Melissa S. How melissahow@gmail.com
http://issuu.com/melissahow/ docs/2012portfolio/ www.linkedin.com/in/melissahow
EDUCATION
Harvard University Graduate School of Design Cambridge, MA - 2010 - 2012 Master of Landscape Architecture, with Distinction University of Southern California School of Architecture Los Angeles, CA - 2002 - 2007 Bachelor of Architecture, Cum Laude Center for Adv. Research & Technology Clovis, CA - 2000 - 2001 Engineering & Product Development Floyd B. Buchanan High School Clovis, CA - 1998 - 2002 Valedictorian
professional experience
Michael Van Valkenburgh & Associates
Brooklyn, New York
Freelance contractor - August 2012 to September 2012 Aided the MVVA competition team for the 2012 Waller Creek competition in Austin, Texas with graphic design, illustrative renderings, and production for the presentation materials and booklet.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Teaching Assistant, Landscape Core Studio IV - January 2012 to May 2012 Provided students with project feedback, researched precedents for presentation to class, created and led presentations, and provided logistical administration.
Quatro Design Group
Los Angeles, California
Project designer & Job captain - July 2007 to July 2010 Worked on three educational projects from competition through construction documents, and four competition entries for institutional projects. Produced drawings, diagrams, presentations, and study models. Presented design concepts to clients and users and participated in design charettes with stakeholders. Coordinated with consultants and clients to solve design, code, and standards issues. Led in house sustainability seminars.
Lehrer Architects
Los Angeles, California
Intern - October 2005 to February 2007 Created physical and 3D study models. Produced construction documents and presentation boards. Developed layouts for proposals and submittals of qualifications. Contacted media outlets and created graphic and image press packages for project publication.
CSL Associates
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Intern - June 2003 to July 2003 Drafting and material board creation. Sourced materials and coordinated with manufacturers.
SKILLS & Languages awards & honors
Software & Others: Proficiency with both Windows and Mac OS, Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros 3D, SketchUp, Form Z, Grasshopper, ArcGIS, Ecotect, AquaVeo, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere), HTML web design, digital and physical modeling
Languages: Excellent reading, writing, and speaking skills in English; beginner Bahasa Malaysia, beginner French
America Society of Landscape Architects - Student Honor Award Dismantle/Rebuild: A New Framework for Willets Point - Awarded 2012 Honor award conferred for outstanding student work in the Analysis and Planning category.
ASLA Honor & Merit Award Nominee Harvard University Graduate School of Design - Nominated 2012 Nominated by faculty for academic merit in the Masters of Landscape Architecture program and awarded by ASLA committee.
International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam - Parallel Cases selected project Dismantle/Rebuild: A New Framework for Willets Point - Exhibited Summer 2012 Student project selected for exhibition in the Smart Cities: Parallel Cases exhibit.
Tau Sigma Delta Architecture Honor Society Member University of Southern California Chapter - Awarded 2007 National architecture honor society. Membership conferred based on scholarship, leadership, and design ability.
ACCREDITATIONS & notable activities
- LEED速 Accredited Professional - Penny White Traveling Fellowship juror - Harvard Graduate School of Design, 2012 - Recupera Chile (Post-disaster economic recovery team) - Designer, 2012 - Orderly Civilians - Owner, Accessories and jewelry - http://www.orderlycivilians.com - QDG Sustainability Workgroup - Communications Chair & Learning Coordinator, 2007 - 2010 - Nuit Blanche, New York - Freelance render artist, 2011 - 2012 - San Gabriel Valley, CA Habitat for Humanity - Volunteer