Allison Yen
yenallis@usc.edu | (408-828-5508) | https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-yen
EDUCATION
University of Southern California, School of Architecture, Iovine and Young Academy
Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), Minor in Designing For Digital Experiences Expected Graduation May 2025
The University of Hong Kong, University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City Asia Study Abroad Asia Architecture, Landscape, and Urban Planning (AALU) Study Abroad Program Fall 2023
University of California, Berkeley College of Environmental Design Berkeley, CA embARC Summer Design Academy Summer 2019
Relevant Coursework: Revit, Architectural Technology, Design of Building Structures, Design for the Thermal and Atmospheric Environment, Design for the Luminous and Sonic Environment, Industry and Impact Projects
WORK EXPERIENCE
OfficeUntitled (OU)
Culver City, CA
Architectural Intern May 2024 - August 2024
• Assisted a team of 4 with SD, DD, CD phases of cafe project
• Created detail drawings, Revit models, sketchup models, diagrams, physical models, and construction documents
• Joined weekly client and consultant meetings to present updates and receive feedback
Stanton Architecture
San Francisco, CA
Architectural Intern May 2023 - August 2023
• Honed skills in Revit for 3D modeling, punchlists, and plan check revisions for hotels, restaurants, residences
• Created detail drawings, coordinated material with external vendors, and analyzed cost analysis margins
• Rendered interior and exterior spaces to present to clients at meetings
Rafael Martinez Design Los Angeles, CA
Architectural Intern May 2022 - August 2022
• Assisted design architect by designing and preparing renovations, additional dwelling units, and new construction
• Conducted site visits, retrieved measurements, and created as-built drawings to make revisions
• Reported to the Los Angeles DBI with drawing sets to execute the development of six sites
LEADERSHIP AND INVOLVEMENTS
Student Association for Women in Architecture (SAWA)
Los Angeles, CA Member September 2020 – Present
• Participated in weekly meetings discussing events in the field that revolve around women in architecture/design
• Attended panels that introduce me to female leaders in the design and architecture field
• Honed technical skills through software workshops and tutorials
USC Concerts
Los Angeles, CA
Experience Team- Installation Design August 2021 – 2023
• Created installations for the three main concerts that USC Concerts hosts annually
• Generated ideas and discuss budgeting regarding materiality usage and time
• Researched local resources for material potentially used in installations
MASH Magazine Los Angeles, CA
Design Chair August 2021 – December 2022
• Produced website and social media graphics including magazine edition covers, banners, Instagram posts
• Led weekly meetings to discuss ideas for editions revolving around the intersection of business and fashion
• Participated in panels with business and fashion working representatives
SKILLS AND INTERESTS
Languages: Mandarin (native), English (native)
Skills: Revit, Rhinoceros 3D, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, Enscape, Bluebeam, Lumion, Miro, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop, Grasshopper, Ladybug, ArcGIS, Midjourney, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Premiere Pro, 3D Printing, Microsoft Excel, Model Making, AfterEffects, Word, Outlook, Woodwork
Awards: "Los Angeles: A Model City" Exhibition Issued by A+D Architecture and Design Museum · May 2024
Interests: Orchestra, Clarinet, Exhibition Design, Concert Design, Fashion, Marketing, Basketball, Swimming
PERSONAL STATEMENT
My name is Allison Yen, and I am graduating with a Bachelor in Architecture from the University of Southern California in May 2025.
I practice architecture to connect my passions in shaping people’s lives. As a Bay Area native, I’m dedicated to learning design with the aim of enhancing the communities I’m involved in, both locally and globally. My interests lie in crafting architectural experiences and moments that resonate with people, leaving a lasting impact on their emotions and perspectives as they enter these spaces. My aspiration is to design architecture that challenges and advances our relationship with physical spaces.
CONTENTS
VERTICAL VILLAGE 4TH YEAR STUDIO
BETWEEN SCENES: LA INSTITUTE FOR FILM ARTS 5TH YEAR STUDIO
ROOFTOP COMMUNITY CENTER 3RD YEAR STUDIO
MULTI-GENERATIONAL HOUSING CO-OP 3RD YEAR STUDIO
MICRODWELLINGS: KTT REVITILIZATION 4TH YEAR STUDIO EXTRA
VERTICAL VILLAGE
4TH YEAR, SPRING 2024
Partner: Anne Cheng
Role: Diagrams, Rendering, Physical Model
INSTRUCTOR: LAWRENCE SCARPA
This studio looked at small pieces of unused land in Venice, California. Our poject proposal, titled Vertical Village transforms the concept of children’s play by offering a unique space connected to the Venice Library. It aims to provide a stimulating learning environment for preschoolers, offering various programs through meandering spaces to spark curiosity and encourage their growth and development. By merging indoor and outdoor areas, Vertical Village enables children to cultivate skills in diverse settings while remaining safe within a single structure.
This topic studio utilized AI software for initial research to generate forms that ultimately translated our concept into our final.
Final model was selected to display in A+D Architecture and Design Museum.
Build new structures to create new spaces and increase usage possibilities. ANNEX
Connect Venice Blvd. to adjacent spaces and foster interactions and activites between the library and the proposed site.
Proposed Playground and Watchtower annexed open space improved connectivity with the street
MIDJOURNEY AI GENERATIONS
GROUND FLOOR
Exterior --> Lobby Lobby--> Main Stairwell
SECOND FLOOR Main Stairwell--> Screening Rooms
Screening Room--> Outdoor Patio Digital Gallery--> Outdoor Patio
THIRD FLOOR Main Stairwell--> Administration Outdoor Patio--> Art Gallery
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
METAL PARAPET CAP SLOPE TO ROOF DRAIN RIGID INSULATION
5-PLY CLT DECKING
18” X 18” CLT BEAM
ALUMINUM MULLION
TRIPLE GLAZED ARGON FILLED WINDOW
RIGID INSULATION
GYPSUM BOARD
WOOD BLOCKING CONCRETE SLAB
ALUMNIUM RAISED FLOOR PEDESTALS
GLASS RAILING
RIBBED WOOD FLOOR PANEL PAVERS
2% SLOPE TO BRIDGE DRAINAGE
3’ X 3’ CONCRETE PAVERS
CONCRETE RETAINING WALL
GALLERY
EDUCATION
ADMINISTRATION
ARCHIVE
VERTICAL CIRCULATION
DOCKING
GROUND FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
THIRD FLOOR
SKYLINE SOUNDFEST:
ROOFTOP COMMUNITY CENTER
3RD YEAR, SPRING 2023
INSTRUCTOR:
SCOTT URIU
Located on the roof of 801 Broadway, an old commercial building located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, this community center aims to revitalize the historic Broadway Street through music performance and education.Utilizing both informal and formal spaces with designated open gathering, this design seeks to create platforms for all musical artists through programs such as a library, community spaces, music education classrooms, administration, and green spaces.
This design studio was an excercise in understanding construction and structure.
ADMINISTRATION
FIRST FLOOR INDOOR
SECOND FLOOR
LOBBY
STRUCTURAL SECTION
1 CLADDING FASTENER
2 8’ ALUMNIUM CLADDING PANELS
3 1X2 STEEL I-BEAM
4 BEAM FASTENER
5 7” COMPOSITE METAL DECKING
6 CONCRETE ROOF SLAB
7 WATERPROOF MEMBRANE
8 COLD FORMED STEEL
9 2X6 MULLION
10 4” RIGID INSULATION
11 1/2” GLASS
12 1/2” GYPSUM BOARD
13 W18 WIRE
14 FLOORING
15 CEILING HOOK
16 FLOOR STEEL JOIST
SOLAR AND WIND DIAGRAM
A MULTI-GENERATIONAL HOUSING CO-OP
3RD YEAR, FALL 2022
INSTRUCTOR: SASCHA DELZ
Located directly across from the USC campus, I designed a cooperative housing complex that provides residents and the surrounding community of all ages with metal and physical health resources and facilites. The arrangement of unit types and circulation paths vary on each floor to encourage interactions amongst different people. Additionally, exterior courtyards between unit types on each floor foster a sense of community. Exterior circulation pathways facilitate cross-ventilation and allow natural light to enter throughout the building.
GROUND FLOOR
GROUND FLOOR
STRUCTURE
EXISTING CONDITIONS PROPOSAL
MICRO-DWELLINGS: KTT REVITILIZATION
4TH YEAR, ASIA STUDY ABROAD
Team: Qian Long, Mariya Idris, Huynh Truc Lam, Le Doan Doan, Min Le Quoc, Thai Phom Dong Huyn Role: Axonometric, Graphics, Diagrams
INSTRUCTOR: GARY PAIGE
The KTT (Khu Tap The) district is a housing district in Vietnam based on the Soviet microdistrict. Today, the public spaces in between the KTT housing blocks have been filled up with slum-like developments due to overcrowding and lack of buildings regulations.
After analyzing a 3-level KTT in District 1 of Saigon, we identified 31 units on each of the levels with mixed residential and commerical use. This proposal reinvents micro-dwellings as the future for residential units in this KTT. By adding cross ventilation through staggered units, natural light through expanded light wells, and egress, this proposal allows users to have space to step outside, socialize, and grow their businesses.
Our proposal adds more housing units for the residents of Saigon, all while building a community within the space and allowing users to circulate in a safe manner.
EXTRA WORKS
These extra projects include furniture design, an exhibition design pitch, personal 3d modeling projects, and extraneous concept models and drawings.
These works ultimately translate to my architectural projects.
5TH YEAR, FALL 2024
INSTRUCTOR:
SCOTT MITCHELL
Designed primarily as a versatile side table, this piece offers multifunctionality by doubling as a step stool or stool. Constructed with precision using CNC machining, it provides both aesthetic appeal and reliable support, whether used to display decor, reach high shelves, or serve as additional seating. ASSEMBLY
“DOLLHOUSE” EXHIBITION DESIGN SPRING 2023
This project is in partnership with WNDR Museum and USC Iovine and Young. Specifically, this installation plays with scale--comprising of two rooms.
Each group is comprised of parties of 8 with a time limit of 2.5 minutes per room. In the first room, users play and interact with a dollhouse placed in the center of the space.
The sounds and videos are captured from the inside of the doll house within the first room. Users are then invited into the second room where they see videos played back to them on large screens.The users are now experiencing a room as if they were the dolls in the dollhouse.
YEN