Ben Cheah | Waterloo Architecture Portfolio | 2024

B E N C H E A H

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO SELECTED WORKS 2023 - 2024

Hello!

My name is Ben Cheah,

I am between my second year and third year at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, taking a year to gain more professional experience. I am actively seeking an internship from January to April 2025.

As a passionate nature enthusiast, I spend much of my time outdoors, and this deep connection to nature has greatly influenced my architectural studies. I’m particularly fascinated by biomimicry and the ways we can integrate natural elements into our everyday lives. Additionally, I love creating meaningful experiences for users through architectural design. These interests drive my passion for architecture and inspire me to explore innovative, and

Interests

- Photography (Wildlife, Night sky, Cityscapes)

- Camping

- Digital Art

- Anything Outdoors

- Reading

Distinctions

- TDSB AutoCAD Competition

Achieving first place

- University of Waterloo

President’s Entrance Scholarship

- Ontario Scholar

Average of at least 80% in six grade 12 courses

- Architecture Competitions

Two Shortlisted Buildner Competitions

Qualifications Digital Skills Analog Skills

Detailed in every piece of work, gained through multiple architectural projects and wildlife photography

Fast conceptual thinker and design skills, brought over from countless architectural projects, professional site tests, and competitions

Ability to work in a team environment by making sure every voice is heard and contributing new ideas

Ability to iterate rapidly and work efficiently under pressure from tight deadlines, competitions, and a variety of professional documents

Work Experience

Edmonton,AB

Jan 2024Sept 2024

GEC Architecture

Rhino 7

Enscape

Adobe (Ps, Ai, Id, Lr)

SketchUP

AutoCAD

Revit

Twinmotion

D5 Render

Vray

Grasshopper (Beginner)

Procreate

Laser Cutting 3D printing

Physical Modeling Woodworking

- Worked on a variety of projects in design development and contract documents in Revit

- Rendered multiple design iterations of projects

- Worked on multiple graphic diagrams, and 3D models in Revit for projects

Experience

Cambridge,ON

May 2022Jul 2023

Cambridge,ON

Sep 2023present

Education

Cambridge,ON

Sep 2022present

Toronto ,ON

Sep 2019jun 2022

Architecture Competitions | Buildner

Achieved two shortlisted projects, while learning to iterate and work under pressure, all while brainstorming countless ideas.

Design Team | FormLabs

Contributed and collaborating with numerous people to achieve our design, while taking on the role of fabrication of the design

University of Waterloo

Bachelors of Architectural Studies, Honours Co-op

York Mills Collegiate Institute

Ontario Secondary School Diploma

September 4, 2024

Re: Reference Letter for Ben Cheah

To Whom it May Concern,

September 4, 2024

I am writing to endorse Ben Cheah, who worked with us in our Edmonton Studio as a full-time student architect from January to August of 2024. Ben was a great addition to our studio; he had a positive attitude and was a team player that meaningfully contributed to the success of our studio.

Re: Reference Letter for Ben Cheah

Ben worked on a variety of project related tasks during his tenure with us, including:

To Whom it May Concern,

• Completing renderings for various projects that were in the Schematic Design and Design Development phases.

• Working on the design and Contract Documents for small scale renovation projects, where he typically worked directly with the Partner-in-Charge on all phases.

I am writing to endorse Ben Cheah, who worked with us in our Edmonton Studio as a full-time student architect from January to August of 2024. Ben was a great addition to our studio; he had a positive attitude and was a team player that meaningfully contributed to the success of our studio.

• Working on the design and Contract Documents for small scale renovation projects, where he typically worked directly with the Partner-in-Charge on all phases.

• Preparing digital models, site plans, and diagrams for various projects and proposals.

Ben worked on a variety of project related tasks during his tenure with us, including:

Ben’s contributions were often utilized for client presentations and submissions. His work was thoughtful and graphically compelling. He would be an asset to your team.

We wish Ben success in his future career.

• Completing renderings for various projects that were in the Schematic Design and Design Development phases.

We wish Ben success in his future career.

• Working on the design and Contract Documents for small scale renovation projects, where he typically worked directly with the Partner-in-Charge on all phases.

Yours Truly, GEC Architecture

Yours Truly,

• Preparing digital models, site plans, and diagrams for various projects and

Ben’s contributions were often utilized for client presentations and submissions. His work was thoughtful and graphically compelling. He would be an asset to your team.

Jason Pare

We wish Ben success in his future career.

Jason Pare

B.A. (with Distinction), M.Arch., Architect, AAA, AIBC, SAA, MRAIC

JP/

Yours Truly, GEC Architecture

C:\Users\JasonP\Desktop\2024-04-09 - Ben Cheah_Reference Letter.docx

Jason Pare

B.A. (with Distinction), M.Arch., Architect, AAA, AIBC, SAA, MRAIC

JP/

C:\Users\JasonP\Desktop\2024-04-09 - Ben Cheah_Reference Letter.docx

August 27, 2024

Re: Letter of Recommendation – Ben Cheah

Ben Cheah worked at GEC Architecture during his undergraduate work term from January – August of 2024. During his tenure, Ben was an integral member of our office working with project teams to achieve schedule milestones and produce high quality deliverables. Ben has displayed an openness to learn from others, and hasn’t been shy from asking for questions to gain understanding and clarify expectations.

Ben has been provided with a broad experienced on this work term working on different project types and in different phases of work. He has been relied on to meet our project deadlines and our trust in Ben’s work has grown over the course of his term.

Furthermore, I have appreciated Ben’s attitude, sense of curiosity and his work ethic. He has been a great addition and made positive contributions to our office culture. It was a pleasure to work alongside Ben during his time with GEC Architecture and I have no hesitation in providing this letter of recommendation to support his future employment in the field of Architecture.

Yours truly,

Adrian Benoit, PARTNER

M.Arch., B.E.Des., Architect, AIBC, AAA, SAA, OAA, MRAIC, LEED® AP

Variation Library

Location: Toronto

Program: Library + Makerspace

Softwares: Rhino 7, Enscape, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, D5 Render

Located in the heart of residential Toronto, Variation Library serves as a vibrant community hub, offering visitors a unique and engaging experience. The building utilizes varying ceiling heights to create distinct atmospheres throughout its spaces. Lower ceilings foster a cozy, intimate feel, perfect for quiet reflection, while grand ceilings open up areas, inviting a sense of expansiveness and possibility.

This design not only enhances the overall experience but also delineates private and public spaces, ensuring that each area feels distinct yet interconnected. The varying floor heights contribute to the library’s dynamic layout, allowing for the creation of unique environments tailored to different activities.

Variation Library redefines the user experience, making every visit feel fresh and inspiring, as each moment in the space unfolds with new and breathtaking perspectives.

Service Room

Archive

Rare Book Library

1. Vestibule 2. Self Checkout 3. Cafe 4. BF Washrooms 5. Book Stacks 6. Atrium/Study Space

Study Space 8. Laptop Bay

Meeting Rooms

Staff Room

Reception

Floor Plan

1. South Reading Space /Study Space

2. Book Stacks

3. BF Washrooms

4. North Reading Space

Second

5. Teen Space

1. Computer Lab

2. Stacks

3. Makerspace

4. 3D Printer/Lasercutter Bay

5. Storage Space

Second Floor Reading Space

Somalia Microhome

Location: Somalia

Program: Microhome

Softwares: Rhino 7, Enscape, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

The Somalia Microhome is an offgrid microhome designed to be fully sustainable while tackling critical issues in Somalia, such as drought and famine.

This microhome focuses on two primary goals: ease of construction and sustainability. By utilizing locally sourced materials that are heavily overproduced, the design allows anyone to build it, facilitating mass production and minimizing waste. The house features several innovative strategies, including an open center for passive cooling, native plants to reduce humidity, a composting toilet, and a rainwater collection system. These features collectively aim to combat many of the pressing challenges Somalia faces today.

1. Reused Tarps

2. Rafters comprised of bundles of sticks to support tarps

3. Beams comprised

4. Stick bundles for columns

5. Truss systems of sticks

6. Double layers of fabric

7. Reused tarps for window coverings

8. Decking comprised of horizontal sticks

9. Bundles of sticks for footing

This toilet is a dry compost toilet. The toilet itself has a urine diversion tract and a 30-degree basin for mixing for fertilization.

This Water filtration device is made up of a bunch of dense filters that pull rainwater towards the storage area while passing through a bunch of filters to take out sediment and impurities.

Elevation

Nature’s Gateway

Location: Saskatchewan

Program: Children’s Hospice

Softwares: Rhino 7, Enscape, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

Nature’s Gateway is a sanctuary where children can find peace and comfort. At the heart of the hospice lies a central green space, featuring a symbolic path that leads to a chapel. Nature’s Gateway connects children to nature, wherever they go, creating an environment of peace.

Designed with the well-being of children in mind, Nature’s Gateway offers expansive spaces, including a play area and a cozy library, all aimed at fostering a sense of calm and security. Here, children can feel at home amidst their challenges, while parents are reassured by the peaceful atmosphere.

7. Therapy Room

8. Waiting Room 9. Nurse’s Room 10. Central Garden 11. Play room

12. Staff Offices

1. Chapel

2. Kitchen 3. Eating Area

Reading Space 5. Washrooms

Storage Room

Children Library

1. Structural wooden trusses

2. Drywall

3. Glass

Roots of Life

Collaborator: Eva Long

Location: Singapore

Program: Mixed-Use Condo

Softwares: Rhino 7, Enscape, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, D5 Render

Roots of Life is a mixed-use condominium that blends nature with urban living. With two floors of commercial space and a U-shaped design, the building invites the outside in, allowing every unit to overlook a vibrant central community space. Roots of Life incorporates a large green space into the middle of the building, symbolically showing how nature is overtaking and protruding out of the building.

The incorporation of lush green walls along the facade enhances the aesthetic, creating a living tapestry that breathes life into the structure. Roots of Life offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience the harmony of nature intertwined with modern living, fostering a sense of community and tranquility.

Bank

Italian Store

Cafe

Condo Lobby 1. Tattoo Parlor

Clothing Store Cont.

Bank Offices

Italian Restaurant 5. Cafe Cont. 6. Condo Gym 7. Condo Party Room

Typical Floor Plan

Green Space Floor Detail

Cafe Render

Interior Unit Render

Professional Works (Design Development & Graphic Works)

At GEC I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects varying in size and different design phases. One of the most notable projects I worked on was Westblock 200. During the projects design development I was able to work on designing the facades, working closely with the project team and consultants to achieve the best possible options for design. I was also able to work with several other project teams to create renders and smaller graphic drawings for proposals. Some of my favorite renders are located on the right.

Professional Works (Contract Documents)

At GEC I also had the opportunity to work on a project in contract documents. This was a small scale health building project, so the only people on the project team were the partner in charge and myself. During this project I got to model the project and create several sets of drawings. I got to work on several aspects of technical details on this project as well as creating tender and building permit packages. Below are some drawings from this health building project.