Kuo-Jui Lai Portfolio 2024

Architecture Portfolio

Kuo-Jui Lai

Selected Works 2019-2024

Project-05

SPARK

Project-06

Maison Sweet

Dessert Shop Interior 2022

Project Description:

The 2,000 square foot dessert shop, located in University City, Philadelphia, features a design concept centered on the innovative utilization of three distinct interlocking cubes to delineate multiple spaces catering to staff, 38 seats, and the kitchen, ensuring an exceptional seating experience and efficient workflow. Emphasizing an interlocking hollow rectangular theme, the design seamlessly integrates these cubes into various elements such as the seating area, display space, and theme walls, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functional coherence.

Role: Project Architect

Responsibilities:

• Integrating and balancing client's ideas with conceptual designs for dessert shop, ensuring alignment with client vision.

• Addressing client's special requirements for dessert making processes and adapting existing machine applications to meet specific needs.

• Controlling design timeline to align with client's construction schedule, ensuring timely completion of the project.

• Researching materials and products for quality and cost effectiveness, while meeting project requirements.

• Meticulously preparing permit and construction drawings to adhere to regulatory requirements and facilitate smooth project execution.

20th St Lai House

Townhouse Remodel 2023

Project Description:

The 2,250 square foot, 2-story, 1-basement townhouse project seamlessly blends Japanese wabi-sabi elegance with practicality and budget consciousness. The openconcept first floor integrates a kitchen, dining area, and coffee station, flowing into a living room with a slat wall connecting to the main entrance lobby. Natural wood elements extend to the second floor, where an open home office connected by a skylight emphasizes continuity between floors. New roof insulation and white TPO Roof Membranes enhance energy efficiency. The basement includes a gym, woodshop, and laundry room. Throughout, a plaster art wall adds texture, enriching the design.

Role: Project Architect

Responsibilities:

• Preparation of schematic design drawing set to construction drawing set, ensuring accuracy and completeness throughout the process.

• Communication with clients regarding design intent and integration with their practical needs.

• Researching materials and products to meet client requirements and project specifications, considering quality, cost, and functionality.

• Weekly meeting material preparation, including documentation and presentations.

• Construction fee estimation and value engineering control to manage costs effectively and optimize project budget.

• Providing virtual reality and rendering walkthroughs.

新隔間牆

補牆面灰板 + 補土

原位置

窗戶外側矽利康 30" 門框 + 門安裝

OUTER FRAME EXTRUDED ALUMINUM

WHITE TPO ROOF

MEMBRANES

THERMALIZED INNER

FRAME EXTRUDED ALUMINUM

FOAM GASKET

EXISTING 2X12 WOOD JOIST

CORNER BEAD

ACRYLIC

2X4 CURB

1/2" ROOF SHEATHING

R-49 BATT INSULATION

4"

↓ SKYLIGHT DETAIL

Wei-Yang Wu House

Townhouse Remodel 2022

Project Description:

The 3,600 square foot, 4-story townhouse remodel project focuses on a design concept centered around the fusion of storage and utility space, strategically positioned in the center of the lot due to its long and narrow configuration. A gracefully curved box serves as both a practical solution and an artistic focal point, reflecting the client's modern style. Public spaces feature a sleek, solid black finish, creating a contemporary and inviting atmosphere, while rich walnut wood accents introduce warmth against the black backdrop.Additionally, preserving a piece of the house's history, traditional patterned glass from the original window has been relocated to the entry wall, adding a nostalgic touch to the overall home experience.

Role: Project Architect

Responsibilities:

• Preparation of schematic design drawing set to construction drawing set, ensuring accuracy and completeness throughout the process.

• Communication with clients regarding design intent and integration with their practical needs.

• Researching materials and products to meet client requirements and project specifications, considering quality, cost, and functionality.

• Weekly meeting material preparation, including documentation and presentations.

• Construction fee estimation and value engineering control to manage costs effectively and optimize project budget.

• Providing virtual reality and rendering walkthroughs.

備註1:一二樓所有櫃體 皆為黑色金屬髮絲紋貼 皮表面。如有開口則使 用橡木色貼皮(同櫃體 內部夾層)

備註2:所有櫃體把手， 活動五金另討論

備註3: 所有櫃體皆為 5mm(或更小)溝縫線

ADDRESS 265台灣宜蘭縣羅東 鎮維揚路239號

SUBMISSION DRAWING TITLE

ISSUE 2022.04.13

03-個別空間細部圖

樓梯下方 LED

2.2

天花板高: 3050(裸)

天花板高: 2600

天花板材質: 矽酸鈣板 (白)

2

1 :

窗戶面/電箱包框: FENIX0720

超耐磨木地板：快步IM1862

地板：優的鋼石A300 (白)

材質：金屬焊接 不鏽鋼烤漆 (消光黑)

120

吊燈

天花板高度:

: 2800

最低點: 2300

)

木心板 + 美耐板櫃體 挖空/櫃體內部：富美家8846NT 櫃體表面: FENIX0720

天花板高: 3300(裸)

牆面: 樂土質感塗刷(極淺灰)

廁所油漆請使用防水材質

1000 900 1500 櫃體內崁燈

牆櫃下方 LED 燈條

挖空/櫃體內部：富美家8846NT 櫃體表面: FENIX0720

地板：優的鋼 石A300 (白)+ 冠軍DA6030

牆面: 油漆 (白)

地板：冠軍 GD60126

天花板高

3490

管道間另討論

02-主要平面圖

Ji-Yang Wu House

Townhouse Remodel 2024

Project Description:

In this 2,200 square foot, 3-story townhouse remodel project, the primary focus is on addressing structural concerns related to inappropriate penetrations and cutouts in the existing structure. Structural reinforcement measures have been implemented, and part of the ceiling height has been lowered to create a new route for MEP systems. To protect against possible water damage during flood seasons, horizontal floating casework has been strategically used, considering the area's history of flooding. Furthermore, the horizontal floating casework played a key element in guiding spatial order and flow throughout the different spaces, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics of the remodel.

Role: Project Architect

Responsibilities:

• Preparation of schematic design drawing set to construction drawing set, ensuring accuracy and completeness throughout the process.

• Communication with clients regarding design intent and integration with their practical needs.

• Researching materials and products to meet client requirements and project specifications, considering quality, cost, and functionality.

• Weekly meeting material preparation, including documentation and presentations.

• Construction fee estimation and value engineering control to manage costs effectively and optimize project budget.

• Providing virtual reality and rendering walkthroughs.

4.0 cm

桌面電線孔

4.3 cm

抽屜 插座

木飾面板

木飾面板

9mm 背板 滑軌

PROVIDED BY BY BALLINGER

PROVIDED BY BY BALLINGER

CHOP-The New Patient Tower

Project Description:

The New Patient Tower (NPT) project, set to rise on the Wood Center site, is envisioned as a 26-story, 1.3 million square foot inpatient and diagnostic facility designed to expand healthcare capacities and foster collaborative spaces. The architectural plan allocates the lower levels for patient amenities and diagnostic services, while the upper stories are reserved for 300 initial critical carecapable beds, with a provision to add 200 more. This expansion includes a helipad for emergency services and over 200 parking spaces, ensuring comprehensive support for both patient and staff needs.

Role: Intermedia designer

Responsibilities:

• Overseeing garage-related design, ensuring smooth coordination, and timely completion for the first phase of 173 spots.

• Transitioning from Design Development to Construction Drawing sets in collaboration with the project architect, maintaining consistency.

• Collaborating closely with the project architect to design multiple garage layout options, considering expansion phases to connect to other site garages.

• Coordinating extensively with MEP engineers due to the garage's critical role in CHOP campus steam/electrical systems, requiring frequent communication and alignment.

• Collaborating with the Fitout team to connect the garage pedestrian entrance to the basement lobby.

Basement Garage 2023

PROVIDED BY BY BALLINGER

PROVIDED BY BY BALLINGER

SPARK THERAPEUTICS

CIRA Office Renovation 2024

Project Description:

The project entails a targeted renovation and upgrade of the existing office spaces on the 5th floor and a portion of the 6th floor within the Cira Center at 2929 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Spanning an area of 24,000 square feet on the 5th floor and 9,400 square feet on the 6th floor, the renovation includes installing new partitions, ceilings, furniture, and finishes. It also involves updating the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems to accommodate the changes. A primary focus will be on enhancing the soundproofing in all individual offices, particularly in the new CEO's room, to ensure privacy during meetings. Additionally, Spark is interested in testing demountable wall systems in this project as a pilot for future renovations at their headquarters.

Role: Project Architect

Responsibilities:

• Documenting and converting existing CAD drawings to BIM system, facilitating visualization and coordination.

• Developing multiple design options for clients to choose from.

• Researching materials and products for quality, cost, and sustainability.

• Meticulously preparing permit and construction drawings to meet regulatory requirements.

• Coordinating with consultants and contractors for seamless project integration.

• Efficiently performing construction administration duties, including reviewing submittals and addressing RFIs promptly.

PROVIDED BY BY BALLINGER

PROVIDED BY BY BALLINGER

(2)

(2)

Light Box

Pigeon Lofts and House 2019

Project Description:

The project tackles the integration of pigeon racing and illegal additions for pigeon lofts in Taiwan, aiming to address neighborhood protests and government suppression. It focuses on creating a microclimate through a light box for natural light and airflow, serving as the main circulation for racing training and pigeon care. The design also features a declined rooftop to mitigate site limitations and prevent pigeons from landing during training. Convection is enhanced through strategic openings and roof heating, while the use of corrugated plastic sheets reduces heat absorption. This innovative approach harmonizes functionality, aesthetics, and environmental considerations within a budget of $170,000 for a 5,500 sq ft residential and sports clinic program in Yilan, Taiwan.

Role: Project Architect

Responsibilities:

• Designing the core and shell of the building to integrate residential and pigeon loft spaces, ensuring functionality and practicality for both purposes from schematic design to construction administration.

• Selecting building materials to address heat accumulation issues efficiently within budget constraints.

• Coordinating with pigeon experts to design practical spaces that meet the needs of both pigeons and owners, considering factors such as habitat requirements and training needs.

• Developing a minimal residential kit for the building to accommodate training seasons and ensure the comfort and well-being of occupants.

Axonometric Section: Rhino Modeling, Illustrator, Photoshop

Section: Rhino Modeling, AutoCAD, Illustrator

Vernacular Voidscape

The Al Rahmaniyah Mosque and Al Rahmaniyah Primary and Secondary Schools, situated immediately adjacent to the Library, are two of the most important cultural infrastructures in Sakaka. In addition to bringing the library up to date, we aim to connect the currently isolated establishments on site by physically and visually linking the various buildings through landscape interventions and built forms. The heart of the project is a continuous spatial sequence comprised of (1) a public sunken promenade, flowing under the library, linking the main entry plaza with the Park Library; (2) a vertical atrium volume connecting the sunken promenade to the sky; (3) and a rooftop viewing platform that visually connects with the entry plaza, the Mosque and the school.

Revitalization of the Dar Al-Uloum Library 2018 / SD

Role: Designer

Project Info: 65,000 sq ft; program: library

Responsibilities:

Schematic Design, Detail Development, Renderings

Type: International Competition

Location: Sakaka, Al Jouf Region

Architect: Daekwon Park

Honor: Finalist

Render: Rhino Modeling, Vray, Photoshop

Exploded Axonometric: Rhino Modeling, Illustrator

Basement Plan: AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator

Amazon Handmade

The Amazon Corporation’s history of predatory pricing and acquisitions have allowed the company to grow astronomically since it began public trading in 1997. In fact, the entry point for our class investigation is centered on the 13.7 billion dollar acquisition of Whole Foods in 2017. The venture into brick and mortar food retail is particularly interesting, considering the company’s rise can be attributed to bypassing a physical presence in favor of lowering prices of their products. Similarly, Amazon has decided to open small physical bookstores nationwide (13 and counting). Why would Amazon open a bookstore after leveraging their exclusively digital retail model?

Our project contends that Amazon wishes to occupy the brick and mortar retail vacuum that it has created via its business practices by exploiting the nostalgic aspects of independent retailing.

The Logistic Space of Amazon 2018 / Comprehensive Design Studio

Role: Grade Student

Responsibilities:

Concept Design, Schematic Design, Detail Development, 3D Modeling,Physical Modeling Renderings

Type: Academic/ Syracuse

Location: Brooklyn, NYC

Collaborator: Philip Weston Claghorn

Critics: Daniele Profeta, Nicole McIntosh

Sectional Perspective: BIM (Revit), Rhino Modeling, Vray, Grasshopper, Illustrator, Photoshop

Exploded Diagram: Rhino Modeling, Illustrator

Second Floor Plan: BIM (Revit), Rhino Modeling, Illustrator

An Incubator for Glaciers

The Glaciers Incubator program utilizes artificial glacier production to provide and conserve freshwater resources for local agricultural activities. Additionally, it houses a laboratory with a weather station for mountain biome research and serves as a greenhouse to preserve Tibetan herbal medicine. Glaciers are vital freshwater sources, storing water as ice during colder seasons and releasing it as meltwater in warmer temperatures, crucial for plants, animals, and human use. The Gangotri Glacier, depicted in the image, exemplifies this importance, being one of the largest in the Himalayas. Despite its significance, Gangotri has been receding since 1780, with accelerated retreat observed after 1971, shrinking over 850 meters in the last 25 years, including 76 meters from 1996 to 1999.

The Anthropocene Era Studio 2016 / Mountain Biome Research and Design

Role: Grade Student

Responsibilities:

Research, Concept Design, Schematic Design, 3D Modeling,Physical Modeling Renderings

Type: Academic/ Syracuse

Location: Ladakh, Indian

Collaborator: Lina Wang

Critics: Lori Brown, Julie Larsen

Rendering: Rhino Modeling, Vray, Photoshop

Section: Rhino Modeling, Vray, Illustrator, Photoshop

Rendering: Photoshop

Model Info:

Size: 24" x 5" x 3"

Method: Laser Cut, 3D Print

Material: Chipboard, PLA Filament, Dry Flower, Printer Paper, Wood Powder

Professional Experience

Project Architect | Ballinger | 2019 - 2024

◦ Collaborated closely with firm principals on the pre-design phase of CHOP, Temple, and Drexel's campus planning.

◦ Run entire office renovation projects as a project architect from inception to completion.

◦ Run the CHOP NPT garage independently and coordinated with CS team and MEP teams.

◦ Project Experience: CHOP NPT (DD-CD), CHOP KOP Extension (Pre-design), Temple University School of Podiatric (Pre-design), Wexford Drexel Academic Tower (CD), Spark-Cira Office Renovation (SD-CA), INOVA-Springfield Hospital (CD).

Freelance Designer | HR Design Studio | 2018 - Present

◦ Designed, obtained permits, and created construction drawings, managing coordination between contractors and clients.

◦ Developed financial management and time management skills for small residential renovation projects.

◦ Project Experience: Townhouse Remodel/ TW, PA(SD-CA), Small Restaurant Interior/ PA (SD-CD), Small House Core and Shell/TW (SD-DD).

Design Studio Teaching Assistant | School of Architecture at Syracuse University | 2017-2018

◦ Assisted course professors with materials and provided one-on-one and group discussions during design studio sessions

Researcher | CEMEX Research Group + Aptum Architecture, 2016-2018

◦ Developed schematic design (SD) and design development (DD), and landscape design for the award-winning Rhizolith Island "Mangrove Conservation" project in Cartagena, Colombia (program: infrastructure).

◦ Developed and tested mock-ups for the CMU Grand Syracuse Habitat Humanity project in Syracuse, New York (program: residential).

Skills

3D Modeling

◦ Rhino, Revit, Grasshopper, Sketchup

Graphics

◦ V-Ray 3.0, Enscape, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Acrobat, AutoCAD, Lumion, Bluemean

Physical Modeling

◦ Laser Cut, 3D Print, CNC Mill, Woodshop, Vacuum Forming

Languages

◦ Mandarin, English, Taiwanese

Education

Master of Architecture | Syracuse University, U.S.A. | 2015-2018

◦ Design studio teaching assistant (Top 5% awarded)

◦ Selected Project in Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism / Hong Kong

◦ Alfred L. Kaskel Scholarship

Bachelor of Architecture | Tamkang University, Taiwan | | 2007-2012

◦ School representative team for Taiwan Tower Competition

◦ Outstanding Thesis Design Award, Tamkang University