Archinect
Ryan Kiefer

Ryan Kiefer

Flagstaff, AZ, US

 
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About 

I am a reigstered architect currently practicing in Northern Arizona but considering re-locating. I specialize in residences customized to my clients needs and lifestyles. I particularly enjoy opportunities to incorporate sustainable design solutions without sacrificing aesthetics or phenomenological experiences. These interests blended with my varied education background at Arizona State University and Rice University. When I'm not designing houses one may find me enjoying time outside mountain biking in the summer, skiing in the winter, and hiking year round.

Employment 

studio K group, Flagstaff, AZ, US, Principal

In the wake of major changes brought about by COVID-19, I became a registered architect in Arizona and started my firm studio K group to provide design services for several residential projects throughout the state. During this time I have learned as much as I have in my past 5 years of work experience. Business start-up and operation, marketing and client relations, development of drawing standards and specifications, project management, and communication with outside consultants and jurisdictional authorities, to name a few of the vital skills I have gained.

Nov 2020 - current
 

Ziegler Cooper Architects, Houston, TX, US, Designer

At this firm I worked in a studio designing large high-rise apartment buildings and the luxury amenity spaces within. In this studio I worked in multiple design roles across architecture and interior design, involving both disciplines with an inter-woven residential-hospitality project type. My responsibilities ranged from developing design solutions to project management and coordination to project representation. I gained recognition for critical thinking and improving the design development process in common tenant amenity spaces. I developed many skills here, including finish selection, 3-D modeling and rendering, project documentation and organization, and client presentations and relations.

May 2018 - Jul 2020
 

National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, New York City, Intern

This was a short but incredibly formative internship at the 9/11 museum in New York. Experience gained in customer interaction and understanding. My work here improved communication skills and identifying client needs, culminating in the re-design of one section of the exhibit which was not meeting current expectations. I led the re-design and presentation to the board, where it was well-received.

Jan 2017 - Jan 2017
 

H & S International, Scottsdale, AZ, US, Intern

This was a firm specializing in luxury custom residence and high-end community developments. During my time here I developed design concepts and presentation materials through computer modeling, primarily sketchup and various rendering programs, and layout applications like Adobe Indesign. My design role also included material and fixture selection and in the case of custom fixtures, the design thereof. I also worked on construction drawings in Autocad and engaged in construction observation of several projects in the area. Near the end of my time I was partially in charge of construction administration for one project.

Jun 2015 - Jul 2016
 

Education 

Rice University, Houston, TX, US, MArch, Architecture

I decided to attend Rice as a contrast to ASU with smaller class sizes and a greater pedagogical inclusion of history and theory. I received my M.Arch through the rigorous 2.5 year program, culminating in a master's thesis postulating the need for arctic development within megastructural city-objects as a response to the damages of climate change.

Aug 2016 - Jan 2019
 

Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, US, Bachelors, Architecture

I received my Bachelor's of Science in Architectural Studies with a minor in Sustainability. I graduated top of my 80-person studio and summa cum laude with a 4.0. The university's curriculum was very pragmatic and laid a good foundation for professional work expectations. I completed my studies with an honors thesis exploring how biophilic micro-dwelling communities could revitalize over-urbanized areas.

Aug 2012 - May 2016
 

Awards 

Margaret Everson-Fossi Prize, Nomination

A cash award given for the best design project for the options studios during the academic year award to one student per year.

2018
 

Moeur Award, Award

The Moeur Award has been awarded since 1901 to those graduates with the highest academic standing graduating with a 4.0 GPA who have completed their course work toward their degree while attending ASU with 8 consecutive fall and spring semesters. Recipients are honored at each commencement ceremony.

2016
 

Arizona Residential Architects Design Competition, 3rd Place

A competition with recognition, publication, and cash prizes. This competition is intended to expand the knowledge base of future Arizona architects to include the exceptional realities and possibilities of residential architecture within our shared community. Sponsored and judged by local architects.

2016
 

Design Excellence Winner, Award

Spring 2016 Design Excellence Winner. Awarded to the best studio project nominated by the studio professor and judged by an external panel of jurors.

2016
 

Design Excellence Winner, Award

Fall 2015 Design Excellence Winner. Awarded to the best studio project nominated by the studio professor and judged by an external panel of jurors.

2015
 

Design Excellence Winner, Award

Fall 2014 Design Excellence Winner. Awarded to the best studio project nominated by the studio professor and judged by an external panel of jurors.

2014
 

Design Excellence Winner, Award

Spring 2014 Design Excellence Winner. Awarded to the best studio project nominated by the studio professor and judged by an external panel of jurors.

2014
 

Design Excellence Winner, Award

Fall 2013 Design Excellence Winner. Awarded to the best studio project nominated by the studio professor and judged by an external panel of jurors.

2013
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills