Architecture Portfolio by Paulo Murguia Jr

P O R T F O L I O

PAULO MURGUIA JR. SELECTED WORKS2021-2024

“The soul has a greater need for the ideal than for the real.”

- Steven Holl

PAULO MURGUIA JR.

EDUCATION

MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

2021-Present

- Currently a fifth-year student, on track to complete the master's program by May 2025.

- Current GPA: 3.5

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

- Completed an Associate of Science with a GPA of 3.4

- Recieved a Student-Athlete Scholar award with a GPA of 4.0

WORK EXPERIENCE

MAMMOTH BUILT

Architectural Intern

BRR ARCHITECTURE

Architectural Intern

July 2019

September 2024-Present

Summer 2024

- Assist architects and designers in creating concept sketches, architectural drawings, renderings, and 3D models using industry-standard software (Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.).

- Assist in site visits to gather information, document existing conditions, and support the coordination of design intent with on-site realities.

- Working with a team of designers, engineers, and contractors throughout the design and construction process.

NSPJ ARCHITECTS

Architectural Intern

August 2023 - May 2024

- Assist architects and designers in creating concept sketches, architectural drawings, renderings, and 3D models using industry-standard software (Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.).

- Assist in site visits to gather information, document existing conditions, and support the coordination of design intent with on-site realities.

- Preparing detailed documents for construction, including specifications and drawings.

- Ensuring designs comply with local building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility standards.

TREANORHL

Architectural Intern

Summer 2023

- Assist architects and designers in creating concept sketches, architectural drawings, renderings, and 3D models using industry-standard software (Revit, SketchUp, etc.).

- Assist in site visits to gather information, document existing conditions, and support the coordination of design intent with on-site realities.

- Participate in design charrettes, brainstorming sessions, and team meetings to contribute fresh ideas and perspectives.

District 87 Career + Technical School

Spring 2024 | Kansas City, Missouri

In the heart of Kansas City’s 18th and Vine district stands the Manual Career and Technical High School, a hub of learning that draws students from all corners of the city. Tasked with chronicling the school’s history and the vibe of its neighborhood, my partner and I embarked on a journey that involved diving deep into city’s demographics, urban dynamics, and big-picture planning. Backed by research and curated modes of inspiration, we navigated through pre-design brainstorming, schematic design, and technical documentation to craft the perfect space to replace the current school building.

Additionally, in this document,you’ll find rendered views to help capture the essence of the school but also its seamless fit into the vibrant urban landscape. From concept to construction, the Manual Career and Technical School transitions into District 87, a new hub and community asset of Greater Kansas City.

Concept and Site

DEFINE PROGRAM ADJACENCIES

Define Program Adjacencies

Designate a program to align with broader Kansas City.

CREATE INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPACES

Define pathways that encourage interior circulation and various access points for community members to experience. Maintaining program to account for adjacency.

circulation and various access points for community members to experience. Maintaining program to account for adjacency. EXTRUDE

Create Indoor/Outdoor Spaces Extrude

Create opportunities for light, public/private spatial relationships, and topography changes.

Create opportunites for light, public/private spatial relationships, and topography changes

CONNECT + CIRCULATE

Connect + Circulate

Allow circulation to connect back to each program wing. Bridges act as social cores for less structured learning experiences.

Allow Circulation to connect back to each program wing. Bridges act as social cores for less structured learning experiences.

Outdoor Courtyard Space

The bridge seamlessly integrates classrooms with green areas, encouraging students to transition freely between learning environments. Natural light floods the interior, creating a sense of community while promoting curiosity and engagement.This not only enhances circulation within the school but also strengthens the bond between nature and education.

Egress and Structural

ADA PARKING ACCESS

ELEVATOR ACCESS located in the central area of the program and accessible to each floor.

ELEVATOR ACCESS located in the central area of the building and accessible to each floor.

All accessible on the main floor level, featuring social bridge.

All accesible on the main level, featuring social bridge.

Metal beams and columns provide robust support for various design elements

Metal beams and columns provide robust support for various design elements.

Steel construction system, with column grid system laid out in increments of 15' span. Triple-height atrium space features soaring steel columns and expansive openness.

Steel construction system, with column grid system laid out in increments of 15’ span. Triple-height atrium space featuring soaring steeling columns and expansive openness.

Cantilevered bridge spans the atrium, supported by meticulously placed bracing systems.

Latitudinal Section

Longitudinal Section

3" = 1'-0"

= 1'-0"

30’ 60’ 120’

DETAIL B

DETAIL A

DETAIL

DETAIL A

ROOF LEVEL 45’

THIRD LEVEL 30’

DETAIL B

THIRD LEVEL 30’

MAIN LEVEL 15’

DETAIL B GROUND LEVEL 0’

DETAIL B

Physical Model

The sectional model showcases the central features of the program, emphasizing the interactions of the atrium, social bridge, and outdoor courtyard. The key is to reveal how these spaces connect, faciliating a flow that enhances the communal and educational experience. Together, these elements form a cohesive environment that supports the school’s functional and social program.

KU Artist Residency and Exhibit Hall

Fall 2022 | Lawrence, Kansas

Located adjacent to Marvin Hall on the University of Kansas campus, this innovative art museum and residency program is designed to create a dynamic intersection of art, education, and community engagement. The project aims to provide a vibrant space where students, faculty, and visitors can interact with contemporary art, while also offering emerging artists a platform for creative exploration and growth. The residency program offers a unique opportunity for artists to live and work on campus, providing them with dedicated studio spaces and artist apartments.

Throughout their residency, artists will contribute to the cultural landscape of the university by engaging with students and faculty, as well as sharing their creative process through an immersive art exhibition. The goal of this project is to inspire college students by integrating art into their daily environment, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with working artists, explore creative ideas, and experience the transformative power of art.

Concept and Site

This project seeks to create a dynamic space that unfolds through a series of spatial explorations, guiding visitors on a journey of discovery. The design emphasizes fluidity, ensuring smooth transitions between varied experiences—such as the intimate studios of resident artists and the expansive gallery spaces—inviting interaction and engagement. The space deliberately introduces moments of tension release, where the flow of movement and the shifting scale of spaces create both visual and emotional contrasts, echoing the process of artistic creation.

As visitors navigate from quiet, reflective areas to vibrant communal spaces, they experience the evolving relationship between art, the artist, and the public. A central courtyard acts as both a physical and metaphorical threshold between private artistic space and public interaction, enhancing the sense of connection.

JayhawkBlvd. MemorialDr.

Naismith

Dr.

Crescent Rd.

MarvinHall

ChalmersHall

Lindley Hall

Ritchie Hall

Slawson Hall

SnowHall

BudigHall

MarvinStudios

0’ 100’

Ground Level

2.Gift Shop

3.Cafe amd Kitchen

4.Admin. Offices 5. Library 6.Public Restrooms

8.Service Elevator

9.Public Elevator

10.Soundproof Studios 11.Storage

12.Elevator

13.Art Residency

14. Outdoor Gathering Area

Chalmers Hall

Marvin Hall

Second Level

Key:

1.Gallery/Exhibition Lobby

2.Public Elevator

3.Service Elevator

4.Art Studios

5.Art Residency

6.Elevator

North Elevation

South Elevation

East Elevation

West Elevation

Longitudional Section

Gallery/Exhibit Hall

Art Studios

South Wing Hallway

4. 5. 6. Service Elevator Storage Room Lobby Area

Wall Section and Detail

Parapet Wall

University of Kansas Welcome Center

Spring 2022 | Lawrence, Kansas

In an institution of such rich history and academic distinction, the absence of a centralized “gateway” space offers an intriguing challenge: How can we define and articulate the core values of KU in a way that establishes a truly impactful and meaningful welcome center?

To answer this question, my approach has been rooted in an in-depth exploration of the campus environment. By collecting a wealth of site insights, I have conducted a diagrammatic analysis of how the KU community engages with its campus and the broader cultural landscape. This analysis includes identifying key movement patterns, points of intersection, and the various activities that define campus life—whether academic, social, or extracurricular. These insights are fundamental to understanding how a welcome center could serve as a physical and symbolic anchor for the university, fostering a sense of connection, inclusion, and pride for all who encounter it.

The design process, therefore, seeks to integrate the university’s values of community, innovation, and tradition into a space that not only welcomes visitors but also embodies the spirit of KU.

Concept and Site

Diagram Analysis:

My incorporation of diverse forms and varied line weights represents my perception of the site’s spatial attributes. The decision to position my welcome center on this site was driven by the belief that its inherent qualities could significantly elevate the KU experience. The diagram serves as a visual representation of the components that contribute to my sensory grasp of the site.

Site Diagram

Jayhawk Blvd.

MississippiSt.

Memorial Dr.

Distance:

The black lines delineate the intrinsic natural forces at play within the site. The varying lengths of each line correspond to distinct viewpoints of the surrounding area.

Key:

Topography

Trees

Sidewalks

Streets

- Jayhawk Blvd.

- Mississippi St.

- Memorial Dr.

Surrounding Buildings

- 1. Bailey Hall

- 2. Lippincott Hall

Site Diagram Components

Pause:

The black forms signify spatial instances where tension is released or moments of pause occur within the site.These elements offer visitors the opportunity to absorb the created site experience.

Aggregate Space:

The grey forms delineate zones of carefully curated spaces. The underlying principle is to engender a sense of belonging among individuals through purposeful movement that spans the entirety of the site.

1. Conference Room

2. Janitor Room

3. Lobby (5ft elevated)

4. Memory Room 5. Private Office

6. Public Restrooms

7. Storage Room

1. Location Room

2. Plaza/Landscape

Level 4

Level 5

1. Coffee Shop 2. Sidewalk/Landscape 1. Future Room

Burcham Park Ecological Community Center

Fall 2021 | Lawrence, Kansas

Burcham Park Ecological Community Center is an innovative design that brings together the City of Lawrence, Friends of the Kaw, and local universities to create a hub for ecological research, wildlife preservation, and river health advocacy. Located at Indiana Street, adjacent to the historic Old West Lawrence neighborhood and across from the Kaw River Water Treatment Plant, this center serves as both a community asset and a catalyst for environmental education and action.

The facility includes classrooms designed for interactive learning and a state-of-the-art ecological research lab, fostering collaboration among students, researchers, and local organizations. With its strategic location near Burcham Park and the Kaw River, the center harnesses the energy and momentum of the area’s natural resources to inspire greater engagement with the environment and promote sustainable practices.

Concept and Site

Site Photos and Thoughts:

The images displayed aside showcase present perspectives of the site. My aim was to encapsulate the site’s core attributes. Primarily, it’s important to highlight the contrasting ambiance compared to Burcham Park, stemming from the substantial topographical variations that create a dynamic, undulating landscape. This is in stark contrast to the relatively level expanse of Burcham Park. Another critical aspect is the proximity of the train tracks, a factor that will significantly influence the building’s orientation. Lastly, the surounding preexisting structures are also noteworthy factors that must be taken into careful consideration.

My Conceptual Thoughts:

During the initial phases of my design process, I recognized the site’s remarkable topography as a pivotal asset, one I was determined not to undermine. Deliberating on how to capture the essence of the land, I perceived its undulating nature as a series of waves, an observation that instantly reminded me of Richard Serra’s impactful sculptural work, designed to guide movement within spaces. It was at this juncture that the notion of integrating a similar experiential quality into the site struck me as intriguing.

In my initial concept sketch, I sought to translate the sensations evoked by the site’s topography into tangible forms. The sloping walls served as representations of the oscillating feeling of traversing the site’s elevation changes. Additionally, I contemplated the prospect of infusing a Richard Serra encounter, envisioning layers within my forms that would encapsulate distinct visual instances of spatial engagement.

Kaw Water Treatment Plant (1)

Indiana St.

W 3rd St.

(2)

House (1)

House (2)

(3)

Entrance to Burcham Park

South Elevation North

East Elevation

1. Main Entrance

2. Stairs

3. Garden Entrance/Exit

4. Expo. Space

Unisex Bathrooms

6. Elevator 7. Gathering Space

8. Classroom 1

Level 1

1. Stairs

2. Storage Room

3. Office

4. Elevator

5. Classroom 2

Level 2

Physical Model

Burcham Park Observation Tower

Fall

2021 | Lawrence, Kansas

The Burcham Park Observation Tower is a pivotal component of Friends of the Kaw’s expanding vision to advance their mission of environmental advocacy and education. Strategically located at Burcham Park, this observation tower will serve as both a landmark and a functional space for the organization’s staff, volunteers, and the public. The tower will feature an elevated observation deck, offering sweeping views of the Kaw River and surrounding natural landscapes, allowing visitors to engage with the environment from a new perspective. In addition to the tower, the building will house an indoor ecology classroom and exhibition space, providing a venue for educational programs and public events. The design includes office spaces for staff, public restrooms, and kayak/canoe storage to support river access. Thoughtfully integrated into the site’s circulation network, the building will connect seamlessly to existing and proposed transportation routes, including bike paths, pedestrian walkways, and public transit, ensuring easy access for all visitors. With its focus on enhancing the relationship between people and the river, the Burcham Park Observation Tower will become a vital resource for environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Design Concepts and Process

1st iteration:

While positioned on the bridge, I directed my gaze across the watercourse and became captivated by the tree angles. On the left-hand side, I swiftly sketched my interpretation of their a lignment, and I further solidified the concept by creating a model.

2nd iteration:

Building upon the notion of angular shifts within the trees, I proceeded to advance my exploration. I created another study model, this time focusing on representing the voids between the trees using solid mass forms.

3rd iteration:

Upon revisiting the two distinct forms and concepts, I merged them in an effort to synthesize a unified shape. Additionally, these conceptual sketches played a crucial role in deepening my comprehension and exploration of potential circulation pathways within this space.

South View Elevation

West View Site Section

Approaching The Space

In my perspective sketches, my goal was to convey potential approaches to this site. I firmly believe that a key aspect of elevating architecture is the deliberate crafting of perspectives, enhancing the way people engage with it. This process can enrich the space’s value without unnecessary complexity. These perspective views essentially capture the narrative of a journey through this environment.

Physical Model

Hand Drawings

These sketches are from my first year in studio – a collection of hand-drawn impressions. Among the remarkable architectural wonders I’ve encountered, the Bloch Addition at the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City truly stands out. It became an intriguing subject as I endeavored to capture the interplay of spatial tonalities and textures that came alive as I navigated its interior. I tried out different art mediums to experiment and learn. This helped me explore various sketching methods I had picked up in the studio.

Color Pencil art mediums Pen art mediums

Marker, Color Pencil, and Pen art mediums

Pencil art mediums

PAULO MURGUIA JR | SELECTED WORKS | 2021-2024