 2015
 

Moran Hook Architecture, New York, NY, US, Junior Architect

•Assist Principal Architect in design and coordination of high end residential projects.
•Create initial survey drawings.
•Create technical wall sections and mill-work drawings with overview of Principal Architect.
•Coordinate drawings with engineering consultants.
•Create construction drawings with overview of Principal Architect

Dec 2012 - Jul 2013
 

RESTORE training, New York, New York, Grandute Student Teaching Assistant

•Assisted professors in instructing a masonry conservation course for professionals in the preservation and restoration industry.
•Recorded notes and ensured the retention of lecture material.
•Provided all hardware setup and lecture preparation for smooth operation of the course.

Nov 2011 - May 2012
 

Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, Graduate Assistant

Graduate Assistant for Professor Larisa Ortiz for the Downtown Economic Development class.
Graduate Assistant for Professor Norman Mintz for the Main Street redevelopment class.

•Uploaded readings to university website, executed PowerPoint presentations, provided help-desk/technical support.

Aug 2011 - Dec 2011
 

Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation, Brooklyn, New York, Intern

•Created the long term project of documenting history of buildings in the avenue.
•Ensured the smooth operation of tasks—including day-to-day office duties and administrative functions at board meetings.
•Worked with a team to plan and host numerous events—including the Atlantic Antic street fair and the Ambassador dinner.

Aug 2011 - Dec 2011
 

Alvarez Diaz + Group, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Junior Architect

•Designed, with overview of Principle Architect, residential, retail, and civic building projects.
•Assisted Senior Interior Designer in selecting materials and designing custom furniture pieces.
•Created construction drawings, three dimensional models, computer renderings and sketches.
•Reviewed work of CAD technicians, contractor’s shop drawings and wrote material specifications.
•Coordinated work with engineering and lighting consultants and attended client meetings for the Principle Architect .

Aug 2009 - Dec 2011
 

Sierra Cardona y Ferrer Arquitectos, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Summer Intern

•Created demolition documents for building renovations and assembled Presentation Boards for Interior finishes.
•Assisted Principal Architect on construction drawings and renderings for master plans.
•Developed preliminary furniture designs and conceptual designs for resorts.

Jun 2008 - Aug 2008
 

Sierra Cardona y Ferrer Arquitectos, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Summer Intern

•Created demolition documents for building renovations and assembled Presentation Boards for Interior finishes.
•Assisted Principal Architect on construction drawings and renderings for master plans.
•Developed preliminary furniture designs and conceptual designs for resorts.

Jun 2007 - Aug 2007
 

Education 

Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY, US, Masters, Programs for Sustainable Planning & Development, Historic Preservation

Won the Excellence in Academic Achievement Award.

Jan 2011 - current
 

University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, BArch, Architecture

Notre Dame’s program, which is based on Classical/Traditional Architecture, prepared me to not only understand how to design as an architect today, but also to understand architects that have preceded me. Notre Dame’s emphasis on hand design ensured multifaceted skills beyond computer programs.

Aug 2004 - May 2009
 

Awards 

Excellence in Academic Achievement, Award

Recognition for Excellence in Academic Achievement is awarded to one graduating student in each department. To qualify for this award the student must possess the highest cumulative GPA and approval of the head of the department.

2013
 

Areas of Specialization