ben prager cv + portfolio
email: benjamen.prager@gmail.com phone: 732.407.7991
professional experience scalar Architecture, P.C.
new york, ny designer + manager 02.2015 - present led all daily office operations, including design, payroll, accounting, finance, marketing, and project management successfully completed multiple DOB filings and contributed to and managed over 15 projects ranging from 120 sf to 145,000 sf (10 concurrent) through various phases, from pre-schematic through construction administration led construction administration on 4 concurrent CA projects; reviewed applications for payment and change orders developed high end interior details, specified finishes and materials, and reviewed construction documents on-boarded and managed 8 interns to date, training each in CAD, Rhino, VRay, Illustrator, Photoshop and DOB filings to a level of 90% independence developed and reviewed bidding and contract documents; revised and distributed standard AIA contracts and custom letters of engagement wrote copy for, developed graphics for, and distributed marketing packages and press releases reviewed rfps and rfqs to identify new business opportunities; developed in house rpf\rfq response process
Ismael Leyva Architects, P.C. junior architect
10.2014 - 02.2015
new york, ny
assisted with preparation of DOB filing sets for residential renovations and commercial new construction in NYC successfully completed zoning and code analysis, specification, CD preparation, and client management tasks led and prepared reporting for 350+ unit rental to condo conversion
Urban Interactions Lab (UIxD), University of Oregon
barcelona, spain researcher + teaching assistant 06.2014 - 08.2014 assisted with development of Social Simulation tool for scripting and visualizing urban interaction characteristics led workshops in rhino+grasshopper concentrating on Excel, OSM, Galapagos, and Elk work flow for urban design critiqued 9 students on urban intervention proposals, data visualization, and data management methodology
Speranza Architecture
eugene, or architectural intern 12.2013 - 03.2014 created pro forma analysis for 60,000+ sq.ft. for urban entrepreneurial maker\incubator space evaluated 18 acre urban riverfront property for development + created financial visualization tool developed 3D site + building model, rendered interior and exterior perspectives, generated plans and sections delivered presentations to the Eugene City Manager, members of city planning , and private client
Koratkar Lab, Rensselaer Entrepreneurship Intern Program, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
commercialization intern 12.2012 - 04.2013 completed feasibility study to optimize distribution, manufacturing, and operations strategies for graphene identified commercialization opportunities for graphene startup
troy, ny
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
new york city, ny forensic data analysis senior associate 07.2007 - 04.2010 managed a team of 8 to generate vendor selection criteria for a fortune 500 client presented analysis findings to c-suite level executives to win 18 month project extensions reviewed team generated t-sql and pl/sql code extracted, transformed, and loaded data and developed 1099 + 1042-s reporting business requirement documents
North Brunswick Township High School latin teacher
north brunswick, nj
08.2005 - 05.2006 gave daily latin instruction on latin grammar and AP latin literature, including the works of ovid, catullus, and vergil
entrepreneurial experience Nova Terra Management, LLC
founder + managing member 02.2008 - present raised capital for property acquisition and brought over $1m of assets under management projected earnings estimates and completed bookkeeping and tax accounting performed preventative property maintenance
somerset, nj
teaching + service experience University of Oregon
conference director for Holistic Options for Planet Earth Sustainability (HOPES) 06.2013 - 06.2014 managed team of 25+ to organize 20th annual HOPES sustainability conference performed holistic gap analysis to identify opportunities for improving organizational structure developed and executed integrated strategic plan to increase cross-disciplinary student involvement
eugene, or
Digital Media Collaborative
eugene, or president + treasurer + project manager 09.2011 - 06.2014 founded student digital fabrication + computation group organized and led workshops in Rhino, Grasshopper + plug-ins, VRay, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Processing raised $1500 for student-run design build project; managed design\build teams of over 10 members
University of Oregon
eugene, or
graduate teaching fellow 09.2013 - 12.2013 taught AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Rhino, VRay, Grasshopper to 30+ students critiqued students’ design communication during formal pinups developed class lectures for course website
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
troy, ny
studio researcher 01.2013 - 06.2013
researched amazonian informal urbanism data for analysis using Rhino + Grasshopper, Processing, and QGIS developed neural network algorithm to support cellular automata simulation of informal urban growth in belem, brazil supported undergraduate student design process by developing and leading Grasshopper workshops
education Master of Architecture
university of oregon, or 06.2010 - 06.2014 three studio projects selected for archival; thesis received COMMEND citation studied abroad in rome, tokyo, london, cardiff, and vancouver
Master of Business Administration
rensselaer polytechnic institute, ny 09.2012 - 08.2013 concentration in technology and entrepreneurship pitched economic development proposal to members of congress in washington, d.c.
Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Classics, Minor in Mathematics
rutgers university, nj 09.2003 - 05.2007 1 of 18 chosen from Rutger’s student body into its oldest honors society, Cap & Skull president (2007), treasurer (2006), marketing director (2005) for College Avenue Players drama group edward j. bloustein distinguished scholar
awards irene and robert p. bozzone ‘55 management & technology fellow rome 2012 travel scholarship recipient; AAA travel fund recipient fall 2013 and spring 2014 rutgers college outstanding scholar pricewaterhouse coopers chairman’s award for market leadership best show 2007 for directing “one flew over the cuckoo’s nest”
publication 2013: material consumption + value transposition, published in community week 2013: conference proceedings 2016: business fabric and place branding: measuring entrepreneurship at the street scale, upcoming publication in City Branding Campaigns and Methods for Promoting Tourist Destinations
other skills model making
hand + laser + cnc + 3d print conceptual rapid sketch detailed presentation site
licensure
90% core hours complete 3 ARE exams passed
visualization
analog + digital hand drafting + rendering conceptual rendering photorealistic rendering info graphics time-based simulation
media
analog + digital illustrator photoshop indesign autocad rhino + vray grasshopper
pl/sql + tsql ms excel qgis russian
water colors pen, graphite, ink, chalk plaster
references and additional filing\construction drawing or rendering samples are available upon request.
recent professional work samples
LES Parklet DOT Street Seats Design Build location | stakeholders | roles | status budget status
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NYC NYC DOT, Cathy Ho lead designer project manager built pro-bono 120 s.f.
orange construction mesh shades and provides planting
the NYC Department of Transportation offers business owners with a storefront to apply for the requisitioning of a 26’ x 6’ parking space for conversion to public seating. in collaboration with Linda Pollak (Marpillero Pollak Architects) and Cathy Lang Ho (curator for the 2012 USA Pavillion at the Venice Architecture Biennale), scalar Architecture, PC was asked to take over the Street Seats design at the corner of Henry and Jefferson on the lower east side of Manhattan. inspired by the neverending construction on the lower east side and the availability of volunteer labor, we decided to test the limits of typical construction materials, simple, flexible, adaptable elements, to create a comfortable, accessible public space. simple stacked 12” x 12” lumber creates seating, walking plankings, benches, and tables. scaffolding creates enclosure and supports yellow-orange construction mesh that both provides shade and, when wrapped around the base, supports soil for plantings such as herbs and flowers. the parklet also created a tension for passersby as the perception of public space in manhattan is teeming with privatization. most community members initially perceive the public space as exclusive to the adjacent restaurant, revealing a latent need for transparency in landownership and public space rights in Manhattan.
construction materials inspire scaffolding layout
kee klamps make assembly expedient stacked lumber pivots and rotates to create variety
central park details vacation home location | stakeholders | roles | status budget size
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new york, ny private client project manager technical designer procurement manager substantial completion $2.7 million 3,000 sf
a high net worth individual purchased two apartments on the 36th floor of a residential tower overlooking central park south. the project called for complex negotiations with the condo board and reviewing architect to relocate all existing and proposed bathrooms to the east side of the building in order to give each bedroom and bathtub a view of central park. the project also called for fast track execution with only a 7 month construction schedule for a full turn key project. precast fabrication of the crown molding saved in-field construction time and produced a seamless fading from wall into the ceiling plane.
artist’s expansion two phase garage conversion location | stakeholders | roles |
sunset park, brooklyn light and furniture artists project designer project manager
status budget size
under construction $450,000 5,000 sf
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a couple purchased a mechanic’s garage in sunset park brooklyn with the hope of converting the 1.5 story building into their studio and office spaces. we proposed a two phase project: phase I: shore up existing structural deficiencies at the rear of the building, introduce a compliant stair with a skylight to lead studio visitors through the 100’ foot long space to the rear, and add a double garage door, the outer, a perforated steel door for security, and the inner, an insulated, translucent door for ambient light and thermal comfort. phase II: introduce a mezzanine and double height space in the middle third of the building to bring natural light all the way through to the back of the office spaces, create outdoor seating and garden space, and offer an accoustically and visually connected but physically separated work space for the furniture artist. a complete, redacted filing\bidding set is available in hard copy for review if requested.
phase I: file alt 2 to complete emergency repairs and add heat and light
phase II: add square footage, volume, and height to provide work and showroom space
as part of the 350+ unit conversion, six units of the top floor were converted to two penthouse suites, including one suite that required the installation and coordination of a stair to a rooftop terrace with a glass-enclosed bulkhead.
200 E 94th Street carnegie park condo conversion location | stakeholders | roles | status budget size
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upper east side, nyc the related group project manager interior designer built undisclosed 350+ units
with the related group as our client at ismael leyva architects, i was responsible for a two phase condo conversion project in which i generated plans for 350+ units for an attorney general report that would be used to convert all units from rentals to condos. i led regular meetings with the client’s design architect in order to develop a process that would simultaneously generate an efficient and accurate condo conversion and also update internal CAD standards. in addition to the condo conversion, i was responsible for schematic design, design development, and construction documents for the conversion of six units into two penthouse units. each unit also required the development and structural coordination of rooftop terraces with custom high-end barbecue ranges and focus lighting. though the work generated significant value for the developer, it left me with questions regarding what value i had generated for the greater public.
ambulatory health care center community health anchor location | stakeholders | roles | status budget size
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south bronx non-profit, developer project manager code analyst pre-consideration $40-$45 million 145,000 sf
a prominent south bronx non-profit health care provider revived a project initially speculated about over five years ago. the program called for pairing maximizing commercial space while also providing new office and ambulatory health care facilities for over 200 doctors. the project has proven to be complex from a contextual and coordination standpoint. our team was tasked with figuring out how to reduce the initial filing fee in order to defer filing costs to the back end of the project, navigate a complex incentivization with the MTA, juggle phasing and proposed modular construction over 4 tax lots yet to be merged, the project also called for providing offstreet parking for other buildings in the neighborhood owned by the same nonprofit along with a subterranean diagnostic imaging center that had to be isolated from potential vibrations from parking access all within a relatively tight $300 - $350/ sf construction budget all within a highly restrictive district boundary corner zoning lot. our solution to synthesize and address all concerns relies on partially sinking the building in order to bring additional commercial space into the allowable commercial FAR while staying under the 23’ height restriction for commercial space, thereby making the project financial feasible for the developer. a full, redacted filing set is available for presentation upon request.
prior work
acoustabooth acoustically responsive furniture location | stakeholders | roles | status
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eugene, oregon student body project manager digital designer fabricator built
every architecture school has a dearth of thoughtful acoustics. studios are wide open. no privacy. hallways are noisy. there’s nowhere for a student to take a phone call. when surveyed, students wanted to feel as if they would not be seen or heard while holding a conversation in order to have a sense of perceived privacy, regardless of whether the privacy was real. the digital media collaborative of the university of oregon decided to make a place to meet the student need. we called it the parametrically designed acoustically responsive phone booth (PDARPB). the curved ribs take on a human spinal form while the external skin both responds to the rib curvature and offers a medium against which LEDs flickering in response to a human voice notify passersby that a phone call is in progress. users wanted a place to sit that was both comfortable enough to sit in for a brief call and long enough to accommodate a quick nap. the school also required that the structure be free standing so as to not damage the existing walls and floor.
phone conversation begins
LEDs illuminate panels to inform passersby to mind the ongoing conversation
sound sensor measures dB
though, at the beginning of the project, we, as a student group, had little experience with digital media, we were not detered by our lack of formal media education. part of the impetus for this design build project rose from the need to show the architecture department that students needed a robust digital media curriculum to prepare them for the real world. as much as this project served as a learning experience for the group, it served a greater purpose as a show case of what students can achieve given access to tools.
project cost (hard + soft) materials (dollars)
router bits threaded rods, nuts, washers stain, eye bolts, cable ties cable clamps, cable 1/8” maple ply 3/4” maple ply Tygon tubing LED strip lighting
materials total labor (hours)
we instituted a workflow that moved quickly between digital and analog design. numbering and routing all components in order to minimize construction time with over 600 unique parts. L35
L23 d23
L83
d35
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72.52 17.01 12.19 53.48 103.60 522.30 25.20 207.76
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L82 d22 d70 d46
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L10 L58
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$1,014.06
schematic design (8 weeks) 132.5 design development (12 weeks) 383.5 construction documents (4 weeks) 32.5 manufacturing + assembly (6 weeks) 1092.0 general + administrative 80.0
labor total
1,720.5 note that the connection detail does not connect one panel at every meeting of 4 panels. this allows sufficient flexibility to allow the panels that form the skin to bend to structural spine curvature. (1) early sketch models define the skin connector schematic (2) various shape , size, and material tests for strength and aesthetic quality. (3) different slot and fastener type trials for identification of sufficient tolerances to allow the skin to flex dynamically. (4) finish color tests created clear branding identity for the acoustabooth. (5) the final connector, a matte black spray painted 1/8” plywood. (1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
1/16” steel wire rope 1/16” ply sprayed black
1/2” stainless steel washer 3mm black wire ties 1/8” stainless steel wingnut 1/8” stainless steel threaded rod
human factors were the primary concern in the design. rib sections were derived from the actual curvature of a spine in order to accommodate the human body. the corner of the booth was directed at an angle so that an individual looking to make a phone call in comfort, perhaps with a pillow and blanket, could do so in the fetal position, frequently claimed to be the most comfortable.
the willamette value alternative valuation + material research location | stakeholders | roles | status
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eugene, oregon green entrepreneurs designer researcher fabricator completed thesis
where a market does not exist, in particular, for the immaterial, the value that we as designers create is either hard to quantify, as in the case of contingency value approaches to determining the monetized cost or willingness-to-pay for the maintenance of an endangered species, or impossible, as in the case of the consumption of an intriguing idea or a pleasant experience. however, we can not deny that value exists in both. the proposal for this environmental art museum demonstrates how design makes visible the value of the immaterial, transforming normative notions of value into alternative valuations. in addition to the research, i developed a thatch installation for the finley wildlife refuge. the piece started with a 400 foot trail laid out in paired reed couples that made horizontal the height of the missoula floods 13,000 years ago. the installation culminated in an arched form that spoke to the structural possibilities and durability of thatching material while simultaneously mimicking the growth pattern of reed rhizomes and the capillary action with which reeds moves water throughout its rhizomatic system. to supplement my understanding of the material and construction technique, i was awarded a scholarship to travel to pembrokshire, wales for a short apprenticeship with alan jones, master thatcher. i spent one week assisting with the construction of a forty-foot tall thatched roof structure to develop muscle memory and construction details that would allow me to accurately develop my building proposal.
the thatched arch was erected overnight in order to allow frost to accumulate on the reed. the tip of the arch was frozen with additional water to accentuate the curve by adding ice weight to the end. an ice block footing stabilized the arch. 1 sf
exposed reed roof coverage that one bundle of reed will provide
harvest
rebundle
necessary for making one dirty bundle of reed
45000 sf
dry
rake
6 sf
of reed bed necessary to thatch the median single family home
perfect long bundle with taper bundle unsuitable due to uneveness bundle unsuitable due to kinks bundle unsuitable due to length
2169 sf median size of new single family house
the value of planted reed increases with age as a function of its ability to remove nitrates from ground water along agricultural land. by removing nitrates from agricultural runoff, reed indirectly prevents algal blooms within the willamette river which promotes the reintroduction of salmon. reed also adds to wetland biodiversity in the willamette valley, in particular, serving as a nesting habitat for the northern harrier.
sound
light
water
on site parking is availble for only the director of the museum and for a delivery truck
summer guests arrive via public transport due to lack of on-site parking and a convenient bus stop
artists in residence arrive in the winter via the willamette river, trecking up the reintroduced slough to the boat dock at the museum
site access maximum grade is 1:20 offering a seamless undulation throughout
bathrooms in the wild decrease decisional distance of waste management
reed harvests provide roofing for nearby housing on 2 year alternating cycles
ecological stock ticker displays site valuation data
at the bus stop, museum goers are asked to change their boots for sloshing through the wetland
an amphitheater allows for large scale installations, outdoor performances, and an ecological valuation data matinee
a rails-to-trails system encourages museum goers to access the site via additional alternative means of access in summer months
1”
25’ 100’
the site design responds to the challenge of decreasing decisional distance by proposing increased proximity to ecological functions. it re-introduces a slough and reed bed to restore ecological function and give access to the site and the building for artists in residence by boat in the winter while also acknowledging the subsiding of flooding in summer months and foregoing public parking by introducing an additional bus stop to bring museum goers on site. lcd displays of ecological financial data emerge from the reed bed displaying trading data to the financial management artist while a roof display connects the same data to a variety of species of commuters flying overhead.
intangible haptic value before we had a microscope, we did not understand the value of a healthy cell. once the microscope was developed, we were able to grasp the importance of rna, dna, osmosis, anything the human eye could not previously perceive.
we need to see it to believe it. or touch it, hear it, smell it, or taste it, in that specific order. it’s troubling for designers because what we make by putting together walls, beams, columns, systems, lighting, and so on, is an experience that doesn’t exist through the lens of any one sense, but rather transcends all senses through to the realm of perception. how then can we make an argument for an improvement, not just of architecture, but of a general sensibility as a species to be stewards of things not immediately perceptible?how can we create an architecture that generates a shift in embedded awarenes that makes known the value of experience? we make the thing that creates the experience. we make a building more pourous to allow for an ecology to permeate and shake hands with an artist in residence. we invite nonhuman interaction rather than hide it. we make a table to serve the sheep and the people.
roof punctures provide light to unconditioned galleries solar panels protect the exposed, vulnerable thatch thatch has a stated R-value of 11 per foot of thickness four layers of 60mm x 90mm ribs layer in a gridshell
1,060
cubic feet of concrete for 265 footings to support and lift the structure
the outdoor work area steps down towards the reed bed to the west of the willamette value environmental art museum in order to allow artists in residence to engage intimately with a boundary, that by code, does not require a railing. the absence of a railing makes a small contribution to eliminating boundary between human and non-human
wall curvature adopts to gridshell intersection points main footings change height to adopt to undulations in thatch roof wood flooring undulates to continue site path through museum