Archinect
Robert Merchel

Robert Merchel

San Diego, CA, US

 

About 

I arrive with over 8 years of experience in AutoCAD design and drafting. After graduating with my BA in Interior Design I went to work for Marrokal Design were I started their AutoCAD division, eventually training two new members on the office standards I created. At the end of 3yrs with Marrokal I was taking an active role in the design of residential remodels and additions.  I then moved to Interior Architecture where I gained experience in commercial projects. Specifically I worked for 2 years on a Kaiser Hospital coordinating with architects, project managers, and construction managers. Finally before I decided to return for my MA in Architecture I was working at A New Kitchen a small residential remodeling firm where I got the opportunity to take projects through the entire process. I was not only able to work directly with the client in the design of their remodel but also create the CD’s, acquire permits, manage the budget, purchase materials, schedule inspections, and coordinate subcontractors.

Recently I have been working full time at Artisan Builders while I obtain my Masters at New School of Architecture. After this summer’s break I have only to complete my thesis and will be graduating in the spring. While at New School I have gained extensive experience in Rhino, Revit, and presentation software including the Adobe Suite, as well as, a good base in architectural design knowledge.
 

Employment 

Artisan Builders, San Diego, CA, US, Project Designer

Produced construction documents for residential remodels, submit plans to cities of San Diego, and Solana Beach. Meet with inspectors on job sites; coordinate with engineer, title24, and other disciplines

Jan 2012 - current
 

A New Kitchen, San Diego, CA, US, Project Designer

Managed residential remodels from concept design, through CD’s, to construction administration including maintaining budget; established customer relations; designed and presented concepts to customers; coordinated sub-contractors and inspections

Jun 2008 - Sep 2009
 

Interior ARCH s.d., San Diego, CA, US, Lead designer

Created construction documents for commercial projects including TI & New Construction in Healthcare, Hospitality, & Fitness projects; Facilitated meetings with Kaiser upper management team to maintain Kaiser Image while selecting furniture and finishes in accordance with Codes and guidelines

Jan 2006 - Jun 2008
 

Marrokal Construction, San Diego, CA, US, Project Designer

Multi-million-dollar-company specializing in residential remodels from $250K to 1M Started Auto Cad division of company, creating new office standards and details based on existing hand drawn files; eventually training two people; produced 100+ construction document sets per yr. (ranging from $250,000 to $850,000) in coordination with structural engineer and permitting staff; resolved permitting issues at city; later moved to designing remodels and additions from concept to CD’s

Jul 2003 - Jan 2006
 

Education 

NewSchool of Architecture & Design, San Diego, CA, US, MArch, Architecture

Jan 2010 - current
 

Design Institute of San Diego, San Diego, CA, US, Bachelors of Interior Design

Sep 2001 - Jul 2004
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills