Over the course of my education and employment I have developed a philosophy towards how I design. I believe that a successful architectural intervention must be the result of both • a thorough physical and metaphysical site reading, drawing on both the physical context and the emotional resonance of the site. • as well as the exploration of a buildings program, typology, or functions in relation to its user/s. A design should respond with appropriate use of material, space, and light in a way that makes architecture that is truly fit for humanities physical and emotional needs. “Whether functional forms are correct or not depends on what is meant by functional requirements and how deeply human life is analysed”. Alvar Aalto
Please note all drawing work sent in my CV was produced by myself .
The following document is a copy of my CV and selection of images from my final thesis project carried out at the Univeristy of Liverpool. My thesis project was the design of a new National Library for the City of Helsinki the abstract for which can be found on the first page of the project images in this document. I studied Architecture at the University of Lincoln Sept 2005 – Jul 2008 graduating with a 1st Class Honours. After which I worked as an Architectural Assistant for a local practice GLEW + SMITH: Architect + Surveyor which specialised in Ecclesiastical Conservation as well as carrying out work in various other Sectors. During which time I completed the University of Lincoln (Certificate in Professional Practice and Management in Architecture) submitting my PEDR sheets completing almost 4000 hours spread across all of the RIBA stages of work. By the end of my time with the practice I was able to independently carry out work on my own (supervised by the Partners) including the time management of my workload often up to 12 projects (at various stages), to the full range of architectural duties that schemes demanded. I currently just completed my Masters of Architecture at the University of Liverpool having carried out freelance work to help fund my studies. I am now looking to secure a job prior to my graduation within the local area or commutable surrounding areas and I am willing to negotiate salary based on the responsibilities of that position within the office. Other projects worked on whilst at University include Repository of Knowledge for Marrakech Morocco (Individual Work), University Redevelopment Master Plan (Group Project) and subsequent progression into University Supply Building Design (Individual Work), Specialised Residential for people with Learning Difficulties (Individual Work), progressing to Detailing Project (Group Work), and a Post Carbon Development Project (Group Work). My dissertation “Forgotten Aesthetics in Public Space: A Needed or Tolerated Experience” is an exploration into negative public perception of forgotten public space, within Liverpool. Examining the idea of introducing a new national body for poor space preservation. A selection of which will be avaible to be seen at an interview. I wish to work in an environment that pushes the current limits of my abilities and allows me the opportunities to progress to my Part 3 qualification when confident in my knowledge and portfolio under the practise I join, therefore I am looking for employment where my enthusiasm and passion for Architecture is matched.
I look forward to talking with you & thank you for your consideration.
Regards
Darren Smith
E: darrenvictorsmith@hotmail. co.uk M:+44(0)7595 89 63 56 T: +44(0)1517 92 27 33 A: 36 Lucan Road, Aigburth, Liverpool, L17 0BS
Architectural Work History:
DOB: 10/07/1987 [26] Driving: Full manual licence Nationality: British NI: JW 82 25 28 A Possible Start Date: Immediately
Free Lance Part I Architectural Assistant. Aug 2012 – Jun 2014 [1 Year 9 Months]. GERAINT LEWIS ASSOCIATES, Bryn Rhedyn, Llanelltyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2SU. T: 01341 422370.
Most recently I have carried out freelance work from home for a Chartered Surveyor based in Wales. Tasks included the drawing up of measured surveys & producing sketch schemes, planning application, & building regulation application drawings. Project examples worked on: New boat store/office, new VOSA test centre for HGV vehicles, new dry ski slope, several barn/stable conversions to residential, new domestic & conventional house extensions, artist studio, conversion of chapel into multiple residential occupancies, garage alterations including new retail unit, & new residential development master plans.
Part I Architectural Assistant. Sept 2008 – Aug 2010 [2 Years]. GLEW + SMITH: Architect + Surveyor, 20 West Parade, Lincoln, LN1 1JT. Practice reformed please use new contact details: Christopher Smith, GMS Architecture, 3-5 Eastgate, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 9NB. T: 01507 60 50 10.
Glew + Smith was a small practice with a team of around 5/6 people & I was involved with a large number of projects ranging from small interior jobs to a multi-million pound museum extension. The practice specialised in listed buildings, churches, & mud & stud buildings. Due to the scale of the practice I learnt to act independently under the supervision of my mentor in a professional manner having to manage up to 12 projects at a time on average. Able to keep good time management & produce a high level of work, I also took on the redesigning of the practices website & entered several design competitions for the practice & in my own time. I gained experience of all aspects of the RIBA stages of work from various projects all at different stages, from meetings with new clients, to practical completion site visits, having dealt with all aspects such as contracts, drawing work, tenure of projects, schedules of works etc.
Project examples worked on: 2.4 Million museum extension & renovation for the former home of the founder of Methodism John Wesley in Epworth, shooting lodge, several church/chapel/barn/cottage conversions to residential, bespoke interior design for listed church’s, QI survey drawings & subsequent repair drawings, & conventional house extensions. Education:
Master of Architecture [Grade not yet given]. Sept 10 – June 14. School of Architecture, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX. Tutors: Jack Dunne & Rosa Urbano-Gutiérrez. Certificate in Professional Practice & Management in Architecture (PEDR). Sep 2008 – Aug 2010. School of Architecture, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, LN6 7TS. Tutor: Phil Hyde BA Hons Architecture [First Class]. Sep 2005 – Jul 2008. School of Architecture, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, LN6 7TS. Tutors: Richard Wright & Saleem Al-mennan.
Competitions/ Awards:
Shortlisted Honourable Mention with work presented in RIBA London for Corus Architectural Student Competition – H2Ouse 2007.
Recent Other-Work History:
Bar Staff. Sep 2010 – Oct 2011 [1 Year]. The Masque, 90 Seel Street, Liverpool. Reason for leaving: Redundancy.
Computer Skills:
I am a proficient user of: Autodesk AutoCAD (2D & 3D), 3D Studio Max, Adobe Photoshop, Indesign & Lightroom [9 Years]. I am also willing to learn new software in my own time.
Personal Interests:
Photography & Film, Typography/Calligraphy, & Deconstructivism of Objects.
Extra-Curricular:
Founding Vice President of the Lincoln University Surfing Society [Sep 06 – Jul 08] This position responsibilities included planning trips to surfing destinations & social events.
Part I Year out RIBA work stages log (in hours). Total 3981hrs
A-B Appraisal C-D Design E Final Proposals F-H Production J-L Construction to Practical Completion a Job Management b Office Management c Professional Studies d CPD e Other Non-Project Hours Additional project work stages
706 1678 86 250 85 115 227 14 201 575 44