Archinect
Zachary Finstrom

Zachary Finstrom

Minneapolis, MN, US

 

About 

I believe in using Architecture to create a place. The idea of an autonomous object sitting on a site with no relation to its environment is a foul one. Architecture must respond to its environment and in turn add something beneficial to it.

I recently earned my Master of Architecture degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. I also studied at the University of Minnesota's College of Design where I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture.

 

 

Employment 

William Vitacco Associates, Ltd., New York, NY, Violations Coordinator

With a unique knowledge of NYC building codes and laws, I work with building owners, developers, architects and contractors to resolve building violations, stop work orders, and vacate orders issued from all city agencies. Meeting deadlines for sign-offs, TCOs and COs, and property sales constantly puts pressure on me to work efficiently and quickly. My job also entails extensive code resarch and obtaining miscellaneous permits.

Nov 2011 - current
 

MRTA Design Construction Inc., Project Management/Design Intern

I led a team of four interns through a design project for a hypothetical multi-use high-rise in downtown Manhattan. Tasks included daily design charettes through digital modeling and sketches; site and zoning research, precedent and conceptual research, rendering techniques; compiling process work into an office portfolio; Leading scheduled discusssions, including a group design critique at the end of each day.

Other skills/knowledge required: problem solving, team leadership, the ability to interpret others’ design ideas into physical or digital format, completion of tasks on a deadline, sketching, digital modeling, extensive use of Rhino and VRay for Rhino for modeling and rendering, leading communication among peers, graphical layout, verbal presentation, coordinating schedules

Jun 2010 - Aug 2010
 

Menard Inc., Sales Representative

I worked directly with clients and contractors to develop both budget-driven and aesthetic strategies for the execution of numerous designs with commercially-available materials.

Other skills required: customer service, team building and communication, knowledge of current building practices and building material specs

Oct 2003 - Jul 2008
 

Education 

Pratt Institute, MArch, Architecture

History and theory electives focusing on the issues of architecture as placemaker vs. architecture as an autonomous art form. Computer technology courses focusing on digital modelling, rendering and scripting. Studios focusing on integration of theoretical and technical knowledge in the creation of original works of architecture.

Sep 2008 - May 2011
 

University of Minnesota, Bachelors, Architecture, Bachelor of Science

Degree requirements completed in architectural history and theory, drawing, mathematics, physics, social sciences, arts and humanities, literature, engineering, environmental design and studio design.

Sep 2004 - May 2008
 

Awards 

Pratt Architecture Publication "InProcess", Other

Selected for fall 2008, fall 2009, spring 2010, and fall 2010 student archive work for publication in Pratt’s InProcess 15, 16 and 17.

2010
 

Pratt Institute Graduate Academic Scholarship, Scholarship

$7,000 for one year

2008
 

University of Minnesota Iron Range Scholarship, Scholarship

$3,000 each year for two years

- Minnesota Resident
- Top 10% of graduating class
- Academic performance, outstanding leadership, creativity, and community involvement

2004
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills