Aubrielle Prewitt Undergraduate Portfolio

P O R T F O L I O Aubrielle Prewitt 3rd-Year Architecture Student South Dakota State University School of Design

Professional Statement: As an ambitious architecture student, I am eager to acquire hands-on experience within the architectural field, field with the ultimate goal of obtaining licensure. My inherently creative nature, coupled with a strong work ethic and leadership qualities, positions me as a dedicated and driven individual. Drawing from over 6 years of background in customer-facing roles that involved extensive staff collaboration as well as experience in working with teams to create numerous architectural projects, I bring effective communication and teamwork skills to the table. I am committed to achieving set goals and objectives, all while cultivating positive relationships with both colleagues and clients.

Work Experience:

Education:

Enso Mental Health, Spearfish, SD (Remote) — Billing Coordinator & Administrative Assistant

South Dakota State - B.F.A in Architecture

December 2021

August 2021 - May 2025 | 3.85 GPA

- Present

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Communicated with clients and insurance companies to coordinate billing and improve cash flow.

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Implemented a new system that doubled profit margins and allowed for the expansion of the staff.

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Conducted data analysis and used insights to optimize company performance and reduce expenses.

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Managed online databases and efficiently billed clients using advanced technological skills.

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Collaborated with team members to identify areas for improvement and developed protocols and streamlined processes to improve overall efficiency.

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President of the SDSU Art Club - October 21 - December 23

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Part of 2023 SDSU Alumni Mentorship Program

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Named on the Dean’s List all semesters

Augustana University - Pre-Architecture & Art August 2020 - May 2021 | 3.77 GPA •

Held a TA position for Religion 110

YMCA Leif Ericson, Sioux Falls, SD — Lake Specialist & Red-Cross Certified Lifeguard

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Named on the Dean’s List both semesters

May 2022 - August 2022

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Trustees Honor Scholar

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Visual Arts Scholarship Recipient

Created and executed a daily schedule for rotating age groups of up to 50 children while ensuring safety and engagement.

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Managed the program independently for the majority of the summer, adapting quickly to challenges

Spearfish High School - Graduated High Honors

to maintain a positive atmosphere.

August 2016 - May 2020 | 3.94 GPA

Utilized the ability to quickly learn new skills to become proficient in many outdoor activities.

The City of Spearfish, Spearfish, SD — Library Page April 2018 - August 2020 •

Trained and mentored new staff members at the circulation desk.

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Collaborated with coworkers to create a welcoming environment for patrons.

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Fostered community relationships through outreach programs and events.

R E S U M E

Aubrielle Prewitt 605.641.0577 aubrielleprewitt@gmail.com

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Graduated ranking 7th in class of 170

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Dual-enrolled at BHSU w/ a 4.0 GPA

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2020 ‘We the People’ Government Competition State Champion & Nationals Competitor

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2019 South Dakota Girls’ State SHS Delegate - Elected to the House of Representatives

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Served as Vice President of the Art Club

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Elected Treasurer of the Shelter Pals Club

Soft Skills: Team Work: Able to effectively communicate and work well within a team to achieve shared goals.

Work Ethic: Commitment to hard work, consistently exceeding expectations, and delivering highquality results.

Problem-Solving: Creative problemsolver with a strong ability to think critically and develop effective solutions.

Leadership: Proven ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

Organizational Skills: Able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects.

Technical Skills: • • • • • • • • • • •

AutoCad Revit Rhinoceros 3D Adobe Acrobat Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop Lumion TwinMotion Procreate Hand-Drafting & Sketching Photography

01 SPIRITUAL CENTER

pages 4-7

02 TECHNICAL VIGNETTES pages 8-11

03

RESIDENTIAL MODEL

pages 12-14

04 ART MUSEUM ADDITION pages 15-19

05

TRANSIT HUB

pages 20-24

C O N T E N T

06 PERSONAL PROJECTS pages 25-27

01 B R O O K I N G S S P I R I T U A L C E N T E R In Collaboration w/ James Van Westen, Jack Walsh, & Megan Lawler Site: Brookings, South Dakota Professors: Nesrine Mansour,Somaye Seddighikhavidak, & Mohammadmehdi Danesh Project Timeline: Timeline February - April 2023

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Project Description: Vertical Site Analysis

In South Dakota, spirituality holds a profound place in the tapestry of human experience from the Lakota natives’ deeply spiritual connection to the land to today’s highly spiritual population as marked by a 2001 survey indicating an 86% Christian population1. As the state grows more diverse, the need for inclusive spaces where all religious and nonreligious beliefs are embraced has emerged.

Our task within the South Dakota State University campus was to design “a place for the spirit which includes a variety of spaces, both indoor and outdoor, designed to welcome members of the campus community and visitors no matter what their religious beliefs, theistic as well as atheistic. The spaces are meant to facilitate the selfless sharing of one’s spiritual dimension with others, in a non-judgmental way.” This project was a part of the 2023 ASCA/AISC Steel Competition, emphasizing the structural performance of steel as the primary building material.

Beginning with the challenge of the chosen site being situated directly next to the primary practice space for SDSU’s marching band and in near proximity to the football stadium. These generated noise that clashed with the primary function of serene spiritual ambiance. To mitigate this, we strategically planned the most sacred spaces underground to shield them from noise pollution. Splitting our design into “Sacred” and “Profane” categories, we designated the essential but less sacred (profane) spaces such as offices and restrooms above ground while situating sacred worship halls and meditation areas deep underground.

Our primary focus was on the user’s journey within the building, designing the a gradual transition guiding visitors from the material world to the spiritual realm. The entrance functions as a descending hallway leading toward the holiest spaces. Embracing the spiritual connection with nature, we linked our structure to the nearby arboretum, creating a path to our exterior meditation garden, enhanced by simulated hills and serene ponds along the way.

In our design, we contrasted the sacred and profane through form and space. Sharp, geometric lines defined the building’s exterior to emphasize the use of steel, representing the constructed environment’s inherent unnaturalness. In contrast, the exterior path and meditation gardens embraced flowing, organic lines, reflecting a more natural setting. To soften the steel’s rigidity, we incorporated translucent fabric, adding an organic touch to the experience within the building and its surroundings.

Our endeavor sought to create a harmonious space, uniting spirituality, nature, and architectural innovation while fostering inclusivity for all beliefs.

1.“American Religious Identification Survey”. Exhibit 15. The Graduate Center, City University of New York. Archived from the original on March 20, 2007.

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07 Drawings finalized by James Van Westen & Jack Walsh

02 T E C H N I C A L

VIGNETTES

Individual Project Site: Marseilles, France Professors: Nesrine Mansour,Somaye Seddighikhavidak, & Mohammadmehdi Danesh Project Timeline: Timeline January 2023

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Project Description: Technical Vignettes serve as graphic representations of specific architectural conditions, bridging conceptual ideas with material execution. A yearly tradition during Spring Building Studio, these vignettes aim to deepen our understanding of how buildings come together and function structurally.

Our assignment involved selecting an existing building and crafting three annotated vignettes, each detailing aspects of the ground and foundation, wall and envelope, as well as the roof and span. Additionally, we were tasked with creating three experiential vignettes that annotated the exterior and interior spaces and materials of our chosen building.

In my selection process, I opted for the “La Hexagon” library at Marseilles University, designed by Marciano Architects. The building’s distinctive hexagonal shape, the extensive use of glass and corrugated steel siding, and the challenge posed by a structure outside the United States attracted me to this project. This endeavor not only pushed my boundaries but also significantly expanded my comprehension of the structural aspects integral to architecture.

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03 RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION MODEL In Collaboration w/ Alexis Dubray & Jackalyn Fox Site: n/a Professor: Kenneth Lewno Project Timeline: April 2023

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Project Description: Understanding construction and the assembly of buildings is fundamental in an architect’s education. Arch 255: Design Materials and Assembly served as our gateway into construction materials and methods. The course was divided into two segments: a lecture series covering construction materials and methods and a hands-on lab component where we could apply this knowledge.

In the lab section, we were tasked to craft a wooden model mimicking the construction of a residential house on a smaller scale. We had the option to follow a provided template or create our own design. Opting for a challenge, I diverged from the norm and individually developed a unique design using Rhino.

My custom home modeled a two-story construction featuring a loft with a sunroof, a deck, a staircase, and specially crafted oversized windows, enhancing the space with abundant natural light for its imaginary occupants.

Constructing

this

model

with

my

team

introduced

me to and allowed me to familiarize myself with numerous shop

tools.

Moreover,

it

provided

understanding

of

the

systems,

roof

systems

typical

experience

expanded

This

and

practical

foundation,

me

with

floor in my

an

in-depth

systems,

residential

wall homes.

comprehension

of

real-world construction practices and assembly techniques.

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04 S D S U A R T M U S E U M A D D I T I O N Individual Project Site: Brookings, South Dakota Professor: Sean Ervin Project Timeline: Timeline October - November 2022 15

Project Description: The largest art museum in South Dakota, situated on the South Dakota State University campus, fosters community engagement with local artists.

Despite its location directly on campus, the museum’s primary entrance faces away from the campus toward the street, creating minimal appeal for students and lacking accessibility to the elevated first floor.

Our task was to design an east-side extension, creating a campus green entrance. Requirements included an adaptable artwork shop doubling as a classroom for 60, an ADA-accessible entrance, and functional spaces like storage.

Opting for a circular design, I aimed to encourage collaborative art creation within the space. Mirroring the existing museum’s decorative sloped circular sculpture on the roof established unity in the design between the two structures. Emphasizing abundant natural light, I positioned large windows along the entire northern wall, diffusing soft light into the classroom. These windows, angled towards heavily trafficked pedestrian paths, offer visibility of the art space, inviting more students to engage.

Prioritizing accessibility, I integrated the structure into the ground, ensuring eye-level visibility for pedestrians and minimal visual disruption to the existing museum. An ADA ramp leads visitors downwards into a central courtyard, offering entry to the addition’s classroom or western hallway. The ramp into the existing museum mimics my circular form and ramps upwards on both sides. While curved ramps don’t meet ADA guidelines, I designed a compliant ramp with straight edges within the circular structure.

While designing head heights in the program, I experimented heavily with compression and release dynamics. The entrance boasts high ceilings, gradually reducing as one navigates counter-clockwise. The hallway, providing access to storage, restrooms, and a larger study space, features lower ceilings, establishing spatial hierarchy. Small between-room windows allow natural light to penetrate this area, enhancing its ambiance.

In sum, this extension not only enhances accessibility and functionality but also fosters an inviting, collaborative space that seamlessly integrates art, natural light, and fluid movement within the campus environment.

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05 S I O U X F A L L S T R A N S I T H U B In Collaboration w/ Rebecca Gerlach Site: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Professors: Somaye Seddighikhavidak & Sean Ervin Project Timeline: Timeline October - November 2023

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Project Description: Sioux Falls, South Dakota, stands as one of America’s fastestgrowing cities, experiencing a remarkable 5.2% expansion rate since 20201.

Creating accessible and efficient public transportation has become a priority as the city continues to grow.

This project tasked us to design a transit hub to cater to around 5,000 daily commuters. The Spring 2023 Research Studio delved into exploring liminal space—those transitional areas between space. Our themes derived from liminality —growth, experiential, connectivity, and in-between space— guided our design concepts.

Our endeavor aims to evoke a sense of growth tied intricately with the site’s connections. Rotary Park, amidst its bridges, lush trees, bustling pedestrian traffic, and suburban location with close accessibiliy to inter-city Sioux Falls became our site of choice.

Drawing inspiration from the site’s greenery, our design integrates elements mirroring its growth. The hub’s support columns, in the form of tree trunks, rise through the building to an organic canopy-like structure covered by translucent fabric which diffuses natural light similarly to a tree’s leaves.

Our hub’s structure was designed to act as an elevated bridge to not only be a horizontal liminal in-between space connecting the two sides of the river, but, also a vertical space in between the vehicular traffic on the site’s surrounding bridges and the pedestrian traffic on the ground.

Additionally, its placement segregates personal vehicles to the western bank from the hub’s modes of transportation on the eastern.

Focusing on movement within liminal spaces early in our research influenced circulation paths and column design. Emphasizing a single path, columns and the concourse gradually narrow, symbolizing transition zones between private spaces to the north and public spaces to the south.

These transition points feature skylights which showcase the columns branching up into the exterior structure, creating an illusionary inbetween space between the concourse and the overhead canopy. Curtain walls and semi-outdoor spaces ensure constant natural light and scenic views as occupants traverse the area. As inhabitants progress towards the western entrance, wider spaces and larger columns reflected growth within the liminal space.

Our design aims to facilitate an experiential journey within the transit hub, engaging with the liminality of the space to provide a seamlessly connected, transformative experience for its users.

1. Wren, Sharon, “Sioux Falls Population Grows,” Quad Cities, https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/sioux-falls-population-grows-with-help-from-quad-cities/.

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Precedent Collage

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23 Drawing finalized by Rebecca Gerlach Personally created site plan first-draft and floorplan design/circulation

24 Prototypes finalized by Rebecca Gerlach; Personal photography

06 P E R S O N A L D E S I G N P R O J E C T S Individual Projects

Projects’ Timeline: Timeline Sep. 2019 - Jan. 2024 25

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THE FISHBOWL EFFECT Photography Collection An exploration into the voyeuristic allure of buildings’ illuminated interiors contrasting against the dark of night.

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ASSORTED WORK

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THANK YOU! Aubrielle Prewitt 605.641.0577 aubrielleprewitt@gmail.com