PORTFOLIO
BENJAMIN JAWAD
SELECTED WORKS
2022 - 2026
A graduating architecture student at the University of Oklahoma. With both professional and academic experience, I bring a detail-oriented and collaborative approach to projects, focusing on structural expression and sustainable, contextually designed solutions.
I am drawn to the opportunity to shape the human experience through thought and intention, and how architecture can create a collective memory, strengthening the connection between people and place. With strong communication, research, and collaboration as core values in my design process, I aim to promote environmental responsibility and a meaningful sense of place within the built environment.
This portfolio presents a curated selection of my strongest work from throughout my studies
+1 832 612 7043
bensdqjawad@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/benjaminjawad
Benjamin Jawad
- Aug 2024
University of Oklahoma
Bachelor of Architecture GPA: 3.87
University of Oklahoma
Minor in Interior Design
Lake Flato Architects | San Antonio, TX
Architectural Intern
Allford Hall Monaghan Morris | Oklahoma City, OK
Architectural Intern
LEAM Design Build | Houston, TX
Architectural Intern
Awards and Activities
GH2 Prize | Lake Thunderbird Boathouse
COTE Content Prize | 8209 Park Lane
AIA Dallas Student Design Award | Honorable Mention | 8209 Park Lane
Excellence In Design Award | Counterbalance
ASC Design Build Student Competition, Dublin, Ireland | 3rd Place
ASC Design Build Student Competition, Dallas, Texas | 1st Place
Activities
University of Oklahoma AIAS
Telesis Student Journal | VOL. 5 “Adaptive Practice” Editor | Contributor 2022
Frank Lloyd Wright Founation | University of Oklahoma Taliesin West Studio-In-Residence
University of Oklahoma NOMAS
Representative | Member
Academic Initiatives Abroad
International Student | Rome, Italy | Spring 2024
Fallingwater Studio-In-Residence
Frank Lloyd Wright Founation | University of Oklahoma
Software
8209 Park Lane
Typology: Housing
Location: Vickery Meadow, TX
Instructor: Amy Leveno
Vickery Meadow is the densest and most ethnically diverse neighborhood in the DFW metroplex, but access to shared community spaces remains limited.
Situated at the intersection of two major roads, the project creates an active street corner positioned near key amenities. By leveraging its well-connected location, 8209 Park Lane aims to create a community-oriented living environment for residents of the Vickery Meadow neighborhood, making the project a catalyst within a marginalized yet developing area.
Form
Initially, two linear masses define a strong edge, forming an interior-focused courtyard with entrances along each major street. Circulation between masses is connected through exterior walkways and centrally located stairs.
Define
The streetfront mass is shortened to introduce a third, community-focused island that defines a more active and usable central courtyard, promoting community activities and gatherings while strengthening the project’s vision.
Activate
The massing is then angled to facilitate exterior gathering, establishing a welcoming street-facing edge that enhances pedestrian engagement and strengthens the building’s connection to the surrounding urban context.
Site Plan
0’
10. Sunken Courtyard
1. Lobby / Lounge / Mailroom
2x1.5 Live Work Unit 2. Leasing Office
Floor Plans
Laundry
2x2
Community Lounge
Roof Terrace / Garden 1. 2x2 Residential Unit
3x2 Residential Unit
Circulation
Native | Drought-Resistant Vegitation Sun-shading trellis Operable Windows
Water waste is minimized by utilizing a bioswale and rain gardens to
and cleanse rainwater runoff. Especially in the lower level garage, where water is collected to be reused throughout the building. Rooftop terraces minimize the site’s impact on stormwater runoff during flooding events, minimizing the impact on municipal stormwater systems.
Irrigation Laundry Public Restrooms Cleaning Greywater collected in the cistern is treated and reused for irrigation, cleaning, public toilets, and laundry systems, reducing municipal water use and promoting sustainability
Bioswale
Photovoltaic panels
Lake Thunderbird Boathouse 02
Typology: Boathouse
Location: Norman, OK
Instructor: Mohamed Abdelkarim
The Lake Thunderbird Boathouse aims to give users a meaningful detachment from the distractions of their daily lives by providing an immersive environment for leisure and relaxation.
Each building is separated to take advantage of the existing landscape conditions, then angled to focus views onto the main activity space. The volumes organize two outdoor areas, each providing a direct overview of the human and water interface. Simple forms and local materials emphasize the site’s character, while the structure and material connections express the weight of the natural stone walls.
Site Plan
Main Entry
Reception
Office
Outdoor Seating
Cafe
Boat Maintenance
Boat Wash
Community Space
Boat Storage
Demonstration Space
Boat Launch
Multipurpose Activity
25’
75’
0’
Section A
Section B
03
Typology: Housing
Lift House
Location: Park City, UT
With: Fadi Kandalaft
With an average age of 20-30, the employees of the Park City ski resort are extremely active and adventurous. They enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, climbing, going into the city, and, most frequently, skiing. Because of the rapid price increases in Park City, we intend to aid adventure-seeking ski resort employees by providing an affordable, innovative housing concept that immerses users in their environment.
Located between the Three Kings Terrain Park and Three Kings Ski Slopes, the units can be accessed via the First Time or Three Kings lifts. Employees can ski directly from their homes onto the slopes, providing convenient access to the wide network of ski lifts leading to any point on the resort. Because the units are placed within a very short distance to the base of the mountain, their location provides access to grocery stores, retail stores, parks, bus stops, restaurants, bars, and many other amenities. The close proximity to the base of the mountain also allows for a far more reasonable slope which greatly reduces the costs of construction and promotes ease of access to the units. A balanced distance between each unit allows for a sense of privacy in a constantly active environment but encourages gathering between employees when desired. A stunning view of Park City is presented to the northeast of the units as the employees can overlook the slope into the city without interruptions.
AREA OF INTERVENTION
“As second home owners push low-wage workers further and further from the lifts, the very character of any given mountain town is at risk, character that’s so often built by the local workers who can no longer afford to live there. No one suffers more than ski area employees themselves”
- Colin Clancy
Park City
Ski Lifts
Ski Slopes
Hiking Trails
Resort Lodging
Proposed Site
Kitchen
Lounge
Entry
Mudroom
Shower
Bathroom
Hot Tub
Multi-Purpose
Counterbalance
Type: Furniture Design
Instructor: Chelsea Holcomb
Counterbalance is a sculptural exploration of balance, tension, and material honesty. Constructed from solid black walnut wood and steel, the table’s cantilevered form defies gravity while being supported by a system of wood and steel connections. The table surface floats above a heavy steel base, displaying the equilibrium between weight and support. Subtle detailing and a refined material palette highlight the dialogue between the compression and tensional qualities in wood and steel, resulting in a piece that feels both grounded and suspended.
Construction Process
Construction is driven by a hybrid-wood and steel structural system, allowing both materials to work together to create seamless material transitions. First, two steel legs are welded to the base, establishing a heavy counterweight for the table. Wood sleeves slip over the steel, allowing for a clean connection to the beam while also concealing hardware on the interior. Above, two welded steel plates create the connection between the beam and the tabletop. This detail allows the table surface to float above the structure, reinforcing the cantilevered effect. Together, these integrated systems reinforce the table’s central idea: a refined balance through tension, weight, and support.
Thank you.
Benjamin Jawad | University of Oklahoma | Selected Work