Ray Gonzales Architecture Portfolio

MERGING ENVIRONMENTS

A Collection of Works & Adventures

Raymond (Ray) Cruz Corona Gonzales

From a very young age, I have been fascinated with the design of structures and the arts. My keen obsession with the built environment and design has evolved from my early days of building cityscapes out of Legos and Hot Wheel toy cars, to now, designing buildings and structures for projects and clients. I have a broad interest in various typologies of architecture, but the connections made between the built and natural environments through sustainability and biophilic design are foundational components to my works. I find that this connection between the built and natural environments can present challenges when creating, but is important to achieve because the preservation of the natural environment when creating the built environment is a public benefit.

This portfolio is a collection of works, projects, some travels, and sketches over my educational career, from my undergrade studies at Texas A&M University to my masters studies at the University of Washington. Several works aim in preserving that which exists in the surrounding environment while also creating a new built environment that compliments, captures, and enhances it. These projects focus on the users’ interaction between the built and natural environments while also creating a sense of shelter and use for the users. My broad interest in architecture motivates my experimentation such that project typologies differ from each other somewhat significantly. Projects include multi-family and single-family housing, adaptive reuse, community centers, architectural installations, and educational institutions.

This collection of my works was created with the intent of demonstrating my use of experimentation throughout my architectural career so far. I have invested time in developing my personal architectural style in design and graphics as well as my sketching abilities. My works reflect the application of my learnings to create architectural and design solutions that capture my ideals of connecting the built and natural environments. As I journey through my professional architectural career, I look forward to opportunities that provide me ways in which to continue to evolve and expand my style.

LEVELS

A Space For Healing Placed Near The Roman Coliseum 2.1.....

CITY - SEWARD PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

A New Neighborhood Urban Plan For Hillman City And Seward Park

2.2..... THE CHURCH CORNER

Missing Middle Housing Proposal For Religious Properties In Seattle 3.....

Existing US Post Office Reimagined As A Community Center 4.....

Abandoned Pier Remade Into An Art School And Gallery

Study Of Built And Natural Environments In Norway

Doll House Designed And Constructed For A Women’s Shelter

An Architectural Installation Inspired By Bending A 2x4 Piece Of Lumber

A Collection Of Free-Hand Sketches Over The Years

1. LEVELS

A Space For Healing Placed Near The Roman Coliseum

Levels is a community center project that serves as a space for the users to pursue healing. The goal of the project is to create a space for healing with a connection between the built and natural environments while also preserving and enhancing the existing historical context of ancient Rome.

There are four different areas/zones of healing: private, public, transition/connection, and vantage/viewing. Healing and spirituality can present itself in many different forms and levels of intensity. Healing is addressed with a combination of private medical spaces and public gathering spaces which can be accessed by residents and tourists alike. Spirituality has taken the form of “numinism”. A point of vantage is created to capture and view the ruins of Rome from above. The goal is to allow the user to have a “numinous experience”, marveling in awe at the city below. The project also serves as a major connection point between the lower level, where the Coliseum is located, and the upper-level neighborhood to the north.

The project site is a thin strip of infill land located across the street, and to the north of the Coliseum. It deals with many different grade changes as it is situated between two roads at different levels. The lower level features the Coliseum, and the upper level features a neighborhood with restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, and residences. The project site features a variety of sloped conditions in various directions, creating a challenging site to work with. The sloped conditions of the topography are dealt with by varying intermittent levels that are built into the slope of the project site. The existing pathway and stairs near the level change of 13 meters connects the upper and lower levels. Pedestrians must either walk around the project site to reach the lower level or take the small path down. There are some existing ruins on the project site, otherwise the project site is uninhabited.

Several forms of healing are reflected in the project. Private clinics and medical areas take on the form of physical healing spaces. Social healing is dealt with by creating outdoor public gathering areas with an outdoor market, the main stairs, and gathering spaces. Spiritual healing takes on the form of creating vantage points or spaces on roof top terraces that feature gardens. Users can view the ruins of Rome from above the street level while also taking in the natural greenery that is placed on the roof terraces. Psychological healing takes on the form of creating spaces that users can adapt to and allow them to interact with other users. All zones of the project incorporate psychological healing. The design takes into consideration the societal lesson gained from the era of the COVID-19 pandemic of how critical it is for the public to gather under safe conditions. This project is designed to allow this to happen.

The architecture of this project is that of permanence, fulfilling a need of residents and tourists alike. It is in some sense monolithic, but it also blends into the surrounding context of Rome. Many of the forms and level changes of the project were directly influenced from both the topography and the surrounding context of the project site. The connection between the built and natural environments is established by creating open-air spaces, bringing nature and other natural elements into the architecture of the project, and using sustainable practices throughout the entire project. With the project site being situated in the heart of Rome, framing many of the views surrounding the project site was an important element as well. This project is meant to be a safe space, for the users to be able to heal and to find some sort of peace in their lives.

SII (N-S)

SIII (N-S)

As shown above in the Form Diagram, the form of this project is derived from the context from which it grows out of. The form abides to the surrounding built and natural environments, and takes a shape that is monumental in presentation, but also does not impede visually and physically on the Roman Coliseum and Forum. The project grows out of the ground; terracing and connecting all levels of the context to each other.

To the left is a Zone Diagram of the four different zones of the project. Each zone is meant to serve a different purpose in the concept of healing. The zones are a private healing space, a health clinic, a public healing space, an outdoor market hall and main stairs, and a semi-public healing space with the rooftop terrace. The roof terrace is considered semi-public because, while it is open to the public, it is elevated above the street level where all the noise and congestion is.

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FORM DIAGRAM

SECTION III (N-S)

2.1. HILLMAN CITY - SEWARD PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

A New Neighborhood Urban Plan For Hillman City And Seward Park

AXON SITE DIAGRAM

The Seattle neighborhoods of Hillman City and Seward Park are filled with natural and urban amenities. Residents of Seward Park can explore the shores of Lake Washington with views of the Cascade Mountain range, enabling the residents to feel connected to the broader Pacific Northwest environment. The Hillman City neighborhood connects to the Seattle metropolitan with just a short walk. These two neighborhoods sit fragmented from each other. This project is a new urban plan proposal that links the Hillman City and Seward Park neighborhoods.

The Hillman City and Seward Park neighborhoods are an encapsulation of Seattle’s challenges and opportunities. Two neighborhoods, historically divided by race, class, and wealth are gentrifying a once affordable neighborhood but failing to stitch themselves together. Seward Park and Lake Washington to the East, and the Rainier Valley and Hillman City’s continuous storefronts uphill to the West benefit from being connected, stitched together. Our three-person design team selected three areas along this transect from Rainier Avenue South to Seward Park to explore how we might facilitate healthy, equitable communities with access to outdoor amenities, mobility, and a community main street.

The urban plan proposes that South Orcas Street become the connector between the two neighborhoods. Its transformation to a proposed walking and biking-centered greenway allows users to whisk up and down Graham Hill between Lake Washington and Rainier Avenue South. It goes from being an underused arterial to a connective greenway. Proposed parklets of benches, trees, and bike parking facilitates ease and comfort of movement while bringing a bit of Seward Park up the hillside. Proposed grade-separated bike lanes and a 6’ sidewalk creates a quiet, engaging, and livable front setback from new housing. Street parking is provided while a ‘flex’ lane of driving remains in the middle of the street.

South Orcas Street provides the opportunity to foster the diversification of what it means to be a homeowner, neighbor, and community member. Proposed neighborhood-scale mixed-use development, parking pockets, and smart infill along the proposed greenway strengthen accessibility to larger resources such as Seward Park, the waterfront, and frequent transit routes. The proposed urban plan is a means for the neighborhoods of Hillman City and Seward Park to begin to develop a new identity – one focused on equity, health, and opportunity for all.

The image to the left is the proposed Neighborhood Site Plan. This diagrammatic site plan shows the intertwining of a park (right to left) and an urban commercial development (left to right) within the Hillman City and Seward Park neighborhoods. Users are then drawn through the neighborhood by the proposed connections. South Orcas Street serves as the central corridor, orchestrating these connections and user movements, stitching them all together.

The two images to the right show the existing streetscape and the new proposed streetscape along South Orcas Street via section cuts. Noticeable are the changes such as the added bike lanes and buffer space with vegetation. This would be accomplished by shrinking the entirety of the road itself.

2.2. THE CHURCH CORNER

Missing Middle Housing Proposal For Religious Properties In Seattle

The Church Corner is a project proposal for a “missing middle” housing complex in the greater Seattle area. The proposed project site is located on the northwest corner of the intersection between Wilson Avenue and South Orcas Street. This intersection is located near the very top of the ridge between the Hillman City and Seward Park neighborhoods. The current property of the project site is owned by a church. This proposal would require splitting the church parcel in half. There is a grade change along South Orcas Street of roughly 16’ over a length of roughly 145’.

There is currently legislation in work for the greater Seattle area that would allow churches and other religious institutions to propose affordable housing on their property. This project will work with this legislation to develop affordable housing on this parcel of land that will be shared with the church, to show what can be done in the greater Seattle area in the future with this legislation.

The structure will function as a mixed-use 3-over-1 property; one level of commercial will sit below three levels of residential units. Commercial units will line the street scape, allowing for parking in the rear which will be built into the landscape. A large amount of terrain will have to be excavated to achieve this. Commercial uses will include a small coffee shop, a corner store market, and a daycare for young children. Also at this level will be a main entry for the residential complex above with a leasing office and mail room tucked underneath a stair. There will also be bike storage space and a space allocated for building mechanical systems. The parking area will be covered with an outdoor courtyard space that is at the same grade as the first unit of residential and the existing church structure. There will also be a community center at this level. The courtyard space and community center will be shared with both the church and the residents of this affordable housing complex.

Residential units will be constructed to be affordable housing, all of which are one-bedroom units. The residential units will be stacked flats. Unit dimensions are roughly 16’x35’. All residential units will have an entry that faces towards the central courtyard. Single-sided corridors will be the main entry for the units above with exterior stairs and a central ADA approved elevator connecting all levels of the project to each other.

The goals of this proposal are to create affordable housing, densifying housing in the neighborhoods, creating a central node for the surrounding community and the church, and to create a point of interest to draw users along South Orcas Street from and to the Hillman City and Seward Park neighborhoods. This project takes into consideration the concept of the “15-minute city”. This is one of the most prominent corners along South Orcas Street, but is essentially a dead space as is. It is being unused by the church due to its steep topography. This is not a new building typology, but rather a project that showcases what can be done with the new legislation for churches and other religious institutions, and how this can be implemented across the greater Seattle area.

I wanted to connect the residents and users to the surrounding neighborhood while also giving them some sort of access to nature and the views that are given to the property of Lake Washington to the east. Biophilic and sustainability principles were considered in the design and the material selection for this project.

As shown in the Form Diagram to the right, the form of the project can be found in a few simple steps. It starts with taking the leasable lot area in the parcel and extruding it up, then carving out a courtyard space in the rear of the property, and then finished by pushing in the storefront facades of the structure. It is a simple boomerang/L shape, meant to encapsulate and frame the courtyard space in the rear while also providing views of Lake Washington for all the residents of the project.

A Pro-Forma was conducted for the project, as shown below. For 27 one-bedroom units in the project, the estimated average cost per unit was determined to be $609,917.00 and the estimated rent per month was found to be about $2,500.00 in total. The goal is to bring these costs down in the future as this is considered to be a little higher than the average market price (in the year 2022) for a one-bedroom residential unit in the greater Seattle area.

Housing Full Project 1 Bed

Lot Dimension 145'x101'

Leasable SF 33900

27 27

SF/ Unit 1,255.56 560

Cost/SF* $350.00 Construction Cost $11,865,000.00

Land Cost Typ. ** $450,000

Soft Costs - 15% *** $1,779,750.00

Profit - 20% $2,373,000.00

Total Cost $16,467,750.00

Cost/Unit $609,917 $272,034 Rent/Mo. **** $2,511 $1,736

* $300 ~ $400 sf Seattle 2022 Housing Costs Things that Increase Cost

** Gathered from Zillow Elevator

*** Consultants, Holding Costs, Fees, etc... Basements/Earthwork

**** $3.1/sf (Zillow) Property line adjacent construction

Nice Finishes

Large Spans

Corners

Addtl Bathrooms, kitchens etc...

Occupiable Roof

Steel

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4.

EXISTING CHURCH WORKABLE SITE

COMMERCIAL GROUND LEVEL FLOORPLAN

TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL LEVEL FLOORPLAN

3. IMMERSION

Existing US Post Office Reimagined As A Community Center

Immerse: to plunge into something that surrounds or covers (engross, absorb)

The existing US Post Office sits in the heart of the University District in Seattle, Washington. This project proposal is an adaptive re-use of this facility and land. The US Post Office is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of 43rd Street and University Avenue. Both streets serve as major axis cutting through the University District. 43rd Street serves as a route from the University of Washington to the new light-rail station located a block to the west of the US Post Office along 43rd Street. University Avenue serves as a hub for the University District with shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and variety of other programs lining the street. Both draw major pedestrian movement, and the project sits at the heart of this circulation.

The adaptive re-use of the existing US Post Office serves as a beacon for the community and daily pedestrian in the University District. Given its location, it will serve as a gravitational point in the University District, meant to draw the public in with various programs. Such programs are a community center, a food hall with various vendors, a roof terrace with roof top bars giving some sort of access to nature, and a mixed-use office space where anyone can occupy a desk for rent and set up shop. The concept is a place of immersion, where everyone from all backgrounds can find a use in the project and integrate.

The immersion effect also makes its way into the form and materiality of the project. A floating volume protrudes out and over the existing US Post Office, and then dives down and carves through via void space, a high atrium with a central stair, and out the existing building fabric via these glass volumes. To stitch together the existing and the new is one of the main goals of the project. Entering from University Avenue, a promenade is carved/ sliced through the US Post Office and through the void space, tying the US Post Office lobby to the food hall behind, and then takes the user all the way through to the alley in the back behind the US Post Office. The promenade is made into this procession by the incorporation of glass skylights in the roof, serving as the guiding means of the promenade, creating a central core.

To immerse the new volume that floats above the existing US Post Office as well as protect the new volume, a rain screen is used. It runs along the west, north, and east facades of the new floating volume. This protects the volume during the day but allows it to glow and shine as a beacon at night, capturing the eye of the user from the street. The void space punch through this new volume and through the US Post Office with a main stair running from the food hall level up to the top level of the mixed-use office space. The main stair does not extend down to the community center level as this is to give a bit more privacy to the community center from the rest of the public.

Immersion is a project meant to give back to the community. It is a place of refuge and yet a place of fun and entertainment, as it serves many different purposes. It is a gravitational point in the University District, immersing the user and the existing US Post Office into the surrounding built and natural environments.

In the Form Diagram to the left, the form of the project follows the concept of immersion and its principles. Various objects or masses are extruded through and immersed into each other. The existing US Post Office is taken and carved into, then volumes are immersed through and extruded out, engaging the streetscape. The circulation core is then extruded vertically, and a central corridor is extruded horizontally, immersing, and connecting all the objects/masses together. Mixed-use Office Space is placed on top of the US Post Office and the plaza area is used for other programs, with a second vertical circulation core volume placed on the end, though this one is not as vital to the overall circulation of the project.

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To the right is the Massing Diagram, showing the five different masses of the project and how they immerse themselves into one another. Each mass serves as a different zone or function, each vital to the circulation, program, and form of the project.

The existing US Post Office is marked in red, showing what remains of the original structure. The Promenade and Void Space immerse themselves horizontally and vertically, respectfully, stitching together all the masses of the project and serving as vital circulation arterials for the entire project. The Glass Boxes immerse themselves into the base of the US Post Office, stitching themselves into the rest of the project. The Mixed-use Office Space then sits above all other masses and in a sense floats over the entire project, while the Void Space is immersed in it, tying the mass of the Mixed-use Office Space with the rest of the project.

Existing US Post Office

Mixed-use Office Space

Glass Boxes

The Promenade

Void Space

SITE SECTION PERSPECTIVE I (E-W)

SITE SECTION PERSPECTIVE II (N-S)

4. THE CITY’S EXTENSION

Abandoned Pier Remade Into An Art School And Gallery

A pier serves as an extension piece from the land that connects to the sea. But could this possibly work in reverse? Is it possible for a pier to serve as an extension of the sea that connects to the land? Playing as this connection piece, the serves as an interaction point, connecting the sea to the city fabric on land Traditionally, a pier sits above the water line and extends out into the sea. But this interaction can be different such that the city connects to the water by different means. The City’s Extension shows three ways to do this; extending out over the water, getting low to the water but still slightly hovering over it, and floating on the water. Programs are divided into three different objects/buildings, and then each one of those uniquely interacts with the water. The pier serves as this puzzle piece or funnel, allowing the two sides to blend and mix. They wouldn’t be able to do so otherwise because of the hard-defined edge of land and sea.

The City’s Extension proposal was to create an educational art institution for the local Seattle community. Gallery space and art studios are the main programs for this educational art institution. There is also a building housing a small cafe with some offices and meeting rooms for the institution. Each building creates the connection between the built and the natural environments in its own unique way, connecting the user to the surrounding natural environment of the Puget Sound through the built environment. The interaction with the waters of Puget Sound is an important element to this project. Biophilic and sustainable principles were considered in the development of this project.

THE FISHBOWL

5. VALLE RESEARCH & TRAVELS

Study Of Built & Natural Environments In Norway

ØRNESVINGEN REST AREA AND VIEWPOINT

Architect: 3RW - Sixten Rahlff

Landscape Architect: Smedsvig Landskapsarkitekter AS

Artist: May Elin Eikaas-Bjerk

In the summer and fall of 2022, I conducted an adventure of a lifetime provided by the Valle Travel Scholarship through the University of Washington. I was awarded the scholarship for my proposal to study European architecture. Specifically, my proposal focused on research and analysis of the Norwegian National Tourist Routes and the connections that the routes make between the built and natural environments. I proposed this because of my interest in this connection and how the Norwegian design has embraced this concept as an enhancement to their surroundings. There is a specific culture in Norway that creates this strong connection between the citizens of Norway and their natural environment. They believe in the freedom to roam throughout their countryside, and the Norwegian National Tourist Routes are a perfect example of this culture, connecting Norwegians together. The Norwegian National Tourist Routes, known for their breathtaking landscapes, have architectural projects and installations scattered along them, functioning as destinations and rest stops for travelers. They are the works of renowned architects and designers from around the world such as Peter Zumethor and the international architectural firm, Snøhetta. I set out to study some of these routes in two different mediums: by car traveling along the routes, and by foot exploring the architectural projects and installations. I was intent on understanding the Norwegian style of architecture and culture, and their design principles for connecting the built and natural environments. I would document my findings through photography, video, journaling, and sketching. The terrain and topography greatly vary across Norway. It was interesting to see how this was addressed for the routes that I traveled such as the Geiranger-Trollstigen, which runs among fiords and mountains of western Norway, and the Lofoten Islands route, located inside the Artic Circle, that hopped along islands surrounded by towering mountains.

I had the opportunity to expand my research beyond the Norwegian National Tourist Routes. I traveled the country, visiting several Norwegian cities, including spending numerous weeks in Oslo, with its very unique and regional architecture. I also traveled across Europe to several cities and viewed other architectural styles such as that in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Malmo, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Venice, and London. During my travels, I saw some incredible architecture as well as magnificent natural landscapes.

The following images shown are a small collection that capture some of the fascinating architectural designs and breathtaking landscapes that I observed. Images vary from winding roads and scenic vantage points along the scenic routes to the stunning Nordic architecture in Oslo. These are but a few examples of what I witnessed and experienced during my travels.

TROLLSTIGEN REST AREA AND VIEWPOINT

Architect: Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter AS

TVERFFJELLHYTTA, THE NORWEGIAN WILD REINDEER PAVILION

Architect: Snøhetta

Landscape Architect: Snøhetta

GEIRANGER-TROLLSTIGEN NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTE REINE, NORWAY

GUDBRANDSJUVET REST AREA AND VIEWPOINT

Architect: Jensen & Skodvin Arkitektkontor

LOFOTEN ISLANDS NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTE

NORWEGIAN NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE Architect: Snøhetta

BEACH IN LOFOTEN ISLANDS

6. EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

Doll House Designed And Constructed For A Women’s Shelter

To achieve the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank of Eagle Scout, a Scout must complete a community service project of his choosing; planning and leading the execution of it with the help of his Troop. For personal my Eagle Scout project, I chose to build a fully furnished, large-scale dollhouse for a charitable organization that needed one for their women’s shelter. The purpose of the dollhouse was for it to be used as a tool by Councilors and Law Enforcement to help communicate with children who have witnessed or experienced abuse, as well as serve as a toy for children brought into the women’s shelter by their mothers.

As I set out on this project, my goal was to build a dollhouse that was detailed and realistic enough for children to desire to interact with it. For this reason, details such as dishes, toys, furniture, and gender specific room décor are an integral part of the dollhouse. My individual effort included researching, designing, prototyping, selecting materials, kitting the house, and then leading and overseeing the assembly of it by Troop 609 Boy Scouts and adult leaders. Construction was a group effort in which I assigned and oversaw the completion of individual tasks per the kits that were developed such as adhering shingles to the roof, assembling windows, making furniture, sewing quilts, painting various objects, and assembling the doll house structure.

The dollhouse was completed in the year 2013 and gifted to the Bay Area Turning Point in Houston Texas, where it is still in use by children at their women’s shelter. The dollhouse has come to help many children and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to provide an important benefit to these children in my hometown.

7. FLEXIBLE YET RIGID

An Architectural Installation Inspired By Bending A 2x4 Piece Of Lumber

YET RIGID

FLEXIBLE

INSTALLTION Built installation presented at the University of Houston

ORIGINAL 2X4 LUMBER CONCEPT

Flexible Yet Rigid is an architectural installation that was displayed at the Beginning Design Student (NCBDS) National Conference at the University of Houston in the year 2015. The installation was based on a concept I used for my studio project in my first semester at Texas A&M University. The objective of my studio project was to make a rigid 2’x4’ piece of wood bend. This was accomplished by cutting slits into the wood in various locations, allowing it to flex without breaking. The prototype of my original concept is shown in the inset. This concept was selected by my professor, Dr. Alireza Borhani, to be integrated into a design and constructed as an installation to display at the NCBDS conference. To accomplish this, I selected and led a project team of fellow classmates in designing and constructing the installation and developing the accompanying presentation.

The design took into consideration wood material selection, and redwood was chosen for its softer density, allowing it the bend and sway more when force is applied to it. The architectural installation consisted of eight 2’x4’ pieces of wood with various slits cut into them. The wood pieces stood upright, attached to an arched/ bowled base platform. When weight was placed on the platform, such as by stepping on it, the 2’x4’s would sway like blades of grass or tree branches in the wind, making noise like that of a wooden wind chime. The project measured to be 6’ in total height and the base was a 3’x3’ square.

8. FREE-HAND SKETCHES

A Collection Of Free-Hand Sketches Over The Years

This collection of free-hand sketches are some of the drawings that I made while a college student. Sketching is something that I enjoy doing in my free time.

LEVELS.....

Site Plan.....

Form Diagram.....

Zone Diagram.....

Section I.....

Section II & III.....

Floorplans Levels I-IV.....

HILLMAN CITY - SEWARD PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN.....

In collaboration with Jacob Woll and Michelle Loyola

Axon Site Diagram.....

Neighborhood Site Plan...

Existing Street Section.....

Proposed Street Section.....

THE CHURCH CORNER.....

Courtyard Level Site Plan.....

Pro-Forma Table.....

Form Diagram.....

Commercial Ground Level Floorplan.....

Typical Residental Level Floorplan.....

Site Section Perspective .....

IMMERSION.....

Form Diagram.....

Massing Diagram.....

Site Plan.....

Floorplan I (Community Center).....

Floorplan II (Food Hall).....

Floorplan III (Roof Terrace).....

Floorplan IV (Mixed-use Office Space).....

Site Section Perspectives I & II.....

THE CITY’S

VALLE

Constructed in collaboration with the Scouts of Troop 609

FLEXIBLE YET RIGID..... Constructed in collaboration with Dr. Alireza Borhani, Stephen Parker, Ashley Just, & Rebecca Bond

EDUCATION

University of Washington – Seattle, WA

Master of Architecture, August 2022

Master of Science in Construction Management, August 2022

Texas A&M University – College Station, TX

Bachelor Environmental Design, December 2018

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Architectural Designer

CDA Architects – Houston, TX

Produced construction documents (site plans, floor and roof plans, elevations, section details) for commercial contracted projects such as recreational gymnasiums, restaurants, and shopping centers (AutoCAD)

» Created exterior elevations for a project bid (Photoshop and Illustrator)

» Performed material research, contacted vendors for information and samples, and made material selections

» Participated in weekly team meetings

Architectural Intern

Porterfield Architects & Associates – League City, TX

Chemic Engineering Building in Hitchcock, TX - Bid for major project to renovate interior/exterior of existing building and parking area to increase capacity for expanding the business

» Produced detailed layouts of interior facilities/exterior façade, and parking area (Revit)

» Made site visits to analyze interior, obtain measurements, and interview client/employees for requirements

» Performed material research and contacted vendors for information and samples

» Assisted in developing proposal presentation (PowerPoint) for bid concepts for client (the work was awarded to the firm)

Wedding Venue in Wimberley, TX - Contracted work to create design for new patio deck

» Designed deck flooring and foundational structure and developed detailed dimensional layout (AutoCAD)

» Performed material research, contacted vendors for information, and made material selection

Beach House in Galveston, TX - Contracted work for modeling of new home

» Developed a 3D digital model from photo images and floorplan for a new build plan (Revit)

Credit Unions in Clear Lake TX area - Contracted work under construction

» Attended construction site walkarounds

» Developed punch list for team meetings

SKILLS & STRENGTHS

» Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino 3D, Adobe Suite, Lumion, Microsoft Office

» Working knowledge of Sketch-Up

» Familiar with Maya, Keyshot

» Experienced in making physical scale models from sketches/architectural drawings/layouts/BIM models/construction documents

» Experience with using heavy machinery and tools for creating projects and physical models

» Experience with developing Construction Documents and bid packages for submittal

» Experience in research-based design

» Skilled in producing hand drawings and sketches

» Experience with crafting client presentations

» Strong verbal and written communication skills

ORGANIZATIONS

» AIAS Texas A&M University former member

» NOMAS University of Washington former member

» Boy Scouts of America

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

» Valle Travel Scholarship Recepient, 2022

» “Flexible Yet Rigid” – project presented at the National Conference of Beginning Design Students (NCBDS), 2015

» Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Rank, 2013

COURSES TAKEN

Courses are from both University of Washington & Texas A&M University

» Low-Income Housing Research Studio

» Adaptive Re-use Research Studio

» Neighborhood Design/Build Studio

» Rome Studio

» Design-Build Elective

» Urban Preservation & Issues

» Contemporary Architecture Theory

» The Making of an Architect

» Color & Light

» Professional Practice

» Architectural Illustration - Revit

» Social and Behavior Factors Design

» Sustainable Architecture

» Integrated Studio/T4T Studio

» Integrated Structures/Systems

» Design Foundations/Communication Foundations

» Design & Construction Law

» Energy Infrastructure & the Environment

» Project Planning & Control

» Construction Materials

» Construction Procedure Systems

» Construction Procurement Systems

» Construction Plan Reading & Estimating

» Accounting & Finance Construction

» Cost Analysis & Management

My goal with my professional architectural career is to become a licensed architect that creates unique architectural designs that meet a client’s needs while enhancing the connection between the built and natural environments. I strive to achieve this connection by creating sustainable and biophilic architecture. My plan is to achieve this with varying types of design projects to broaden my perspective and continue to develop and hone my skills and knowledge through application and collaboration.

My collection of works are the beginnings of my endeavor in my pursuit in accomplishing my goals and aspirations. Each of them shows varying levels of skills and techniques, reflecting my progression in design and perspective over the course of my studies and experience. Additionally, they reflect my desire to connect the built and natural environments such that they are complimentary to each other. Evident in my works is the objective of merging the built environment with a societal need or enhancement. I will continue to strive for these goals and aspirations in my future endeavors.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My journey in architecture has been influenced by many people. Educators in high school helped me realize that my interests were suited for creative design. Professors in my undergraduate program at Texas A&M University and my graduate programs at the University of Washington helped broaden my design skills, architecture and construction knowledge, and techniques. Through their teachings and critiques of my works, they helped me to discover, define and shape my ever-evolving style, and ways to express it. My internship employers allowed me to apply my studio learnings to real world projects. My parents supported my interest in architecture and provided many opportunities for me to pursue it. This support structure of so many people has been instrumental in my architectural journey, and I am deeply thankful for it. I would not be the person or architectural designer I am today without all these people who have had a positive impact on me along the way.