Archinect
Tom Gillam

Tom Gillam

Peoria, IL, US

 

About 

After completing my Master's degree in the fall of 2013, I began work for an architecture firm in Central Illinois. As an Intern Architect, I primarily worked with the architects to draft and develop construction documents for K-12 projects using AutoCAD Architecture. I got an in depth look at the technical side of architecture while solidifying my grasp on professionalism through the leadership of the architects on staff. In the spring of 2016, I relocated to Asheville, NC to work for an architect with a highly diverse portfolio. After a series of bizarre and unfortunate events, I ended up starting a drafting and rendering company. It didn't take long before I met local architects who contracted me to help with their projects. In 2018, I accepted a position at Aria Group Architects in Oak Park, IL, a hospitality focused firm of about 120. I drafted, coordinated and researched code for many projects during my time there. I am now waist-deep in the process of relocating to Chicagoland again-searching for another architectural opportunity-where I can focus on licensure and expanding my architectural knowledge/experiences! 

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Self Employed Freelance Designer, Oak Park, IL, US, Owner, designer

I started Elevate Design Studio LLC to create a brand for my freelance services. I originally anticipated single family residential clients but after a short time I came to work for architects in Asheville, NC as a contract draftsman/intern architect. Shortly thereafter, I ended up dissolving Elevate Design Studio LLC and relocating to Chicago-land to pursue another opportunity!

Oct 2016 - current
 

Freelance Design and Render, Asheville, NC, US, Designer

Design and draft projects started while working for studio mccormick. I also worked with a client to develop conceptual art for his restaurant.

Jul 2016 - current
 

Aria Group Architects, Inc., Oak Park, IL, US, Technician II

Per Aria's website, which is a fairly accurate description:
"-Works with the team to generate construction documents using AutoCAD; generates construction details to properly convey the design intent
-Demonstrates a basic understanding of building construction, MEP, civil, and structural engineering; works with consultants to incorporate requirements into architectural drawings
-Prepares notes and reviews shop submittals and RFIs
-Plots and submits documents for permitting and bidding purposes"

Mar 2018 - Jun 2019
 

Phillips and Associates Architects, LLC, Canton, IL, US, Intern

I was a summer intern in my hometown of Canton, Il at a small local firm, Phillips and Assoc. I worked mainly on construction documents and revisions but also worked on site planning, programmatic layout, material selection, specs and went on site visits.

May 2011 - Jun 2019
 

CODEvelop Architecture and Planning PLLC, Asheville, NC, Intern Architect

Codevelop hired me to help with a few level 1 projects (zoning), eventually providing steady employment for me as the project volume increased. I have drawn measured drawings from field notes that I or Marni (owner, CODEvelop) have documented. I have also helped with Life Safety and ADA focused work, but the majority of the work was on small hospitality projects or tenant upfits.

Oct 2016 - Mar 2018
 

Red House Architects, Asheville, NC, Contract Draftsman

I helped Red House on a variety of jobs, from multifamily projects to a hard cidery. I had chances to take field measurements for a variety of buildings, from a hotel lounge to a 70,000 tenant upfit. I terminated my employment with Red House when I became ill in the summer of 2017.

Jan 2017 - Jul 2017
 

studio mccormick, Asheville, NC, US, Intern Architect

I worked with architect Les McCormick on a variety of projects, primarily high end single-family residential. This job ended abruptly when Les passed away.

Apr 2016 - Jun 2016
 

Phillips and Associates Architects, LLC, Canton, IL, US, Intern

I was mainly involved with drafting CDs for K-12 projects.

Jan 2014 - Aug 2014
 

Southern Illinois University Athletic Department, Carbondale, IL, US, Tutor

I tutored a fourth year student in ARC 481, Environmental Systems. This course introduces the concepts and applications of various mechanical systems from HVAC systems to sustainable systems such as geothermal or photovoltaics.

Aug 2011 - Aug 2012
 

Education 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, US, MArch, Architecture

The SIU program compresses the standard 2 year program into a 4-semester, 15 month period of intense study, beginning and ending with summer semesters...summer>fall>spring>summer

Jun 2012 - Aug 2013
 

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, US, BArch, Architecture

I completed the B Arch degree with a minor in history.

Aug 2008 - May 2012
 

Awards 

Excellence Through Committment Scholarship, Scholarship

This scholarship was a partial tuition waiver for graduate courses in fall 12', spring and summer 13'

2013
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills