DAI (BILL) LE PORTFOLIO | 2018 - 2023

DAI (BILL) LE

Bachelor of Architecture - Iowa State University |arch.daitanle@gmail.com | +1 641.436.1708

WORK

Gensler | Atlanta, Georgia | Jul 2022 - Jul 2023

Junior Technical Designer

• Produce high level renderings, diagrams, and graphics for different commercial mixed-use projects and competitions

• Actively participate in the design process of competition, and work on schematic design for winning proposals

• Model existing condition, and design interior fit out for various retail projects & franchisee

• Create, submit permit drawings, review shop drawings from the engineers, and update construction drawings

• Produce presentation package for client meeting, and actively communicate project progress to clients

• Share computational design interest and practice to the design technology team at regional level

Folio Architects | Seoul, South Korea | Jun 2021 - Jul 2023

Junior Project Designer (Part Time)

• Participate in the design process, propose, and develop different design options for retail and residential projects

• Create massing designs for residential and museum projects

• Create high level renderings, walk through videos, and animated diagram for client presentation in various projects

• Participate, design, create production for library design competition in Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

Iowa State University College of Design Computation & Construction Lab | Ames, Iowa| Jun 2020 - May 2022

Undergraduate Research Assistant

• Maintain the lab equipments such as 3D printers, CNC machine, plasma cutting machine, 3D ceramic Potter-bot

• Update and troubleshoot problems with the lab equipments, assist students with lab equipments

• Develop grasshopper definitions for different ways of printing ceramic for Potter-bot

• Create workflows for new ceramic printer, and assist with any lab works

Iowa State University College of Design| Ames, Iowa | Aug 2020 - May 2022

Teaching Assistant for Digital Communication Course (Basic + Advance)

• Assist the teaching of basic softwares such as Auto Cad, Rhino 3D, Adobe Creative Suite, and Grasshopper

• Teach different workflows for high level of graphical representation, and provide feedbacks to students’ works

Reinaldo Correa LLC | Ames, Iowa | Feb 2018 - Sept 2021

Artist Assistant + Designer

• Participate in design proposals for art installation competition, work on schematic design and design development

• Create construction document, fabrication and shop drawings

• Assist with on-site installation, and document the installation process

SOFTWARES

• Revit

• Rhino 3D

• 3D Studio Max

• Grasshopper

• Vray

• Enscape

• Auto Cad

• Adobe Creative Suite

• Bluebeam

• Microsoft Office

AWARD ACHIEVEMENT

Young Architects Competition - Moon Station - Finalist 2023

Gaepo Library Competition - Fifth Place 2023

Delá Sol Shade Design Competition - First Place 2022 - 2023

2022

2022

2021

2020

2020

2020

2020

H. Kennard Bussard Award - Honorable Mention

Substance Architects Design Award - Honorable Mention

Young Architects Competition - Arctic Hotel - Finalist

BWBR Architects Design Award - First Place

Calling All Artists Exhibition - Honorable Mention

Johnston City Hall Sculpture Competition - First Place

NOMA Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition - Top 7 National

SKILLS

LANGUAGE

2020 Rethinking Pavilion Competition - Honorable Mention

Concrete Masonry Unit Block Design - Third Place National

2018

2017 - 2022

Iowa State University Dean List

2017 Dollars For Scholar Scholarship

Member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars

2016

• Architectural building information modeling (BIM), rendering, visualization, 3D modeling, shop drawings reviewing, project presentation, design competition, construction document updates

• Physical modeling, 3D printing, CNC cutting, ceramic printing

• English

• Vietnamese (fluent)

• Mandarin (beginner)

EDUCATION Bachelor of Architecture | Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa | 2017 - 2022

REFERENCES

Shelby Doyle

AIA Stan G. Thurston Professor in Design Build and Associate Professor of Architecture| Iowa State University, ACADIA 2023 President

Shy Khalilahmadi

Design Director, SER Design Experience Co-Lead| Gensler shy_khalilahmadi@gensler.com

Nathan Scheidt

Project Manager, Senior Associate| Gensler Nathan_Scheidt@gensler.com

Bosuk Hur

Design Principal| Folio Architects folioarch@gmail.com

Shawn Barron

Designer II | Studio Gang sbarron@studiogang.com

My name is Dai Le, though I prefer to be called Bill Le. An architecture enthusiast at heart, I have an unwavering passion for delving into the varied aspects of architecture, and I find joy in seeking out designs that promote the concepts of community, collectivity, and cultural identities. This diverse portfolio comprises not only my academic architectural endeavors at Iowa State University but also my professional experience as a project designer in South Korea, and my participation in competitions.

I firmly believe in the profound positive impacts that thoughtful design can bring to our world, and I am eager to contribute my skills to create meaningful improvements in the spaces we inhabit.

ACADEMIC

01 15

COMPETITION

29

37

PART TIME

53

67

77

MONUMENTAL LIFE

Studio Work

Partner: Cameron Walhberg | Sam Nordmeyer

INTERTWINE

Studio Work

Individual

RIPPLES - BIG FISH

Competition - Built

Artist Assistant at Reinaldo Correa LLC

SYNERGY

Competition - Under construction

Partner: Shunzhi Yao | Yanjiu Bai

BLACK HOUSE (W.CASA)

Part-time work in South Korea

Project Designer at Folio Architects

SNOOPY PLACE

Part-time work in - South Korea

Project Designer at Folio Architects

SNOOPY ISLAND

Part-time work in - South Korea

Project Designer at Folio Architects

MONUMENTAL LIFE

Location: Serjila, Syria

Team Work

Work Type: Architecture Studio

Program: Multi Program Intervention

Area: 40,276 sq ft

Honorable Mention - Substance Architects Design Award

Honorable Mention - H. Kennard Bussard Award

Creating a new infrastructure for monumental sites of abandoned ruin or architecture that re-engages their history and potential futures by analyzing their layers throughout time. Utilizing the updated programmatic use as an act of care, and preservation, which in turn create a new monumentality that ebbs and flows with the rituals and occupation of life rather than an untouchable object. The ruin site is ever-evolving, and never finished. Therefore only snapshots of its moment in time can be seen. Only as long as life is tending to and making with the ruins of Serjilla will its collective memory, preservation, and status remain. Its ability to become flexible in how we see it and engage with it allows it to become a new form of monument. Storytelling in specific placeness, and making new memories, not for the sake of a statue or infrastructure but because the little things, the mundane, the sharing, and the beauty of old and new in the time of life are important. A monument to the living.

Ideation

For a site that is highly sensitive regards to the political spectrum. We have to carefully ask ourselves certain questions, and thoughts during the ideation process. We go from asking the question of monumentality to what it means to the site, and to what kind of designs can considerably respect the context.

Site

Serjilla’s location and proximity to villages and towns such as Al-Bara, Hantoteen, and Kafr Nabal make it accessible to a variety of locals and visitors to the site. All of the ancient programs are still present in modern-day Syria. Common bathhouses, agricultural areas, the traditions of craft, specifically of textiles are still presenting until today on the site. These programatic typologies connect and thread together the past and present in the basis of our intervention.

Bathhouse section

Garden Room Section

Loom Room Section

Meditation Rooms

The photos illustrate one of the designs on the site. This design is the garden room area, where people harvest the grown produces. This is also where they will share the memories of growing and sharing food. The design is emphasized to intertwine with the existing ruins.

(1) Floor Plan View

(2) Side view

INTERTWINE

Location: NYC, New York

Work Type:

Program: Collective Art Center & Housing

Area: 70,276 sq ft

1st Place - BWBR Architects Design Award

New York City, renowned for its dynamism and diverse opportunities, attracts people from all walks of life to gather and call it their home. As the population grows, the demand for housing intensifies, leading to the development of residential areas. However, in the process, many public spaces have been sacrificed. Examining the Chelsea area in NYC, I find a vibrant neighborhood steeped in artistic culture, with open galleries welcoming tourists. Despite this, there's a noticeable lack of spaces that foster interactions between tourists, artists, and locals. The absence of common areas sparks my inspiration to merge public spaces with residential apartments. My vision is to create a third space—a communal area that encourages people to connect and interact. This unique space will bridge the gap between private and public realms, designed to nurture a shared passion for observing and creating art.

Site Inspiration

The street of NYC is currently filled with the production of infrastructures. The apperance of the construction sites have become a norm in NYC. As a result, the new buildings are growing to increase the private spaces and take away the public areas. These modular structures are built as a response to the growth of population in NYC. However, these new projects take over the public areas that are very important to the locals as they feel the lost of identities and cultures when these new projects take over their neighborhood.

Blurring Boundary

The manifesto illustrates the blurring boundary concept. The project takes on the idea of the boundary between the private and public ownership. To me, the ownership is about the characteristic of the people in the space, which should not be bounded by the property lines. Therefore, I choose to blur the boundary of the private and public space by introducing a third space connecting the private and the public, I wish to open the oportunities for the interaction between humans.

Massing Sequence

The form of the project is derrived from the dynamic of the area. There are a lot of flows happening around the site. Therefore the form attempts to blend itself with the site by having one level as extension with the High Line. Moreover, the form encourages the use of common space that is a transitional space between the private and the public areas. These common spaces will illustrate the human interactions with the landscapes, and the urban charateristics of the site. In addition, the massing strategy encourages the diveristy of interactions of people from different background.

Site Grid Layout

Core Extrusion

First Tower Mass

First Tower Massing Process

Second Tower Mass

Second Tower Massing Process

Unit A

Unit A is a two-bedroom unit with big living room space.

Unit B

Unit B is a two-bedroom unit with bigger living room space than Unit A

Unit C

Unit C is a one bed room unit, and the smallest unit of all three type of unit.

(1) Art Exhibition Space

(2) Residential Unit

(4) Birds Eye View Exterior

(3) Interactive Art Space

RIPPLES “BIG FISH”

[COMPETITION - BUILT]

Location: Johnston, Iowa

Work Type: Practice with Reinaldo Correa LLC, Competition Program: Exhibition

1st Place - Johnston City Hall Art Installation Competition

The Mississippi River, North America's second-largest drainage system, serves as both a protector and a connector between humans and nature. Similarly, Saylorville Lake and Terra Park share these attributes with the river. Saylorville Lake plays a crucial role in safeguarding the residents of Johnston City from flooding, while Terra Park serves as a central hub where people can explore various activities and enjoy unique experiences. Water, essential for all forms of life, holds a special place of embedded and created memories. Both Saylorville Lake and Terra Park have been witnesses to the formation of these cherished memories. From fathers teaching their kids to fish along the boardwalk and pier, to families sharing a picnic lunch at the open shelters, or the exhilarating moments of sailing boats on the waters, and even the serene strolls along the shore encountering the gentle tail flap of the famous largemouth bass fish. These are the subtle "ripples" that resonate with us.

Artwork Anatomy

(1) Close-up Artwork’s scale

(2) Artwork Interior

(3) Artwork Frame

SYNERGY

[COMPETITION - UNDER CONSTRUCTION]

Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Work Type: Competition

Program: Exhibition

Area: 1,543 sq ft

1st Place - De lá Sol Shade Design Competition

Through rigorous studies of the site condition. Our team see the potential challenge of proposing a shading device for an area where the initial design has already been beautifully considered. However, we find opportunity to create a dialog between the existing design and the new proposal.

Project “Synergy”, like its name, seeks to enhance the design language and the functionality of a shading device. The new proposal opens new opportunities by co-existing with the current condition. Thus, the new design language continues with the undulating top and a body attaching to the existing design.

The proposal does not look for overpowering or making a statement over the current design, but rather respecting and enhancing those elements.

Area of Design

We give back the other areas to the existing condition.

The area of design focuses in the central space aiming to bring people together, and maintain as much original design’s footprints as possible.

Existing Language

8 Points

Our Proposal Language

Learning from the existing design language, we try to incorporate similar gestures to the new design. By using the points system on a circle, we are able to shift 8 points up, and then shear 2 points. The undulating tops portrait both familiarity and difference with the original design.

Cylindrical STL Connector

20 Ga Sheet Metal

Polycarbonate OR

Customized S.S Connector 01

Customized S.S Connector 02

S.S Circular Clamp

Hex Bolt Screw

19 mm S.S Tubing

11 Ga Wall Thickness

ATTACHED VERSION

19 mm S.S Tubing

11 Ga Wall Thickness

STAND-ALONE VERSION

20 Ga Sheet Metal

Polycarbonate OR

Cylindrical STL Connector

19 mm S.S Tubing

11 Ga Wall Thickness

Hex Bolt with Washer Anchor

Connector STL Base Plate

Continuous STL Base Plate

BLACK HOUSE (W-CASA)

[UNDER CONSTRUCTION]

Location: Pyeongchang Dong, Jongno Gu, Seoul, South Korea

Work Type: Part Time with Folio

Program: Private Residence

Area: 12,701 sq ft

W CASA, a residential haven crafted to ignite inspiration for living and relaxation. Our design process revolves around addressing fundamental questions: How can the space elegantly mirror the owner's lifestyle? What constitutes the perfect environment for unwinding? How can we stimulate the creativity of the residents?

To achieve this, we ingeniously blend diverse programs across multiple levels, blurring the boundaries between the indoor and outdoor realms. This fusion creates an ambiance of seamless relaxation, seamlessly connecting with nature while still providing the essential privacy for personal living.

In our endeavor to enhance the outdoor experience, we meticulously curate a variety of plants and vegetation, embracing the beauty of the natural surroundings. The house itself is adorned in a soothing black tone, effortlessly complementing the outdoor atmosphere and accentuating the owner's individual pursuits.

We believe that light and air play a pivotal role in creating a harmonious living space. Hence, we have strategically incorporated large openings on different levels, ensuring an abundance of natural light and refreshing airflow throughout the dwelling. To optimize brightness, we have thoughtfully designed light wells, adding an extra touch of brilliance to the space.

Front Deck Garden

Front View (Winter)

Front View (Autumn)

Basement Stair + Wine Lounge

Wine Lounge

Parking Lot

Living Room + Stair

Master Bedroom

Master Bathroom View - 2

Master Bathroom View - 1

SNOOPY PLACE

Location: Pusan, South Korea

Work Type: Part Time with Folio

Program: Restaurant + Retail

Area: 1,206 sq ft

Drawing inspiration from the idyllic beaches of Pusan city, our coffee shop is envisioned as a charming haven where Snoopy and friends can gather and relish the refreshing ocean breeze. Embracing the serene blue hues of the beach, the main color palette of the coffee shop sets the perfect seaside ambiance. Reflecting the gentle waves of the sea, we have thoughtfully designed continuous arches using eco-friendly, recyclable materials. These arches not only add a touch of artistic beauty but also serve as clever dividers, carefully segmenting the various spaces within the coffee shop. Moreover, strategically placed lights between the arches create an inviting glow, illuminating the interior space. Our coffee shop is a harmonious blend of two essential elements: prefabricated and onsite constructed components. While the stairs and second floors are skillfully reconstructed on-site to ensure precision, the display shelves and arch panels are thoughtfully prefabricated to guarantee both efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Concept Proposal

The client asks to renovate, and redesign the existing cafe into a Snoopy theme cafe. The project proposes arch panels to devide the spaces for different uses. In addition, the panels also function as shelves, partitions, and display areas for food and fgures. The arches are made of recyclable plastics to approach a more aesthetic feel, and sustainable aspect of the design. Moreover, the arch form is inspired from the waves of Pusan's beautiful beach site.

Program Layouts

Material Study

Prefabricated elements

On-site Constructed Elements

(1) Goods Display

(1) Second Stairs

(2) Floor

(4) Stairs

(2) Cafe Counter

(5) Arches

(3) Bakery Display

(6) Tray Display

(1) Pastry Display Area

SNOOPY ISLAND

[ONGOING]

Location: Gyeongju, South Korea

Work Type: Part Time with Folio

Program: Museum, Tea House, Outdoor Event Space

Area: 246,235 sq ft

The business site in Gyeongju's Bomoondanji area combines Snoopy's unique perspective with the city's essence. It's a designated tourist zone, enhancing leisure and cultural experiences. The island location offers a harmonious blend with nature, providing picturesque lake views and various event spaces.

The architecture consists of two main buildings: the Dog House and the Tea House, inspired by the spaces depicted in Peanuts comics. The Dog House serves as a leisure and cultural facility housing exhibitions, shops, cafes, and event spaces. Five Snoopy-themed house-shaped structures are arranged in a continuous manner, each offering unique programs and spaces. From the entrance perspective, we designed the facade to showcase the five different programs, allowing visitors to preview each space before entering.

The site creates a gateway to the Snoopy-themed park and captures a nostalgic ambiance with modern design. The sloping roof allows visitors to enjoy a fresh perspective of nature.

Top: Main Entrance / Bottom: Gallery, Exhibition

Top: Bakery Display / Bottom: Cafe Seating

top: entrance topiary / middle : view frame of dog house to lawn / bottom: colourful carpet

top: colourful carpet / left: observation seating / right: starry night walk

Email: arch.daitanle@gmail.com

Phone: 641.436.1708

Contact Thank you for your time.