Portfolio by Eric Kessler

Portfolio Eric Kessler

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Auburn Univeristy

School of the Building Arts

Bachelor of Architecture

Urban Studio (Birmingham)

PG. 2

Levitch Re-lagare Associates Institute Design/Build (Berkeley, CA) International Studies (Rome) Project Management

PG. 12

RemickRural Associates Studio Kitchen Studio (Design-Build) Master Builders (SanRural Francisco, CA) High End Residential Design

PG. 18

Della Terre RichardVilla Beard Architects Studio Project (Auburn)

Architecture (San Francisco, CA) High End Residential Design

PG. 28

Personal Endeavors

Studio Kessler Photography

Carpentry and Photography

Architectural Photography

Studio Kessler Woodcraft Wood Working & Furniture Design

PG. 36

Auburn University I began my formal schooling in architecture at a local Pensylvania communuty college, where I recieved my Associates Degree in Architectural Design. Ultimately I chose to transfer to Auburn University. Auburn is among the the top ranked for schools in the country for Architechtural Design, but my main reason for choosing it was for its one of a kind, off campus design-build program, known as Rural Studio. Four years later, I crossed the stage and proudly recieved my diploma. However, just as was the case at the community college prior, that piece of paper I recieved was only an added bonus, the real reward was all the incredible experiences that had been gained. Here are some of the highlights:

Rural Studio-

As mentioned, Auburn is recognized worldwide for this unique program, which is located in Hale County, AL. (one of the nations poorest counties). We lived megerly for a semester, spending all of our time designing and then actually building a home or other comunity project for the residents of the county.

Rome-

In my third year I went abroad with a few of my class mates and studied in Rome Italy for a semester. Our course load was light and we were encouraged to travel.

Urban Studio-

In my fifth year, I went off campus again. This time in Birmingham, AL. the focus was more professional development, and while we were still completeing regular course laods, we were also paired with local firms in the city, where we worked as paid interns.

At Auburn there was a real focus by the professors on the artistic side of design. While computer aided drafting was taught to us, we were often encouraged to draft instead by hand and develope ideas through physical models.

Section detail - pencil

Presentation board - graphite

Auburn University Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

3D Sketchup model

Bass wood and acrylic model

Cardboard and chipboard model

Lego model placed in a laser cut site model

The Importance of Graffiti A Studio Project to Sample This Projects Design

Key Design Elements :

Graffiti was already an integral part of Over the course of the the project site location. next six pages I have chose to -Instead of turning my back on highlight one of myitprojit Ijust would embrace

ects, showing it’s development from schematic design to final precentation. The School for Building Arts, comprised of a program that esentially amounted to what one might call a trade school. It was located a as a Some street artist describe in graffiti historically industrial revolt against the visual part noise of we are Birmingham, where I saw an subjected to daily. opportunity project -so too,for thisthis project wouldto be much more than just a critique the built environment school. Instead, the building would create interest for the trades on a larger scale, not just for the student but from the surrounding community as well. It could even go so far as to celebrate the trades in the Graffitiway is often “absurd” in celorder to same a museum draw attention to itself. ebrates the fine arts. -Likewise, myas design had to be The school a whole dynamic so as to draw would also serve as a critique attention to itself. of the general built environment , of which we all inhabit. Why not create greater awareness for better building practices and elevate the standards all people have for the spaces they occupy?

School School ofBuilding Building Art Art Schoolof of Building Art Eric Eric Kessler’s Portfolio EricKessler’s Kessler’sPortfolio Portfolio kesslej@auburn.edu ekdesignbuild@gmail.com kesslej@auburn.edu

Parti diagrams

Create a Stage

Activate the Site

Promote the Trades

The sunken “pit” not only allows for a connection with the greenway, but also puts the construction activities of the students on display to the public.

Visable movement of both people and materials along the street will create a dynamic atmosphere and create intrigue for any Passerby.

By angling this portion of the building it allows for the building to be used as a billboard with optimal viewing by motorists on the adjacent viaduct.

Process

Bass wood study model @ 1/4“ scale

sR las

s dio u t S

rk o l. W ry Mt t n pe Car

p ho S rk Wo

ry n o as

Up ck rd o M Ya

4 Stacking Diagram

Axonimetric

4 6 1

Inspirational Foundation “Pit”

6 5

Sketch Perspective of the Mock Up “Pit”

Below Grade Level Plan Building BuildingSection Section

School ofBuilding BuildingArt Art School of Eric Portfolio EricKessler’s Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com kesslej@auburn.edu

Plan Development 14

12 11 13

1. Proposed Green Belt 2. Overhead Crane 3. Mock Up Yard -the ”Pit” 4. Vertical Circulation 5. Work Shops 6. Grad Studios 7. Street 8. Cafe 9. Plaza 10. Gallery and Offices 11. Studios 12. Auditorium 13. Demonstration Area 14. Adjacent Viaduct 15. Librarian Desk 16. Library 17. Class Rooms 18. Apartments 19. Banquet Halls 20. Catering Kitchen

4 11

Key:

15 17

11 2 7

11 3

11 4

Street Level Plan

2nd Level Plan

3rd Level Plan

N South Elevation South Elevation

Presentation Board

ofBuilding BuildingArt Art School of 10 School Eric Portfolio EricKessler’s Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com kesslej@auburn.edu

Bass wood model at 1/8“ scale

West Elevation

Presentation

1/8” Scale (Close Up)up) 1/8“ scaleModel model (close

16 1

8 2

Cross Section

Aerial View of Model Located in the Site

Levitch Associates Job Position: Project Manager Duration: 2013-2015 Levitch Associates is a second generation family run buisiness. They not only offer top of the line architectural services, but also provide a full service construction outfit, all in house. Most of the firms projects were residential remodels, small businesses, and resturants. When I moved to California, I knew I wanted to work in my field of study, architecture, but I also wanted something more hands on. I activley pursued only deisign-build firms ultimately landed at Levitch. Levitch Associates did not disapoint, As a project Manager I was involved in all stages of a project, from bidding the job, all the way through project close out and handing over the keys to the client. The amount of construction knowledge I gained is invaluable, and there was also no shortage of opportunities to get my hands dirty. I Worked side by side with with finish carpenters, framers, and M.E.P. subcontractors. I was responsible for overseeing the work of the construction crew on site, creating the project shecule, ordering material deliveries, and managing any of the client’s demands, as well as fears. This last aspect of of the job, I cactually found to be the most rewarding, and I am most proud of the fact that I was able to maintain pleasent and professional relationships with all of our clients, while in the end giving them afinished space that they were excited to live in and show off to thier family and friends.

Handicap bathroom

Kitchen renovation, Berkeley Hills

Levitch Associates Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

Levitch Associates,      40 Re

North Berkeley N Inspired Entry

Craftsman Exterior, Sa Francisco

Front porch and entry remodel, Berkeley CA

Craftsman | San Franc Website

The client wanted to u front yard better and re heir steep entry stairs. Cardboard study model at 1/4” scale

Read More 

Other Photos in This P

nc views

atureKitchen renovation, Berkeley Hills

Master suite addition, Berkeley CA

The Cheese Board Pizzaria Parklett, Berkeley CA

Home addition & kitchen reno. Piedmont CA

sco |

ize the place t evitch

Levitch Associates Eric Kessler’s Portfolio

ojectekdesignbuild@gmail.com

Working Model

Building in the site Bass wood and foam-core model at 1/4“ scale

Comercial renovation of a veteranry hospital, Montclair, Oakland CA

Remick Associates Job Position: Design Associate Duration: 2015-Present Remick Associates is a boutique San Francisco Bay Area Architecture and Construction firm specializing exclusively in highly detailed and inventive residential design. When I first applied, the firm was not looking to hire at but they said they would keep my information on file. Sure enough, two years later I recieved a call, they were were just about to start a massive job at Lake Tahoe. It was going to be A single family residence, right on the lake with a projected budget of around $180,000,000. I was to start immediately after wrapping up any oustanding projects with Levitch Associates. The client, who made thier wealth primarly as the founder of multiple tech companies, had bought up several properties on the shoreline of Lake Tahoe where they would eventually have us at Remick build thier forever home, a 60,000 sqft mountain mansion, where they intend to retire and live out there days. While Remick had hundreds of emplyees working on site at any given time during construction, I worked full time in San Francisco at the home office with a staff of about 10 others. In the office we were resposible for the architectural side of the project. We designed the interior spaces, working closely with the interior designer and adhering to the client’s very specific esthetic. We coordinated information and drawings with consultants and engineers. We reviewed shop drawings from subcontractors. In the last year we have been carefully documenting the as-built conditions as the project nears completion.

Important Disclaimer The project you are about to see on the following pages is NOT the project I have been working on since joining Remick Associates. Due to non disclosure agreements, I am not permitted to share any photos or drawings from that project. The project that I have chosen to depict in its place just so happens to be by the same clients from 12 years earlier. It is of a similiar size, scope, budget and style. In addition, Remick Associates was the lead architect and builder on that project as well. For all intents and purposes, what follows is about as close to identical as any project could possibly come to the project I had been working on during my four years at Remick Associates. For the record, I am only able to share this project with you at all because the owners have moved out and the home has been put on the market to sell, with the following images and drawings already available to the public.

Remick Associates Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

Arial view of main house

Main level architectural plan

Front of house and entry court

Main kitchen

Rear of houseand backyard

Library and study

Remick Associates Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

Prep kitchen

Master bedroom

The great hall/ family room

Richard Beard Architechts Job Position: Design Associate Duration: 2000 - Present The office of RBA’s work is significantly informed by how architecture can integrate with interior and landscape design to achieve a unified design that is more than the sum of its constituent parts. Every project draws from the land, and the process of design begins there and integrates a client’s aspirations, culture, program and desire with context, perspective, sustainability and resources. Every client relationship is tailor-made, and every solution is site-specific. The ongoing dialogue with clients is an iterative process, enjoyable and creative; artful and engaging. I was brought on to the RBA team in large part because of my experience working on the Tahoe residencde which had recently been completed with Remick Associates. My construction knowledge was imediatly put to good use on a high end residential home in the hills of Napa as the project was just begining the construction administration phase. I became the primary pint of contact for the contractor and consultants while handeling all submittals, RFIs and ASIs. At the time of this writing, I am still working part time as a consultant as I assist with the completion of this project, which is scheduled to be done in October.

Important Disclaimer The site, owned by the current client was first occupied by a home which they had completed previously in 2008. Tragicly the house was burned to the ground in the Tubbs fire of 2018. The Clients decided to rebuild and it was this rebuild project that I was involved with during my time at RBA. At the time of writing this portfolio, construction was still on going and final photographs of furnished spaces were not yet accessible. All such dipictions that follow on the next few pages are of the original home. The new home was rebuilt on the original foundation whch survived the fire. The Home was also reconstructed using the original set of plans. This came with some unique challeges that i will be happy to discuss.

Exerpts from 2011 Architectural Digest

Richard Beard Architects Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

Precast entry portico after fire

Client standing on charred rubble

Construction progress with views over looking Napa Valley

C OP YRI G HT

2018

C OP YRI G HT

2018

View of home from the hill side.

HIGH GRADE HIGHPT. GRADE PT. +1148.50' +1148.50'

OBL

Richard Beard Architects Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

EAST EAST ELEV E

A3.01

VATION ION

2021 C

C OP YRI G HT

M 1 A3.04

L 2 A3.04

2 A3.04

K 1 A3.05

19 A8.05

1 A3.05

J G 2 A3.05

2 A3.05

D 1 A3.06

C D

MAXIMUM MAXIMUM ALLOWED ALLOWED BUILDING BUILDING HEIGHT HEIGHT +1198' +1198'

1 A3.06

19 A8.05

35'-0"

TYP.

24 24 A8.06 A8.06 TYP. TYP. TYP.

HIGHEST HIGHEST ADJACENT ADJACENT GRADE GRADE +1178.00' +1178.00' MID-POINT MID-POINT OF HIGHEST OF HIGHEST ROOF ROOF +1187.42' +1187.42'

1'-5" 1'-5" TYP. TYP.

22 A8.06 TYP. TYP.

21 21 A8.06 A8.06 TYP. TYP.

AVERAGEAVERAGE NATURALNATURAL GRADE GRADE +1163.00' +1163.00'

13 A8.07A

CL BRACKET TYP.

13 A8.07A

T.O. PLATE T.O. @ PLATE GARAGE/ @ GARAGE/ BED #4 WING BED #4 WING +1177.83' +1177.83' EQ

22 A8.06

1 A3.04

35'-0"

CL BRACKET TYP.

17 A8.10

ALIGN

14 14 A8.05 A8.05 TYP. TYP.

DIM. PT. @ DIM. WATER PT. @TABLE WATER TABLE +1161.75' +1161.75' DIM. PT. @ DIM. WATER PT. @TABLE WATER TABLE +1161.75' +1161.75'

17 A8.10 OPP. OPP. HAND HAND 16 A8.10

\\RBAFILE01\Folder Redirection\eric\Desktop\A101MH- Floor Plan 01 for portfolio.dwg 9/9/2021 6:29 AM

LIQUE

Rear patio

Front facade and motor court

T.O. SLABT.O. @ MAIN SLABLEVEL @ MAIN LEVEL +1159.50' +1159.50' T.O. STAIR T.O. @ GARAGE STAIR @ GARAGE +1159.33' +1159.33'

T.O. SLABT.O. @ PUMP SLAB RM. @ PUMP RM. +1150.50' +1150.50' B.O. STAIR B.O. @ GARAGE STAIR @ GARAGE +1149.00' +1149.00' LOWEST ADJACENT LOWEST ADJACENT GRADE GRADE

16 A8.10

OBLIQUE OBLIQUE BEYOND BEYOND

LEGEND A.1

EXISTING TO REMAIN

1 A3.06

2475 3rd St, Studio 252 San Francisco, CA 94107

PATCH AND REPAIR STRUCTURE, FINISHES & EQUIPMENT AS REQUIRED

AREA SUMMARY GARAGE STAIR 145

FIRST FLOOR:

2 A3.06

2.5

Q A.1

3 A3.06

BEDROOM #5 140

SHWR 141B

2 A3.02

A.2

VEST 137

4.5

REAR ENTRY 132

2 A3.07

A.3

6 1 A3.08

2 A3.04

1 A3.04

A3.03

A3.10

2291 SODA CANYON RD, NAPA CA

.10

2291 SODA CANYON RD, NAPA CA

STULL RESIDENCE STULL RESIDENCE 14

3 A3.07

NOOK 111

HALL 126

POWDER RM. 128

VEST. 127

COURTYARD 129

BUTLER PANTRY 108

8 CORRIDOR 103

STOR. 104

VEST. 120 A STAIR 120

3 A3.09

LIBRARY 117

KITCHEN 110

PWDR. RM. 109

ENTRY 102 STOR. 107

DRA AW N B Y C H ECK ED B Y

GREAT ROOM 114

VEST. 105

3 A3.02 STOR. 106

LIVING ROOM 116

GAME ROOM 118

DINING ROOM 115

4 A3.09

Prep kitchen

A.3

2 A3.09

2 A3.10

VEST. 113

ENTRY PORCH 101

1 A3.10

4 A3.0 7

HALL 130

2 A3.08

A.2 6 A3.03

PANTRY 112

MECH. ROOM 131

1 A3.03

337 SF (EXERCISE ROOM) (HABITABLE) 132 SF (ATV SHED)

11'-4" 3 A3.12

1 A3.05

VEST. 133

7 A3.03

1 A2.01

2 A3.01

4.5

UTILITY 134

10 A3.03

HALL 136

STORAGE 135

2475 3rd 2475 St,3rd Studio St, Studio 252 252 A.5 San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94107 CA 94107

5 A3.07

11 A3.03 1 A3.07

A.1

EXERCISE ROOM 146

SITTING ROOM 138 W.I.C. 139

9323 SF (HABITABLE)

3 A2.02

WC 141A

285 SF (MECHANICAL)

8 A3.03

4 A3.06

GARAGE 144

PORCH 143

BATH 141

LOWER LEVEL: TOTAL MAIN HOUSE HABITABLE: ACCESSORY STRUCTURE:

9 A3.03

5570 SF (HABITABLE) 949 SF (GARAGE) 288 SF (MECHANICAL) 3753 SF (HABITABLE) 144 SF (MECHANICAL)

2291 SODA CANYON RD, NAPA CA

13 A3.03

SECOND FLOOR:

STULL RESIDENCE

1 A3.01

P R O JEC T NO

1711

D ATE

IS SUE PRICING SET

02.06.18 04.04.18

FIRE REBUILD PERMIT SET

05.14.18

PLAN CHECK SUBMITTAL

06.18.18

PLAN CHECK SUBMITTAL 2

07.03.18

CONSTRUCTION DOC. SET

10.09.18

PLAN REVISIONS

04.02.20

36 GENERAL MISC. REVISIONS

12 BAR 119

3 A3.12

W.C. 123

NOOK 115A

1 A3.09

TERRACE 121

SHOWER RM. 122 POOL EQPT. RM. 124

POOL BBQ 125

2 A3.05

1 A3.02

Library and study

4 A3.10

.02

Richard Beard Architects Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

Scale: 1/8" = 1'-0"

A1.01

Rear patio

Main kitchen

Master bedroom

Main kitchen

Studio Kessler Photography Find me on the web: https://www.studiokesslerphoto.com or on instagram: @Studio.kessler.photo My interest for photography really began in college, starting mostly with travel photography. It became more integrated with design as I needed to photograph architecturaI models and document projects. Photography complimented architecture perfectly for me, it certainlly helped sharpen my eye for better composition, and increased my understanding of light and shadow. It has only been in the last couple of years that I have begun to monetize what had before only been a hobby. My body of work includes architectural photography, some realestate photography, as well as some “first home” photoshoots.

Studio Kessler Photography Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

Photo Details-

- Cabin located in Doner Pass, near Truckee CA - Client needed a series of exterior shots that he would then use to pitch the project to DWELL magazine. The cabin has since been accepted by the magazine, but at the time of this writing is still awaiting to go to print.

Studio Kessler Photography Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

Studio Kessler Woodcraft See more onlineWebsite: www.etsy.com/shop/StudioKessler or instagram: @studio.kessler.woodcraft Working in the field of Architecture can certainly be very rewarding. One of the best feelings is having a building start as only an idea in your head, putting that idea on paper, and eventually seeing that building rise from the earth as something other human beings will occuoy, I know first hand the high one can get from this process. There is only one problem, this process can take a very long time, years even. Furniture design and woodworking comparitively have a much quicker turn around time, so the payoff of seeing your idea come to fruition comes much quicker. This apeals greatly to me. Having worked in the construction industry for many years I have always had access to construction waste and salvaged materials, so I began taking these scraps home and making furniture for my own house. I also have a passion for photography, so it seemed natural that I should start making my own frames for photos I was printing. Gradually as I amassed more tools, and gained more experience, I got to a point where I was confident enough to sell some of my work online, and so Studio Kessler Woodcraft was born.

Studio Kessler is my woodworking and fine art business, which operates though the Etsy web platform. Our mission is to use reclaimed, recycled, and repurposed materials to make home decor items and piture frames.

Studio Kessler Woodcraft Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

Spline detail on custome picture frame

custom wood wall art

Custom reclaimed wood wall art

Custom reclaimed wood picture frame

Custom picture frame

Rolling Kitchen cart

Studio Kessler Woodcraft Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

Detail of laminated plywood cart top

Wooden toy Rocking Elephant

Cherry and maple custom foot stool

Bed-side tables from salvaged douglas fir studs

Deck made of composite decking &corrogated metal

Studio Kessler Woodcraft Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

Salvaged road sign & cedar bench for a tiny home

Close up of Coffee table details

Detail of tray and soft close hinge

Etertainment center/ coffee table

EDUCATION

Eric Kessler Bachelor of Architecture, May 2012 Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama GPA: 3.63/4.0 Rural Studio, Hale County, Alabama, Fall 2009 (Internationally acclaimed design build program) International Studies Program, Rome, Italy, Spring 2010 (Full course load abroad, including design studio) Urban Studio, Birmingham, Alabama, Fall + Spring 2011-2012 (Work study program, and urban design studio)

WORK EXPERIENCE

SKILLS

Associates Degree in Architecture, May 2007 Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania GPA: 3.74/4.0 Computer: AutoCAD Archicad Vectorworks Google Sketchup

Adobe Creative Suite Other Render Programs Microsoft Office Suite

Other: Hand Sketching Hand Rendering Model making Laser cutter

Website design Furniture design Wood working Power tools

Working with others Team leadership Photography

Construction - Intern at Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Allentown, Pennsylvania - Laborer at ECS Construction, Allentown, Pennsylvania - Framing carpenter at Craft Brothers Construction, Allentown, Pennsylvania - Foreman at C&B Construction, Auburn, Alabama - Project Manager at Levitch Associates, Inc. Berkeley, California: Full-time, 2013-2015 - Levitch is a full-service, design-build, architecture, and construction firm specializing in residential and small commercial projects. - My personal responsibilities as Project Manager included but were not limited to overseeing a work crew, scheduling sub-contractors and material delivery, as well as point of contact for clients. - I also gained experience in the workshop, fabricating cabinets and other custom millwork. Architecture - Intern at Williams Blackstock Architects, Birmingham, Alabama - Entry-level Architect at Cornerstone Consulting, Engineers and Architectural Inc. Allentown, Pennsylvania - Design Associate at Architect Mason Kirby, San Francisco, California - Architectural Model Maker at Gemmiti Model Art, San Francisco, California -Project Manager at Levitch Associates (please see above) - Design Associate at Remick Associates, San Francisco, California: Full-time, 2015-2019 - Remick Associates is a full-service, design-build, architecture, and construction firm specialized in high end residential. - My responsibilities as Design Associate include the designing and drafting of many interior spaces for the house, mechanical coordination, reflected ceiling plans, tree house construction drawings, and most recently, documenting as-built conditions. - Design Associate at Richard Beard Architects, San Francisco, California: Full Time, 2020-Present - Richard Beard Architects is a high end residential architectural design firm - My responsibilities since joining the firm primarily focused on construction administration. I oversaw receiving, responding to and disseminating all RFIs, Submittals, and ASIs for a residence in Napa CA. In addition to this project, which was my priority, I also assisted with permitting, design development and construction documents for other projects in the office.

REFERENCES

Freelance - Freelance Architectural Photographer, San Leandro, California - Owner Operator of Studio Kessler, San Leandro, California Katherine Schwertner Project Manager Richard Beard Architects 2475 3rd St. San Francisco, CA 94107 (510) 289-3231

Katherine@richard-beard.com

Resume Eric Kessler’s Portfolio ekdesignbuild@gmail.com

John Dalton Superintendent Centric General Contractors 1230 Spring St. suite G, Saint Helena, CA 94574 (707) 307-3617 John@centricgc.com

Dale Sessions Project Manager Remick Associates 1230 Howard St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 244-1283 Dale@remicksessions.com

John Kosich Principle/Architect Remick Associates 1784 Revere Ave. San Francisco, CA 94124 (415) 572-2554 KosichJJ@gmail.com

Eric Kessler

4400 Freedom Dr. Charlotte NC (484) 347-0393 ekdesignbuild@gmail.com