Archinect
Vanessa Lau

Vanessa Lau

Newark, CA, US

 
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About 

As a dedicated and passionate architectural designer, I bring a wealth of experience and a strong educational foundation to the table. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and have honed my skills as a Project Designer at Innovative Design Architecture. My career has been marked by leading and managing a diverse array of projects, including tenant improvements, ADA enhancements, condo subdivisions, rezoning, and new commercial builds.

I thrive in fast-paced environments where I can effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. My ability to independently guide projects from conception to completion, overseeing every detail, has been a cornerstone of my professional success. I specialize in creating detailed designs and construction documentation using AutoCAD, ensuring that all plans, elevations, sections, and details meet the highest standards of accuracy and compliance.

Communication and collaboration are key strengths of mine. I have successfully maintained open lines of communication with clients, vendors, city officials, engineers, and other project participants, fostering strong professional relationships and ensuring smooth project execution. Over the past three years, I have guided over 40 projects through the plan review phases, successfully obtaining permits for all.


Employment 

Innovative Design Architecture, Sunnyvale, CA, US, Project Designer

- Led design and management of 10-12 diverse commercial and residential projects simultaneously, overseeing all aspects from design to completion, including renovations, new constructions, and rezoning efforts. Project samples include medical offices, restaurants, daycare, residential additions, condolizaion, rezoning, etc.
- Utilized advanced AutoCAD skills to develop comprehensive construction documentation for 10+ projects, including plans, sections, and details, resulting in a 30% increase in project efficiency.
- Conducted thorough review of local building codes and zoning regulations to ensure compliance with all necessary standards, resulting in a 98% approval rate on project submissions.
- Performed thorough Title24 Calculations for construction projects, resulting in a 100% compliance rate with energy efficiency standards, saving clients an average of 20% on energy costs.
- Adhered to the proper application process for necessary permits (i.e., building, planning, public works, etc.), and successfully acquired permit approvals for over 20 projects within a 12-month period.
- Maintained open communication between clients, vendors, city officials, engineers, and other project participants to upkeep trusting and professional relationships with all parties.
- Undertook administrative responsibilities, including managing the job listing, screening 50 + potential candidates, guiding 5+ new hires through the onboarding process, etc.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and flexibility by implementing an online cloud infrastructure, enabling remote work capabilities for company employees and boosting work efficiency by 25%

Oct 2021 - current
 

Education 

University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, US, BArch, Architecture

Sep 2019 - Jul 2021
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills