Asaf Zairi Architectural Design Portfolio 2025

ASAF ZAIRI

DESIGN PORTFOLIO 2020 - 2025

Asaf Zairi

B.Arch

Los Angeles, CA I asafzairi@gmail.com I 310.382.4278 I LinkedIn I Portfolio

Recent Bachelor of Architecture graduate with a strong foundation in civil engineering.

Experienced in working with firms of various sizes and contributing to projects across multiple design stages, from schematic design to construction documentation and site visits. Committed to ongoing professional growth post-graduation, with a path toward architectural licensure in the near future.

Education: University of Southern California Bachelor of Architecture 2020-2025

University of Colorado, Boulder Civil Engineering

Core Competences:

Spatial Practice

Architectural Intern -

Morphosis

Produced multiple design iterations for client presentations including drawings, perspectives, and models.

Conducted field measurements and site observations during project construction to ensure conformance and quality control.

Prepared detailed fabrication drawings and analyzed plan check comments to ensure precision and accuracy.

Los Angeles, CA 09/24 - Present

Architectural Intern

Led a modeling production team in creating highly detailed models

at various scales for client presentations, product conventions, and museum displays.

Engaged in research and development projects exploring design and innovation in building systems and components.

Developed hands-on skills with a variety of tools, heavy machinery, materials, and advanced 3D printing techniques.

Los Angeles, CA 05/24 - 08/24

Breakform Design

Architectural Intern -

Wise School

Developed and produced project documents, schematic designs, and construction documents for city and client approval.

Generated renderings and physical models of design interventions for client presentations.

Performed site visits to analyze existing site conditions, discuss design opportunities, and ensure construction compliance.

Unit Head / Science Specialist

-

Managed third and fourth-grade campers, overseeing activities, field trips, and overall camper safety.

Led science experiments three times a week, making STEM concepts accessible and engaging.

Los Angeles, CA 06/23 - 08/23

Los Angeles, CA 05/16 - 08/22

Involvements and Interests

USC Architectural Guild

-

Professional partnerships between students and industry mentors to provide guidance and real-world insights.

Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) -

AutoCAD Rhinoceros Revit Grasshopper Adobe Creative Suite Photoshop Illustrator InDesign V-Ray Enscape Photography Spanish Hebrew

2018-2019

Professional Experience -

Technical Skills:

Collaborated with the engineering team to design a structural system capable of withstanding collapse during an earthquake test.

Los Angeles, CA 08/22 - Present Los Angeles, CA 08/21 - 05/22

USC x Hong Kong University

Pokfulam, HK 09/23 - 10/23

Ho Chi Minh, VN 11/23 - 12/23

USC x University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Partnered with students from both universities to collect field measurements and site observations to inform an upcoming design project.

Model Making Precision and Accuracy Time Management Workflow Efficiency Collaborative Coordination

THE UNFINISHED IS NEVER FINISHED

KTT BOUTIQUE HOTEL: STAGGERED SIGHT

DTLA FILM MUSEUM: INTERACTIONS

ADAPTIVE REUSE: DTLA SKATE

BRANCH LIBRARY: LA HISTORIC STATE PARK

THE SUPER SECTION: WELL WATER

PROFESSIONAL PROJECTS

3

THE UNFINISHED IS NEVER FINISHED Arch 502

Eric Haas

Spring 2025

Architecture is a dynamic process shaped by continuous change rather than a static product. Designing with planned incompleteness and flexibility enables buildings to evolve alongside the people who use them, without imposing a fixed outcome. This approach anticipates future needs, empowering surrounding communities and advancing technologies to shape spatial experiences over time. This timeline transformation focuses on the Oceanwide Plaza towers in downtown Los Angeles, also known as the “graffiti towers,” through three 25-year phases. Beginning in 2025, the first phase centers on immediate activation. By 2050, the focus shifts to adapting the building to evolving climate conditions. In 2075, the approach emphasizes integration of technological advancements that will inevitably reshape architectural systems and technologies. As this continual transformation of Oceanside Plaza unfolds, the passage of time becomes embedded in its materiality, serving as a visible record of its evolving nature.

Plans / Obliques

5

Program GIF’s

Physical Model

11

DTLA FILM MUSEUM: INTERACTIONS Arch 500

Eric Nulman

Fall 2024

This project emphasizes the interactions between people and space by manipulating the proximity of physical and visual interactions. By incorporating glass to redefine the boundaries between public and private areas, the museum creates a space for the community, tourists, and individuals passing through to utilize. The plaza serves as an extension of the museum, both contributing to the urban fabric of downtown Los Angeles. This CLT wood structure features screening rooms, a MOMA exhibit, and dedicated art and film storage, all enveloped in a scalloped concrete facade. The facade design, combined with the strategically placed skylight openings, enables the domes to selectively filter light, creating a distinctive atmosphere for the film museum.

Floor Plan - Level 2

Floor Plan - Level 3

Elevation Oblique

Floor Plan - Basement

Ground /Floor Plan Plans Obliques

13 13

Elevations

Sections

Section Chunk

Wall Section

Structure

Exploded Circulation Axonometric

Physical Model

ADAPTIVE REUSE: DTLA SKATE Arch 302B

Dora Chi

Spring 2023

This studio reimagined the Broadway Trade Center in Downtown Los Angeles, a historic Beaux-Arts landmark that has remained inactive for over a decade. Extensive site research and community engagement revealed a need for dedicated skate spaces in Downtown LA—ones that wouldn’t disrupt businesses, traffic, or residents. DTLA Skate was envisioned as the city’s first downtown skatepark, transforming the building into a dynamic, multipurpose hub that seamlessly integrates skating with an event hall, restaurant, and community gathering spaces. Designed to cater to both skaters and the wider public, the project capitalizes on breathtaking city views, establishing a space for recreation, social interaction, and cultural events.

Floor Plan - Skatepark

Floor Plan - Level 1

Isometric

Floor Plan - Mezzanine

19

Physical Model

Structure

Asaf Zairi

Physical Chunk Model

Wall Section

21

KTT BOUTIQUE HOTEL: STAGGERED SIGHT Arch 402A

Gary Paige

Fall 2023

Staggered Sight is a rooftop project situated above an existing KTT building, also known as a collective district, in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The 7-story structure houses about 42 units, a number of which have been combined to create larger living spaces and offices. Given its prominence as one of the tallest buildings in the area, the goal was to make this boutique hotel unique by ensuring every room offers a different view. Leveraging the curved corner condition, each room and balcony was designed to be staggered, providing captivating views from various vantage points.

Section Oblique

Plans / Obliques

Elevation Oblique

Existing Building

23

BRANCH LIBRARY: LA HISTORIC STATE PARK Arch 202B

Farnoosh Rafaie

Spring 2022

After exploring various Japanese joinery techniques, these joints were reimagined to craft a distinctive shelving arrangement for books at the LA Historic State Park. This open-air library immerses visitors in the natural surroundings while safeguarding the books within galvanized steel panels that serve multiple functions throughout the project. By applying the same joinery principles on a larger scale, the building not only preserved its structural integrity but also facilitated precise connections, allowing the steel panels to securely attach to the framework.

Floor Plan - Level 1

Elevation

Floor Plan - Level 2

Elevations

Sections

25

Chunk Detail

Physical Model

Physical Chunk Model

27

THE SUPER SECTION: WELL WATER Arch 202A

WATER

Myrna Ayoub

Fall 2021

Well Water is a mental wellness living complex in Pasadena, designed to integrate daily life with restorative experiences. Residents live amidst a variety of wellness activities embedded within the architecture, fostering a calming and supportive environment. The site features large water tanks for efficient collection and storage, ensuring a sustainable water distribution system throughout the complex. Beyond meeting essential needs, the filtered water also supports water features throughout the building, enhancing the sensory experience and connection to nature.

Section Perspective

0’

4’ 8’

16’

32’

Section Perspective

29

Drawdel - Physical Model 0’

4’ 8’

16’

32’

THE MONOLITHIC LAMP

Morphosis Eric Meyer Summer 2024 The Monolithic Lamp was developed as part of a research and development initiative exploring lighting design. This fixture emerged from a desire to create a sleek, minimal form that transforms visually when illuminated. While its shape appears organic, strategically placed punctures and strip openings direct light into the acrylic box, producing a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that enhances both form and function.

LARGE SCALE MODEL

Morphosis Eric Meyer Summer 2024 This large-scale model was developed for a confidential client and designed for museum display. Constructed from plywood, bendable wood, glass, aluminum, and corian, the conceptual model consists of four individually built modules connected by an aluminum rod and anchored to a steel base, reaching nearly 12 feet in height.