university of waterloo selected works
about city of brampton urban design co-op technical skills
local practice architecure and design work softwares education social extra-curriculars interests professional works like, water 28 ngon a scale model 20a scale model grow, adapt, connect -
i am a third-year architecture student, currently attending the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture. open to all aspects of architecture, i find most interest in designing for the people, keen on public works and design for communities. with an educational background with architecture and professional background in urban and interior design, I strive to discover, learning new concepts and practices to understand, investigate, and simply enjoy as i continue to constantly improve my knowledge and skill set. architecture has given me this chance to satisfy this desire to discover new concepts, pushing for additional opportunities of learning and discovering.
04 | june 21 b8tran@uwaterloo.ca tranbrienna@gmail.com +1 647-983-9065
model making 3d printing laser cutting cnc routing adobe illustraor adobe indesign adobe photoshop rhinoceros 7 sketchup
social english, fluent vietnamese, basic creatively motivated independant collaborative
enscape vectorworks autocad D5 render
doodling reading cheese iced coffee writing filming
architectural intern | design eight five two hong kong SAR, china | spring 2025 aiding in various stages of design with documentation, graphic and 3D rendering production
architecture co-op student | local practice architecture + design
vancouver, british columbia | fall 2024 responsible for CA document organization, proposal assistance, various drawing deliverables
urban design intern | city of brampton brampton, ontario | winter 2024 assisting with ongoing precinct plans, creating graphics + 3D models for future development and building applications.
coat check att endant | the jewel event space | 2020-2021 bobarista | toco tea | 2022-2023 barista | starbucks | 2023
Emily Carr Secondary School | ontario high school diploma, honour roll
University of Waterloo, School of Architecture (BAS) | honours bachelors of architectural studies
event coordinator | WASA | cambridge, ontario | 2024-2025 orientation leader | University of Waterloo | 2023
event organiser | BRIDGE | cambridge, ontario | 2022~ dld team member, volunteer | Fo Guang Shan Temple | 2019~
January 17, 2024
It is my pleasure to recommend Brienna Tran, who worked with us at Local Practice Architecture + Design as a co-op student from September 2024 through December 2024. During her time with us, Brienna demonstrated a consistently positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn qualities that make her an asset to any team.
At Local Practice, Brienna contributed to multiple projects across various phases, from pre-design to construction, gaining a broad range of experience. She quickly adapted to new tools and workflows, showcasing her ability to learn and apply skills effectively. For instance, she provided invaluable support to a project team in developing tender documents using Vectorworks, a drafting software she had not previously encountered. Despite initial challenges, Brienna remained persistent and quickly became a dependable team member, consistently delivering high-quality work.
Our firm emphasizes the importance of cultivating self motivation and independence, and Brienna exemplified this mindset through her consistent efforts and openness to constructive feedback. One notable example of her growth was her work on a series of site analysis diagrams that evolved into a polished, presentation-worthy set. Her dedication to refining her output and achieving excellence was commendable.
Brienna's reliability, positivity, and eagerness to improve were highly valued during her time with us. These qualities, combined with her technical skills and determination, will undoubtedly serve her well in her future endeavors.
If you have any further questions or require additional details, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Matthew Woodruff, Architect AIBC, MRAIC Principal, Local Practice Architecture + Design Ltd.
Planning, Building and Growth Management City of Brampton
T: 905.874.3952
M: 437.771.2469
david.degroot@brampton.ca
26 April 2024
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to recommend Brienna Tran. She has worked at the City of Brampton as an Urban Design Intern from January 2024 to April 2024, in the Urban Design Team of the Planning, Building and Growth Management Department. As her manager, I had the opportunity to work and observe Brienna’s skills and work. During her time with us, Brienna has been a valuable member of our team.
Brienna’s strengths lie in producing clear and engaging graphics. She produced diagrams and drawings for the team, creating boards for various ongoing projects. Brienna was able to execute visuals for the team’s precinct plans through strong design software skills. This helped us envision the future of key transit areas in Brampton. She has a well-developed visual way of communicating and the technical expertise to execute.
Beyond technical skills, Brienna has been a pleasure to work with We have really appreciated the hard work and positive attitude she has demonstrated in completing her tasks. Brienna has an engaging, calm demeanor that made her a positive contributor to our team.
In any case of further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact me at phone number or email listed here if there is any other information I can provide.
Sincerely,
David de Groot MCIP, RPP Manager of Urban Design Development Services and Design
Reimagining a commercial site within it’s industrial context, Grow, Adapt, Connect fosters growth through the combination of low-rise cooperative housing and ground-floor commercial spaces. Along a Woonerf, this space houses flexible living units that evolve alongside residents’ needs. With the adaptable grid structure and building layout, the Community hub can further the hub for future phasings. Connection thrives through interior walkways, exterior balconies, and shared amenities, fostering interactions between residents and the public. Grab a matcha and water your growing garden as you watch you and your family grow!
collaborator(s)
sylvana kam
david fortin
harry wei
jaiya fonseka
sifei mo
intention.
arch 392 design studio
rhinoceros 7
illustrator photoshop
D5 render
raised ground following shape of woonerf elevated ground
glulam columns for structure grid structure
clt panelled floors floor slabs
general unit massing 1bed 2bed 3bed
walkways attatched to face of build exterior walkways
signifigant space: multipurpose space ; market
signifigant
SIENNA, 27 working individual
unit type: 1 bed 1 bath
# of units: 18
housing type: market, senior
MARY, 30 ; ANNIE, 72 caretaking
unit type: 2 bed 1 bath
# of units: 13
housing type: co-op, senior
DAVE, 26 ; BRIAN, 34 ; SAM, 28 ; KIM 23 roommates
unit type: 4 bed 2 bath
# of units: 4
housing type: co-op
JAY, 47 ; VI, 43 ; SHAY, 14 young family
unit type: 3 bed 2 bath
# of units: 8
housing type: intergenerational
ANNA, 27 ; MEI, 30 ; TY, 24 roommates
unit type: 3 bed 2 bath # of units: 3 housing type: co-op
interior corridor
exterior balconies
ballast
waterproofing
membrane
steel deep decking
vegetation soil
filter fabric
moisture retention mat
water retention
insulation
polyester reinforcement
membrane
concrete slab
steel deep decking
floor finish
169mm clt slab
300mm drop ceiling
glulam column
gypsum wallboard
lightwood framing
osb sheathing
membrane
semi rigid insulation air gap
masonry units
roof membrane
coverboard
membrane semi rigid insulation
exterior public corridor residential elevation
2x4 wooden deck
8x15 I beam
thermal break angle
gypsum wallboard
lightwood framing
floor finish
169mm clt slab
400mm drop ceiling, services
a 1:50 section exploring a significant cross section of the project, where the layering of buildings create a neighbourhood community through the facing facades, additionally revealing the elevation changes that accomodate the underground parking and ground floor senior housing. interactive, this model allows for the demonstration of the varying unit styles that fit within the 7m x 7m grid the build contains, where these slide in and out of the unit slots. playing with these parts allow for full freedom with how one can continue the build of this community in it’s future, pushing for the concept of adaptability and growth within and amongst the new and old builds.
sylvana kam
arch 392 design studio
rhinoceros 7
illustrator
photoshop
D5 render
residential facade ; balcony
commercial facade ; back facing
residential facade ; ground relationship
commercial facade ; street facing
a museum housing the history of toronto’s lost vietnamese communitites, ngon faces the bustling street of spadina avenue. with a focus on it’s market, the build contains angles towards said market, guilding all of it’s guests to the exterior activity. external facades of porous brick act as guides encouraging the flow of acitivity through the different means of transparency. the build’s spaces are situated to replicate the layers of a street’s storefront, circulation, and market, which both toronto and vietnam contain.
micheal fohring val rynnemeri lola sheppard
intention.
arch 292 design studio
rhinoceros 7 illustrator photoshop enscape
legend
1. entrance
2. front desk
3. cafe
4. performance space
5. interior market
6. exterior market
7. atrium
8. dry storage
9. fridge storage
10. kiosk storage
11. seating
12. classroom
13. artists’ in residence
14. harvest garden
15. meeting rooms
16. gallery
creating an emphasis on the market to the north, most walls as well as portions of the roof are angled towards the exterior market, encouraging guests to move towards the market.
latitudinal section
concept diagram
more so a cultural hub than a museum, ngon relies on the guests and circulation creating the open, freeflowing feeling of a traditional market.
the activities within create the atmosphere of this open space, inspired by typical streetlife in both vietnam and toronto.
a 1:50 scale model to illustrate the major movements of the project, the free flowing circulation and change within the open spaces of the market- continuity within the building’s permeability.
medium.
hand model making laser cutting
located in the rare charitable reserve, ‘like, water’ is a projection of various characteristics of the water, a signifigant feature on the site. the design sits along an existing path, directed towards the subtle elevation change and river. visitors are guided along a dynamic path, carving out moments of rest. to pause and play- like, water. to dynamic and groundedlike, water.
experiencing the highs and lowslike, water.
site integration
tracey eve winton karen may
arch 293 design studio
rhinoceros 7 illustrator photoshop GIS
signifigant spaces final organization
to pause; through pavillions and benches, soak in the company of people and dragonflies
a means of pause and play, where paths guide guests through different
where meeting spaces and different experiences of time.
paths, take the dynamic route
to play; through surrounding circulation and along paths, soak in the atmosphere of the landscape
observeratory, rest with nature
stepwells of india, a cnc model
curating the lost art of india’s stepwells, foam molds and plaster.
a visualisaion of a utopia, where the deceased continue to live.
Reimagining a learning environment as a living reflection of Indigenous history and connection to land, The Nuu-chah-nulth Library is rooted in the indigenous traditions and knowledge of the land’s tribe, offering an experience shaped by indigenous culture, memory, and community. Each building embodies a unique spatial identity. Distinct zones are linked through a circulation strategy that mimics the natural flow and ripples of water, with soft elevation shifts.
collaborator(s)
intention
jayden chan volume zero competition
softwares
rhinoceros 7 illustrator photoshop
cliffside lookout connecting walkways
cliffside lookout connecting walkways main entrance
a staple for any library, these floor to ceiling bookshelves are a means of storage in the disguise of a facade. as these continue the story of a traditional library in full display, located both interior and exterior items such as vegeation, physical and digital media, decorations, and openings are able to reside, without being hidden in storage units.
a textured take on the typical openings, these polycarbonate panels allow for the control of sunlight within bookshelves without compromising privacy.
continuous throughout, wooden decking connects all four builds through fluid motions, mimicking the ripples of the water in which boats fish and flow through.
to serve as a bridge between indoor and outdoor activities, the operable windows also double as a canopy when opened, allowing for guests inside to interact with activities outside. this additionally creates a means of control for the climate within the hub.
Like kids, Porpoises are playful, curious, and full of energy. With love to jump through waves and explore the ocean, their fun spirit shows how imagination makes everything exciting. Full of sensory items, unleach your inner child and experience this playful space!
Clever and creative, the eight flexible arms of an octopus can open shells, hide in rocks, and build shelters. Reflective of the guests of the makers hub, creation is encouraged and motivated towards all. Fall into your flow state as you allow yourself to express your creativity!
Always swimning together in big shimmering groups, Herrings help each other stay safe and move as one. The community hub gathers it’s guests, recgonising how important it is to come together, share, and support each other. Meet me at the hub, lets chat about that book!
Whales are calm, wise travelers of the sea. They move slowly and breathe deeply, listening to the world around them, showing all how to slow down, think quietly, and enjoy peaceful moments within the reflective
from previous placements
City of Brampton’s 2040 Vision, Precinct Plans
Queen St E, Gateway Terminal For City of Brampton’s Urban Design Team
SFU Hydrogen Hub Proposal, Preliminary Design Diagrams
Simon Fraser University For Local Practice Architecture and Design
Pickup Coffee BGC Park Triangle, Design + Renderings
Pickup Coffee Manila For Design Eight Five Two, DEFT
VR Metropolitan Co-living & Hotel, Design + Renderings
VR Metropolitan New Delhi, India For Design Eight Five Two, DEFT
b8tran@uwaterloo.ca tranbrienna@gmail.com