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Lucas Gray

Lucas Gray

Seattle, WA, US

 
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About 

I am currently looking for new career opportunities in the New York City area within the architecture and real estate development industries. Previously, I Co-founded Propel Studio Architecture where I was the Partner in charge of Business Development and Marketing, and Design Director for retail, residential, and international projects.

Over the past 7 years I managed Propel Studio Architecture and along with Business Development and Marketing efforts, I was in charge of team leadership, studio administration, finances, resource management, contracts, invoicing, and project management. I helped start the company and grew it from $0 to around $550,000 in revenue over 5 years. My work included addressing affordable housing through the design of over 50 Accessory Dwelling Units, designing sustainable northwest modern custom homes, creating missing-middle scale housing developments, working with businesses on retail interiors, engaging in tactical urbanism strategies through the design and implementation of parklets (street seats), and collaborating with community groups on a variety of project types.  

Outside of the studio, I write about architecture and urbanism, create abstract art, advocate for better urban environments, and travel for work and adventure. I'm passionate about design, the built environment, urban planning, public transportation, public art, tactical urbanism, and cities designed for people. I combine my passions and expertise to utilize design to create beautiful and inspiring places. 

SPECIALTIES: 
International Projects (worked in Bangkok, Shanghai, Berlin, Japan and Canada), Team Leadership, Business Development, Marketing Strategies, Project Management, Sustainable Design Strategies, Retail Design, Residential Design, Strategic Planning, writing and presentations, real estate development, working with international teams, managing project teams.

EXPERIENCE:
I started and managed my own architecture firm. I have worked abroad at architecture firms in Shanghai, Bangkok, and Berlin. I have implemented team focused design processes. I have specialized in residential projects of various scales and retail design. I've also been a team member for complex higher education projects. I have experience with marketing and business development, including creating RFP and RFQ responses, interview preparations, designing marketing materials, redesigning websites, and managing social media marketing campaigns. 

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Propel Studio Architecture, Portland, OR, US, Partner | Business Development, Marketing, Firm Admin, Design Director

Administered business development and marketing efforts, growing the firm’s annual revenue from $0 to over $550,000 in 5 years and building our brand recognition for residential, retail, and community work. Oversaw firm staffing, hiring, finances and invoicing, contracts, client communications, sales, and was design director of retail, residential, and international projects. Initiated overseas business development, expanding our services from the Portland region to include projects in Japan and Canada.

With a focus on international retail, commercial, and housing projects, my work at Propel Studio included sensitively increasing density through the design of Accessory Dwelling Units and multi-family housing, to working with clients to develop compelling retail environments and commercial developments. I have led the design of retail and hospitality projects in Japan, collaborating with local officials and design teams.

Jan 2013 - Feb 2020
 

Opsis Architecture, Portland, OR, US, Project Designer + Marketing Coordinator

Member of the design teams for the Reed College Performing Arts Building, the University of Oregon Straub Hall historic renovation and addition, the Gonzaga Student Center, and the Hillsboro Community Center. Worked with the marketing team on proposals, presentation graphics, and interview prep, including winning the largest project in the firm’s history. Instigated a revamp of the company’s social media strategy and spearheaded the redesign of the firm’s website.

Jan 2011 - Jan 2013
 

Pysall Ruge Architekten, Berlin, DE, Project Designer

Collaborated on master planning and redesign of a series of train stations in Russia. Developed competition winning entry for adaptive reuse of a factory building in China into creative offices and retail. Team member for design competition entries. Coordinated the firm’s social media marketing campaign and assisted with client presentations.

Mar 2009 - Oct 2010
 

Mathewson Architecture Berlin, Berlin, DE, Project Designer

Headed competition entries, winning the Marrienenstrasse 47 Sports Hall commission. Executed conceptual design through design development for the renovation of residential, retail, and commercial buildings.

Jan 2008 - Mar 2009
 

BAU (Brearley Architects and Urbanists), Shanghai, CN, Project Designer

Collaborated on competition entries of commercial and retail developments, urban design, and master planning throughout China. Responsible for Schematic Design through Design Development for large-scale developments including: multi-family housing, high-rise office, retail interiors, shopping centers, sports stadiums, and athletic centers. Assisted with presentation graphics and layouts. Collaborated with a diverse multi-national team

Apr 2005 - Aug 2006
 

Education 

Glenn Murcutt International Masters Class, Sydney, AU, International Studio

Participated in a 2-week masters class taught by Pritzker Prize winner Glenn Murcutt, Richard Leplastrier, Peter Stutchbury, and Brit Andresen.

Jul 2018 - Aug 2018
 

University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, US, MArch, Architecture

- Certificate in architectural teaching
- Member of the student run design-build program
- Won a travel scholarship to attend the 2008 Glenn Murcutt Masters Class
- Transportation and Livability Student Group

Sep 2006 - Jun 2008
 

McGill University, Montreal, QC, CA, BArch, Architecture

- Study abroad in Greece
- Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity

Sep 1999 - Dec 2003
 

Awards 

40 Under 40 Award - 2018 - Portland Business Journal, Award

I was selected as one of the 40 Under 40 Award winners in 2018 by the Portland Business Journal. This award recognizes rising business leaders in the community. I was selected for my work as a founding partner of Propel Studio Architecture and our commitment to creating sustainable projects and dedication to working with community groups and non-profits along with our for-profit clients.

2018
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills