A yearlong graduate design-build studio designing and constructing a fully functional home in Lawrence, Kansas. Key roles included:
• Lead Site Manager – Management, Scheduling and Construction
• Lead Rough Carpenter – Design and Construction
• Lead Videographer – Design, Promotion and Presentation
• Lead Site Clear Specialist – Construction
• Framer – Design and Construction
• Driveway and Alleyway Designer – Design and Construction
• Painter – Construction
• Heavy Machinery Specialist – Construction
Dirt Works Studio, Fall 2021 - Spring 2023:
A design-build studio at the University of Kansas, contributing to the construction of the Polaris Pavilion and competing in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon. Our Solar Decathlon team was able to achieve awards in the following categories:
• 1st Place in Energy Performance
2nd Place in Comfort and Environmental Quality
5th Place Overall in the Build Challenge
My main role in the Solar Decathlon team was the Site, Utilities, and Foundation Officer with responsibilities including:
• Designing the building foundation.
• Developing site and landscaping plans.
• Coordinating utility location and installation (water main, fire line, electricity, septic, etc.).
Study Abroad - Singapore and Malaysia, Winter 2022-2023:
Gained firsthand knowledge of how environmental factors, cultural influences, and resource availability shape architectural design. Learned from local architects about integrating Eastern cultural perspectives and regional needs in projects ranging from small homes to skyscrapers. This experience enhanced my understanding of designing for diverse clients and contexts.
Prestige Pools & Spas, Summer 2022:
Served as a Designer, gaining experience in:
• Landscape design and site surveying.
• Communicating with utility companies.
• Preparing and submitting permits.
• Client consultation to understand project visions and provide informed solutions.
Kevin Brennan Tree Service, Summers of 2020 and 2021: Arborist.
436 INDIANA STREET - STUDIO 804
TIME
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024
LOCATION
436 Indiana Street, Lawrence KS, 66044
PROFESSOR
Dan Rockhill
DESCRIPTION
Studio 804 is a yearlong graduate level design-build studio where along with fellow classmates we designed and built a fully functional home in Lawrence, Kansas. I had many roles within the studio that consisted of:
• Lead Site Manager (Management, Scheduling and Construction)
• Lead Rough Carpenter (Design and Construction)
• Lead Videographer (Design, Promotion and Presentation)
• Lead Site Clear Specialist (Construction)
• Framer (Design and Construction)
• Driveway and Alleyway Designer (Design and Construction)
• Painter (Construction)
• Heavy Machinery Specialist (Construction)
In addition, I supported other classmates with electrical wiring, insulation, drywall and more. Most importantly, I learned the value of both individual and cooperative task completion to keep projects on time and budget. It was an incredible experience that solidified my passion for design-build architecture. 1
Haven Studio is a 500 sqft studio living space that was designed and built during the 2023 Solar Decathlon Build Challenge. The Solar Decathlon is an international competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy to design and build a highly sustainable home (while attempting to fulfill other categories).
Despite facing significant initial challenges (lost our sponsor and site location) our team placed 1st in energy performance, 2nd in the comfort and environmental category, and 5th overall in the build challenge. This was an incredible team project where my specific role was the Site, Utilities and Foundation Officer. My core responsibilities included:
• Designed the building foundation.
• Development of site and landscaping plans.
• Utility location and scheduling of installation (water main and fire line, electricity, septic, etc...)
In addition, I helped on all aspects of the design and construction process which helped me understand how different trades work collaboratively for a quality and on time project completion. This experience is where my passion for design-build was sparked.
POLARIS PAVILION
TIME Fall 2021
LOCATION
N 1402 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049
PROFESSOR
Chad Kraus
DESCRIPTION
This pavilion was built at Wells Overlook Park with other members of the Dirt Works Studio. The goal was to build a ADA accessible park feature so that anyone can enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape. I was one of the construction managers; therefore, my role was to get to warehouse/ site super early and prepare for the upcoming construction day, and then close it all down/lock up at the end of the day. Furthermore, I was one of the core members of the North roof crew, working in tandem with the bench and sun shade teams to mold the roof into the shading device seemlessly. The biggest challenge with this project was that we did not design it, we took over for the previous studio that got shut down due to the pandemic. It was a lot of troubleshooting and problem solving without having any knowledge of the intital design process. It brought all of us together to where we worked as one big cohessive unit.
PRESTIGE POOLS & SPAS
TIME
Summer 2022
LOCATION
10416 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127
BOSS
Bret Wood
DESCRIPTION
I interned as a designer at Prestige Pools & Spas where I learned a lot about landscape design, surveying, communicating with utility companies, and permit submission. Most importantly, I was able to work on a skill that can’t really be learned in school –listening to clients and responding with knowledge. Being able to sit down with people and listen to what they want to do for their dream pool and landscaping project and then explain the possibilites has been an invaluable skill I will carry over into my professional career.
The Romani Residence
THE LENS
TIME Spring 2023
LOCATION
1301 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
PROFESSOR
Eddy Tavio
GROUP PARTNER
Edgar Flores
DESCRIPTION
The Lens is an assembly hall which was designed apart of the Seattle Waterfront Development of Elliot Bay. The goal was to create a iconic and dynamic building that utilizes cantilevers and other sheltered outdoor areas to connect occupants of our building with beautiful views of either Elliot Bay or downtown Seattle. We also wanted to maintain sightlines from downtown Seattle to Elliot Bay as both are extremely important to Washington citizens. Therefore, we developed a central core (The Lens) that links downtown Seattle and Elliot bay with an exterior staircase that allows people to freely travel between Alaskan way and Western Avenue while also using this central core to reach every desirable space in our building. This was a difficult project as we had to combine a very diverse program into one cohesive building while meeting all of the codes Seattle imposes, and having a sound structural system.
Edgar Flores
ElliotBay
1.Central Core // Downtown to Bay Sightlines/Connection
4.
Floor Plate Shifts // Cantilevers, Shading and Balconies on All 4 Facades