Work Samples '24

WORK SAMPLES | RAJ GAJJAR

RAJ GAJJAR

LEED AP BD+C

Hi! I’m an architectural designer with 4+ years of experience, working on strategic design solutions with a desire to shape sustainable and functional environment. I strongly believe that designs have the power to influence an individual’s approach and reflect a unique sense of values as they evolve over years with each individual’s personal touch.

“Design is not just what you see and feel. It’s how it makes you think.”

- Steve Jobs

As simple as this quote sounds, it justifies the fact that design is beyond the arrangement of different shapes and masses. It demands a conscious effort to understand and implement the evolving needs of a larger context. C

raj.gajjarb@gmail.com

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linkedin.com/in/rajgajjar

C r E d E ntials

NCARB Certificate

National Council of Architectural Registration Board (ARE - 4/6 Completed, AXP - Completed)

LEED AP BD+C

Green Building Certifications Inc. - GBCI (Credential ID - 0011414358)

Registered Licensed Architect

Council of Architecture - India (CA/2019/110620)

W ork E xp E ri E n CE

Blackbird Architects (Intermediate Designer), Santa Barbara, California, USA

- Worked on 10 projects of varying scales (Residential, Educational, Commercial, Interior Renovations).

- Integral part of the design team for multiple projects starting from Concept design into Construction.

- Interacted with clients & coordinated directly with project consultants during different stages of projects.

- Supervised the development of construction documents & reviewed cost estimates.

- Managed QA/QC & Construction observation tasks (RFI’s, Submittals, Field Reports) for certain projects.

Blocher Partners India (Architectural Intern), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

- Assisted the design team in delivering stratergic design solutions on projects (Commerial, Institutional)

- Prepared concept sketches & presentation drawings for client meetings.

- Coordinated shop drawings & worked with consultants for Façade design optimization.

- Conducted product research & interacted with product representatives as per project requirements.

E du C ation

Bachelor in Architecture (B.Arch)

Faculty of Architecture - Sarvajanik College of Engineering & Technology, Surat, India

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Core Skills

(In Progress)

(2019 - Present)

(2019 - Present)

(2019 - Present)

(2017 - 18)

(2014 - 19)

Adaptability, Acountability, Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Initiative, Problem Solving, Time Management

2D/3D Modelling, 3D Rendering

AutoCAD, Revit, Vectorworks, SketchUp 3D, Rhinoceros 3D, Lumion, Enscape, VRAY, Twinmotion

Digital Imaging

Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premier Pro, After Effects

[I] TRANQUIL

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA, USA RESIDENCE | PROFESSIONAL

As it is often said, “A house is a reflection of one’s personality”. Every detail contributes to the overall vibe and feel of the space, making it a canvas for self-expression and a place where one can truly be themself.

Nestled within the serene neighbourhood offering breathtaking views of the ocean, this contemporary residence creates a unique composition of cozy and stylish living. Incorporating an open floor plan and plenty of windows to maximize natural light and flow, aids in creating a space that’s perfect for both relaxing and entertaining.

Fig. | 1.01 Proposed Site Plan

Fig. | 1.03 North - East Elevation

Fig. | 1.05 Sectional Elevation

Fig. | 1.04 Aerial Overview of the Proposed Design

Fig. | 1.06 Enlarged Section through Fireplace

[II] OASIS

BHUJ, GUJARAT, INDIA HOSPITALITY | PROFESSIONAL

A locale in the dry & mundane setting of Bhuj demanded an exuberant character. The program asked for a clubhouse design with various functions & amenities for a delightful experience.

The site being in the outskirts of the city was free from the surrounding context, allowing the peace required.The idea was to create an experience of peace & joy in which a visitor can relax upon.

Fig.

2.01 Proposed Site Plan

The activities in the clubhouse are not just limited to internal spaces but are expanded to open landscape areas as well. The relationship between inside and outside is carefully maintained by having multifunctional courtyards.

Diverse activities are involved in forming the program, allowing a fun experience for the visitor regardless of the age group.

Fig. | 2.04 Entries into the site & the built spaces

Fig. | 2.02 Program Formulation by blending various Functions

Fig. | 2.05 Overview of the Proposed Design

Fig. | 2.03 Zoning of spaces on site considering the extensive programmatic requirements

Fig. | 2.06 Box Window Facade Sectional Elevation

Fig. | 2.07 Brick Screen Facade Sectional Elevation

Fig. | 2.09 Internal view from the Restaurant looking into the Kids Courtyard

Fig. | 2.08 Looking into the Central Courtyard consisting the Outdoor Pool

[III] COMMUNE

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA, USA COMMERCIAL | PROFESSIONAL

An extremly essential part of a thriving community is a space for people to congregate, worship & share experiences.

Working in close collaboration with the stakeholders of the project, the idea was to create a space that is inclusive, accessible, and visually striking while serving as a hub for social, cultural, and educational activities. With the concious approach to not deminish the historic character of the neighbourhood the project is situated in, the proposed design is intended to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding context while restoring the lost historic character of the exterior facade.

Fig. | 3.01 Sanctuary Space during service

Fig. | 3.03 Proposed North Elevation

Fig. | 3.02 Proposed Floor Plan

Fig. | 3.04 Looking at the Exterior Facade from across the street

Fig. | 3.05 Restored North Elevation to blend with the surrounding historic context

Fig. | 3.06 Open Gathering Space after service

Fig. | 3.08 Sectional Perspective

Kids ClAssRoom

nARtHex / oPen GAtHeRinG sPACe teCH BootH

Fig. | 3.07

Open Gathering Space during social events

sAnCtuARy

stAGe

WAlKABle sKyliGHt

oPen Roof deCK

[IV] CAPITOL

AMRAVATI, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA INSTITUTIONAL | ACADEMIC

The conjuncture of partition of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and the emergence of Amravati as the former’s capital, demanded to be designed, a legislative assembly. The site ideally sits on the dorsal end of the city, with river Krishna to its north.

The need and purpose of the built unresistantly allowed its association with the open scape, here the democratic essence of respecting “public needs”, plays its role in the backdrop.

Intergration of the built depicting rigidity & linearity.

Mass upliftment, allowing visual & spatial free flow on ground.

Lightening the overall structure, with a open piazza in the center housing the core functions.

Slab modulation resulting in the formation of open terraces.

Treating the external facade to bring out a visually appealing structure.

- inCoRPoRAtion of A CentRAl CouRtyARd

Fig. | 4.02

Significant Design Ideas

- fReeinG tHe GRound leVel

Fig. | 4.01 Design Process

Fig. | 4.03 Proposed Floor Plan

Fig. | 4.04 Section AA’

VerTiCal fins

A controlled procurement of light , also an element adding to the aesthetic appeal.

pergolas

Overhanging pergolas help in cutting off the direct light coming through.

perforaTed sCreens

The perforations act as a physical barrier, allowing visual connectivity.

PedestRiAn WAlKWAy

nAtuRAl BuffeR

VeHiCulAR RoAd

PuBliC PlAzA/ PARAde GRound eneRGy effeCient

VeHiCulAR PARKinG

Fig. | 4.05 Salient elements of the project.

Fig. | 4.08 Proposed Design Site Section

CiRCulAtion

oPen GReens

WAteR Pods

PuBliC PlAzA entRies

PuBliC entRy

CounCil HAll

ministeR’s PARKinG

AssemBly HAll

ViP entRy

ViP PARKinG

Fig. | 4.07 Site Zoning Diagram

Fig. | 4.06 Parking structure responding to the Climate.