Archinect
Jayshree Shah

Jayshree Shah

Chicago, IL, US

 

About 

With over 10 years of experience designing and practicing architecture in Chicago, Illinois, I bring with me an extensive national network of design professionals, contractors, and owners.

At American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), I provide extensive technical knowledge and valuable experience in design and construction of structural steel buildings as the only architect in the organization. My role includes a strong focus on the multi-story residential market with research on systems for use in apartments, condominiums, hotels, and student and senior housing projects throughout the country.  With formal presentation training, I have also performed at over 20 speaking engagements and continuing education presentations at design firms, AIA chapters, and conferences since 2015.

Prior to AISC, I spent over 6 years as a designer, senior architect E-Level, at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) followed by nearly 4 years as an Associate at bKL Architecture in Chicago, Illinois. My portfolio of work includes development of K-12 education facilities; a spectrum of mixed use high-rise projects that incorporate hotel, residential, office, and retail functions; and healthcare projects. Project locations have been both across the United States and in a variety of international locations including the UK, Russia, China, India, and the UAE. Notable projects have included GEMS World Academy in Chicago; Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago; 201 Bishopsgate and The Broadgate Tower office and retail complex in London; Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, a 1.2 million s.f. sustainable healthcare campus in Colorado; and work with the City of Dallas Long Range Planning Department.

Instrumental in planning, design and coordination efforts, I have taken projects from master planning and concept design through construction. With a strong background in BIM, digital design, and communications, I provided additional expertise in market development and continuing education within the building industry.

I earned a Bachelor of Architecture from The University of Texas at Austin in 2006. My qualifications as a licensed Architect in the State of Illinois and a LEED Accredited Professional BD+C are current. I currently serve on the AIA Chicago Foundation Board as a trustee and am active in several AIA Chapters throughout the U.S.

Sincerely,

 

Jayshree Shah

AIA | NCARB | LEED AP BD+C

Employment 

American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, Technical Marketing Representative, AIA NCARB LEEP AP BD+C

Develop national marketing campaign to architects via local and national AIA chapters, design firms, and architect-member organizations

Create effective tools and visual graphics to educate architects, structural engineers, and train regional AISC representatives on innovative and creative structural solutions

Demonstrate viability of structural steel with conceptual studies, written publications, educational presentations, and site tours

Perform research studies and cost assessments for innovative hybrid structural systems for multi-story residential project types

Provide cost effective and economical solutions to the building industry for constructing with structural steel framing

Design advertisements, visual diagrams, and graphics for marketing material

Analyze market trends and forecast target markets for multi-story residential construction

Execute program, space plan, and serve as owner’s representative for AISC in design and construction of office relocation and renovation

Mar 2015 - current
 

bKL Architecture LLC, Chicago, IL, US, Associate, Project Architect

Performed as Project Architect and Team Leader for the GEMS World Academy Lower School in Chicago, IL, completed in Fall 2014.

Led the development of design and technical coordination of a new school campus service 2100 K-12 students in two high-rise buildings location in downtown Chicago. The 310,000 s.f. facility includes a 500 seat auditorium, blackbox theater, planetarium, television and recording studios, technology labs, 6 lane pool competition gym, fitness center, two libraries, two dining centers, rooftop play spaces, and student and parent lounges.

Coordinated drawing sets from planning through construction, conducted program analysis, prepared design presentations, developed specifications, reviewed zoning and code requirements, and produced permit sets.

Provided design concepts and technical details interior spaces and exterior wall systems for mixed-use buildings and educational facilities.

Delivered technical guidance and integration of BIM and digital programs at a supervisory level.

Performed as liaison between client and general contractor through construction administration.

Developed a research manual of precast concrete modular systems in local and international settings for temporary and permanent mass housing for the World Cup hosted in Qatar.

Supported preservation and re-utilization of the Lathrop Homes housing project in Chicago, IL

Dec 2011 - Mar 2015
 

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Chicago, IL, US, Senior Architect, Level E, unlicensed

Managed projects over 20 people as a team leader with design and technical skills

Collaborated with large multi-disciplinary teams to develop major complexes of commercial, hotel, residential, and healthcare buildings in both local and international settings, several of which have met the LEED or equivalent standards for green building design

Performed on-site observation, prepared and documented technical RFIs, and participated in OAC meetings for Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, IL during construction administration

Guided large team as Digital Design Coordinator for REVIT / CAD implementation

Coordinated and led the Summer Intern Program, exposing young architects and engineers to local Chicago architecture, the SOM partnership, and firm culture

Organized firm-wide training to hone architectural skills, technical detailing, and enhancement instruction for all design staff

Led office-wide efforts to annually renovate local low-income houses in conjunction with the national non-profit organization Rebuilding Together, inclusive of managing the budget, securing donations, recruiting volunteers, and coordinating and actively participating in construction activities

Supported pro-bono concept design of a school for disadvantaged children in South India on behalf of LIFT-India

Jul 2006 - Dec 2011
 

James, Harwick + Partners, Dallas, TX, US, Summer Intern

Assisted architects with site planning and schematic design packages for multi- and single-tenant housing in a small team environment

Graphically designed a submission to an AIA award competition

Jun 2004 - Aug 2004
 

City of Dallas Long Range Planning Department, Dallas, TX, US, Summer Intern

Aided in plan development, research and analysis for historical / conservation districts and public transit system (DART - Dallas Area Rapid Transit)

Participated in public city council meetings with city planners and Dallas residents concerning city policies

Jun 2003 - Aug 2003
 

Opus West Construction Corporation, Dallas, TX, US, Summer Intern

Coordinated 3 commercial design-build projects, including two of new construction and one renovation

Produced bidding, contract, and various construction documents

Jun 2002 - Aug 2002
 

Education 

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, US, BArch, School of Architecture

University Honors Student
Received Bachelor of Architecture

Aug 2000 - May 2006
 

Awards 

Chicago Women in Architecture - Women Building Change - Featured Exhibit, Other

Fellow colleagues at bKL featured in the exhibit by CWA for the GEMS World Academy project.

2014
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills