I am currently a second-year undergraduate student studying at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture.
I have always been interested in architecture as a child, stimulated by my love for architectural models and design. Architecture, I believe, is a powerful medium capable of positively impacting people’s lives and communities. As such, I strive for userfocused, thoughtful designs that are not only unique and experiential but also comfortable, and capable of cleverly integrating into the cultural nuances within the built environment.
I look forward to learning more about the world of architectural design and contributing to the future successes of your firm.
Curriculum Vitae
cv + letter of recommendation
Flowing Waters Library community library
The Oculus Bridge steel structure pedestrian bridge
Megumi community house
The Reverie Bridge pedestrian bridge
Misty Communion case study of an existing library
Summary of Qualifications
• Exceptionally excellent model-making skills with polished craft
• Quick-learner, developed by school work and working with ASE+J Architect
• Outstanding performance in high-pressure and fast-paced environments due to contant stimulation in school
• Enthusiastic team player who consistently contributes and performs actively in collaborative work
• Extremely organized and timely
• Very capable and able to adapt to challenging situations easily
• Rhino 7 & 8
• V-Ray
• Revit 2022+
• Sketchup
• Hand Drafting
Experience
08/2024
08/2024
04/2023
08/2021, 2022
Education
09/2023 - present
• Model Making
• Laser Cutting
• Wood Working
• CNC Milling
• 3D Printing
Architectural Intern, ASE+J Architect
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• InDesign
• Lightroom
• English (native)
• Japanese (native)
• Mandarin (fluent)
• French (basic)
09/2019 - 06/2023
• Used Revit to develop plans, elevations, and sections with precise measurements
• Created accurate 3D models of buildings to be demolished for residential projects
• Sourced and researched local companies and real estate agents for marketing team
Front Desk Receptionist, King Square Sports Centre
Markham, Ontario, Canada
• Provided outstanding service explaining rules, coaching and rental services provided
• Worked cash register precisely and handled transactions efficiently
• Collaborated with manager to ensure accurate information is provided to customers
Interview Admissions Volunteer, University of Waterloo
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
• Greeted students coming in for interviews and engaged in conversations with them to relieve their nervousness and help them prepare for their interviews
• Collaborated with other volunteers and organizers to ensure things to run smoothly
Junior Councillor at VBS Camp , Richmond Hill Prebysterian Church
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
• Watched over thirty children and collaborated with fellow councillors to maintain an organized environment
• Worked with children patiently and broke up arguments
University of Waterloo School of Architecture
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
• Candidate for Bachelor of Architectural Studies (B.A.S.), Honours CO-OP Program
• Excellent Academic Standing, maintained an average of 80%+
I am writing to recommend Youjia Zhang She worked with us for her co-op in the summer of 2024, as an Architectural Technologist and reported to me in my position as OAA Architect
As an employee, Youjia was always reliable and resourceful During her time on my team, she managed to conduct high-impact user research in our marketing team and also worked on two of our residential projects using Revit software
I’ve always put a premium on initiative and willingness to learn among my team members and Youjia never failed to deliver on both fronts An example was when she suggested we create Excel sheets to sort the list of all our stakeholders. She was the first to take advantage of the knowledge these meetups offered and implemented it in her own work
Youjia is a delight to work with – a team player with a positive, can-do attitude. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire her again if the opportunity arose
Should you have any further questions, feel free to reach me at +647-937-5225
Sincerely,
Ehsan Jahani (OAA) Best Regards ASE+J
Flowing Waters Library
pages by the river
Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Collaborator(s): N/A
Design Period: Winter 2024
Situated next to the serene Grand River running through Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, Flowing Waters Library stands to serve the local residents as a vital community hub. Designed to foster face-to-face, in-person interactions, the project has two floors with primarily open-concept floor plans programmed to remove barriers and predict the possible crossing points between people.
The library is committed to supporting the aging population of Cambridge and the nearby veterans center by offering a designated senior library space, designed to accommodate senior needs and encourage intergenerational interactions. It is located next to the children’s play space, contributing to a youthful and endearing atmosphere. Featuring amenities such as a cafe, computer lab, secluded study areas, and a central courtyard, the library also appeals strongly to younger generations who tend to be interested in such services.
To reflect the meandering river a few steps away, the library works with curves as the overearching symmetry incorporated into the design. The expansive roof cascades in a gentle wave, gracefully extending over the structure, creating a calming visual effect and overhangs on all sides that cast natural shadows which shield the glass facades from direct sunlight. This ensures a comfortable reading environment by providing indirect sunlight for most hours of the day, which is optimal for the human eyes and saves electricity. The glass facades act as an almost nonexistent barrier between the outdoors and indoors, inviting both landscape and passersby into the comforts of the library. The solid exterior walls are covered with stone, following the trend set by the historical Scottish buildings of Cambridge. There is a parallel between history and modern, old and young within the design and intent of the project, which hopes to act as the catalyst to developing a deeper bond within the community.
New Library Homes/Institutions
Commercial Building
left top: cross section
left middle: north elevation
left bottom: west elevation
right: exploded structural axo
The Oculus Bridge passageway to the soul
Location: Lundbreck, Alberta, Canada
Collaborator(s): Aarja Virk
Design Period: Winter 2024
Perched over the flowing Crowsnest River and overlooking Lundbreck Falls in Alberta, the Oculus Bridge is a pedestrian bridge made primarily out of steel, intricately designed to the smallest details.
Inspired by the beauty of the human eye, the bridge’s design mirrors the delicate curves and symmetry found in the orbs described to be the ‘windows to the soul’. the Oculus Bridge serves as a testament to the profound connection between human vision and the world around us, inviting pedestrians to absorb the ambiance of the river and the falls that they are surrounded by. With each step, they are invited to peer into both the environment and into the depths of their own being.
The two different bridge levels serve different purposes: the taller one allows pedestrians to feel closer to the sky and acts primarily as a walkway, while the lower bridge
that has a generous width tapers down closer to the waters where people can sit down and rest. People are encouraged to bring their own mats or chairs to have a picnic on the scenic bridge. The top bridge acts as a natural shading device, sheltering passersby below from the harsh sunlight and rain. This distribution of space allows the lower bridge to act almost like an open-air event space.
Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, the Oculus Bridge acts not only as a physical passageway but also as a metaphysical lookout, encouraging contemplation and connection with the essence of existence. The project aims to be a symbolic fusion of architecture and spirituality, inviting visitors to look past the mundanity of daily life and embrace the beauty found in themselves and others.
20 x 400 cm upper lumber decking
steel and glass railings connected to 15 x 17 cm I-beams
15 x 25 cm HSS steel joists
45 x 30 steel I-girders
1 cm tension cables with pin connections
20 x 500 cm lower lumber decking
steel and glass railings connected to 15 x 17 cm I-beams
15 x 25 cm HSS steel joists
35 x 20 steel I-girders
hinge connection to concrete foundation
left: exploded structural axo with labeled materials right top: structural and connection elements right bottom: view of pedestrian walking on the second level
Megumi
the house of blessings
Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Collaborator(s): N/A
Design Period: Fall 2023
Megumi, the House of Blessings, nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Riverbluffs Park in Cambridge, Ontario, embraces a harmonious blend with the nature it is surrounded by. Constructed primarily from wood, it seamlessly integrates into its lush surroundings, creating a tranquil haven for learning and relaxation.
This communal house welcomes visitors of all ages, offering a sanctuary to delve into the arts of cooking, farming, and sustainable living. It serves as both a learning hub and a retreat, where individuals can immerse themselves in handson gardening and cooking experiences and forge meaningful connections. At Megumi, two dedicated chefs or volunteers reside in the cozy rooms offered on the second floor, sharing their passion for culinary arts and gardening with eager learners. The house’s own garden yields fresh produce, which is utilized in cooking courses that emphasize healthy, sustainable practices. Visitors are able to connect with the
surrounding nature through these hands-on dialogues with the environment.
The design of Megumi fosters a sense of connection between both people and nature. The open-concept layout of the first floor encourages interaction among residents and guests, even as they engage in different activities. The outdoor spaces incorporated into the house and large glass windows almost blend the indoors and outdoors together. Even while being inside, occupants can hold an intimate connection with the world outside.
Whether participants are honing their gardening skills, mastering new culinary techniques, or simply wishing to unwind in the embrace of nature, Megumi offers a nurturing environment where personal growth and connections can thrive.
left: site plan
right top: northern section
right bottom: eastern section
1. Path to trail
Dining space
Kitchen
Built in seating
Washroom
Patio
Garden
Mezzanine
The Reverie Bridge a
daydream away
Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Collaborator(s): Yingying Ren
Design Period: Winter 2024
Located on a scenic trail in Cambridge, Ontario, the Reverie Bridge stands as an eye-catching resting area, inviting pedestrians to take a momentary pause and immerse themselves in its tranquil surroundings. Spanning gracefully over Sherman Falls, a picturesque waterfall and river, the bridge aims to evoke a sense of dream-like serenity.
Inspired by the flowing currents of the river it spans over, the design of the Reverie Bridge features a wave-like, curvy geometry. It is structurally supported by two custom steel pipes that are adorned with wooden panels of varying widths, meticulously arranged to create an illusion of fluidity and movement in an otherwise still object. This allows the bridge to both stand out visually and harmonize with the natural landscape at the same time. The wooden panels create large openings at different locations on both sides of the bridge, framing the landscape and guiding the eyes of the passersby towards the intended view. There is an
intentional playfulness and curiosity. The bridge also serves as more than just a crossing point. With dedicated, accessible seating and a tapering lookout toward the waterfall, it offers a sanctuary where pedestrians can momentarily escape the business of life, allowing them to rest and appreciate the beauty of the nature they are surrounded by. The feeling of a gentle breeze, the sounds of chirping birds, the warmth of the sun rays that escaped through the crevices of the canopy, and the breathtaking view.
The bridge offers an equally enchanting experience to any type of visitors, whether they seek a temporary respite, a moment of reflection, or simply to enjoy the nature. The Reverie Bridge is a blend of artistry and functionality that invites all who cross it to embrace the beauty of Cambridge’s natural landscape.
1. 2100mm turning radii
Accessible seating
1:12 ramp at entrances
1. 120-270mm x 20mm wood plank
2. 100mm diameter steel arch
3. 4” x 4” x 3’ wood railing
4. Steel handrail connection
5. 100mm diameter steel handrail
6. Wire mesh
7. 16” x 8” x 4” wood plank
8. 153.5” x 12” x 12.5” wood seaet
9. 5” x 16’ x 4” wood decking
10. 4” x 4” wood joists
11. 150mm x 300mm steel i-beam
12. 1:12 concrete ramp
13. Rolling steel bearings
14. Hinged steel bearings
15. 1700mm deep concrete foundation
16. Arch concrete footing
left: exploded structural axo with labeled materials right: angled view of bridge away from waterfall
(This is a case study of the existing library, Mountain House in Mist located in Jinhua, China, designed by Shulin Architectural Design.)
Communion means the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, which essentially encourages a sense of familiarity and community.
The Misty Communion, nestled within a serene mountainous ancient village, had been designed to embody this idea of interconnectedness. Its usage of traditional materials such as shingles and wood, yet modernistic design caters to both the desires of the elders of the village and the younger generations. It was strategically located in the heart of the village, near key locations such as the children’s playground, the large auditorium, the square, and the reception center. Its open-concept first-floor plan welcomingly invites passersby to take a quick breather underneath the shade it offers. To the left of the primary
entrance passway is a sky-opened water pool that offers a refreshing view. There is also a water bar, where people can rest and converse with one another. The stairs lead to the second floor, which is the library space. It is on even grounds with the children’s playground with a patio connecting it to the library. It allows parents to watch over their children even while resting inside. This usage of even grounds, again, fosters a sense of connection between people. The bookshelves the library offers, are designed in a way to harmoniously integrate into the wooden structure, creating an organized and approachable atmosphere. Lastly, we also designed a mezzanine for children to both read and play in, catering to their natural inclination for curious exploration and discovery.
The Misty Communion serves as more than a library. It is a space that acts almost as a catalyst for interaction and communal harmony within the heart of the village.
1. Children’s playground
Auditorium
Square
Reception center
top: 2f plan left bottom: ground plan right: exploded axonometric details
