Licensed Architect with nearly a decade of professional experience in building and sustainable design and an additional three years in environmental statistics. Thoughtful and ambitious problem solver with a background in conceptual development, technical drawing, and coordination for academic, S&T, and civic new construction and renovation projects. Seeking impactful design, research, and advocacy opportunities that improve resiliency and sustainability within the built environment.
Project Architect & Sustainability Consultant Since 02/2024, 1.5 years
JacobsWyper Architects / Philadelphia, PA
• Project design and documentation split between architectural work and sustainability consulting including development of the firm’s sustainability action plan, design and coordination workflow, and sustainabile design templates.
• Managed a team to execute technical design, documentation, and coordination for core & shell scope of 200k sf lab and office building.
• Lead implementation of sustainable design concepts and strategies for large S&T projects including directing and coordinating LEED documentation.
• Prepare and facilitate client and design team coordination to determine project sustainability goals by engaging stakeholder teams via workshops.
Project Architect & Sustainability Analyst 02/2023 - 01/2024, 1 year
Bright Common / Philadelphia, PA
• Managed project schedules, reviewed contracts, and acted as primary client contact for small mixed-use residential and single-family projects.
• Led technical design, construction detailing, and engineering coordination to meet Phius Building Standards and reduce embodied carbon of materials.
• Analyzed environmental building data using energy modeling and embodied carbon accounting for mixed-use and commercial projects.
Project Architect
Perkins&Will / Washington DC
08/2020 - 02/2023, 2.5 years
• Directed sustainability, structural, MEPFP systems, and BIM coordination for 200k sf university building and NIH healthcare housing renovation and expansion.
• Led design, documentation, and technical coordination for 1,500 seat auditorium and stage, including reviewing base and alternate construction bids.
• Championed office-wide sustainability design goals and tracked LEED certification for higher education, S&T, and hospitality projects.
Architect
KieranTimberlake / Philadelphia, PA
07/2018 - 08/2020, 2 years
• Developed technical documentation of educational and civic projects for new construction and renovation independently and within a team.
• Led architectural design and coordination meetings for the exterior facade of an 85k sf engineering building and the interior design of a 170k sf academic lab building.
• Led daylight analysis and championed sustainability goals that resulted in the successful design integration of skylights in all existing and new classrooms.
Environmental Statistician
ToxStrategies / Austin, TX
06/2009 - 06/2012, 3 years
• Conducted statistical modeling to link potential carcinogen exposure and adverse health effects among vulnerable population groups.
buddyburkhalter @ gmail.com | 512.705.9513 | Philadelphia, PA AIA, LEED AP BD+C, LFA
EDUCATION
SELECTED SKILLS
SELECTED PROJECTS
SELECTED AWARDS AFFILIATIONS
RESEARCH & TEACHING
M. Arch, Master of Architecture
2016 University of Washington in Seattle
M. Stat, Master of Statistics 2009
Rice University, Houston, TX
BA, Classics and BA, Mathematics 2008 University of Texas at Austin
The Children’s Inn at NIH - Expansion & Renovation Perkins&Will
• Pursuing WELL Bronze
Bowie State Univ - Communication Arts Building Perkins&Will
• 2022 AIADC Unbuilt Awards Honorable Mention
Univ of Toronto - Centre for Medicinal Chemistry KieranTimberlake
• Pursuing LEED Gold
Carnegie Mellon Univ - Scaife Engineering Hall KieranTimberlake
• LEED Gold Certified
The Bulletin Building in Schuylkill Yards KieranTimberlake
• 2024 AIA Tri-State Merit Award
• 2022 AIA Pennsylvania Merit Award
2021 Phil Freelon Design Competition, Shortlist
2018 AIA National Emerging Professionals Exhibition
2018 AIA/ACSA COTE Top Ten for Students
Licensed Architect (PA, WA)
INTERESTS
Since 2019
AIA Philly Committee on the Env (COTE) Since 2019
East Kensington Neighborhood Zoning Committee Since 2023
International Living Future Member Since 2022
Perkins&Will LGBTQ+ Affinity Group 2020 – 2023
Green Building United 2018 – 2023
2023 Temple Univ, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, BS Arch Guest Critic
2021 Perkins&Will Innovation Incubator, Zero Waste Office Research Proposal
2021 AIA Philly COTE, Introducing the New DDx and Analyzing Your Portfolio
2020 AIA Philly Pro Con, Best Practices and Tools for Reaching 2030 Targets
Design / Building and construction renovation and reuse • Climate adaptability and resilience • Data visualization • Intersectional environmentalism • LCA research and tools • Reduction and regeneration of operational resources
2022 AIA DC Unbuilt Awards Honorable Mention 2025 IIDA Mid-Atlantic Premiere Design Award
The new MLK Jr Communications Arts Building will contain multiple departments and programs that are currently accommodated within the existing Martin King Jr. (MLK) Center, which will be demolished. Project objectives include providing state-of-the art flexible and collaborative learning environments; specialized media production facilities, and departmental learning resources; faculty and administrative space to support interdisciplinary activity; and a 1500-seat assembly/auditorium space.
Visual and spatial campus connections are emphasized through the placement of entries, relationships between interior and exterior landscapes, and especially through significant features including the north entry plaza and south courtyard amphitheater and the building inflection points of entry, interaction and exchange
The 1500-seat auditorium is the featured architectural element at the south end of the building. The facade of the auditorium continues the patterning and movement of the typical facade with adjustments in scale, scope, and openings based on the sound wave pattern of Martin Luther King’s acceptance speech on the occasion of receiving the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in December 1964.
I directed sustainability, structural, MEP/FP, and BIM coordination for the building. Additionally I led the design, documentation, and technical coordination for 1,500 seat theater and stage, including reviewing base and alternate construction bids.
vision diagram
courtyard and north entry (collaboration with team at Perkins&Will)
Elevation Design
elevation concept and design (collaboration with team at Perkins&Will)
1” PAINTED
concept sketches
theater and auditorium (collaboration with team at Perkins&Will)
QC LABORATORY HUB
Research Triangle, NC
JacobsWyper Architects, Project Architect, 2024
Schematic Design + Design Development
S&T / New Construction
Pursuing LEED Gold
The QC Laboratory Hub will serve the operations of a large pharmaceutical company as a c entral location to provide QC testing for multiple production locations. Approximately 200,000 sf, the Hub will be a single, interconnected lab, office, and sample storage modular facility linked via a multistory spine .
With the intention of providing more daylight to the office spaces and less direct daylight to the lab spaces , the building was oriented where the lab facades will primarily face North, while the office side will primarily face South. Floor-to-ceiling curtainwall on the office façade is designed in a regular configuration to allow consistent daylight across the workspaces . Larger portions of curtainwall break up the long façade to provide sweeping views of the natural wetlands to the South of site and allow the structural braced frame system to be expressed. Strategically placed slot windows of a similar language are located on the lab facades to provide targeted daylight for the lab users to balance the need for controlled conditions and support occupant wellness . The depth and location of sunshades were studied to help mitigate solar heat gain and glare according to the orientation of the façade. The exterior façade is based on a 4-0” module to provide a consistent rhythm across the entire building.
Working with the lead Design Partner, I led the exterior façade design and technical coordination. Additionally, I led the structural, MEP/FP, and BIM coordination for the core & shell scope and co-led the sustainability design for the building and site.
primary entry and lab facades (collaboration with team at JWA)
exterior wall development and composition
EXTERIOR ACCENT WOOD SLAT SOFFIT
RESAWN ACCOYA
1
2-RAINSCREEN METAL PANEL
MORIN METAL PANEL BY KINGSPAN
MATERIAL: ALUMINUM-ZINC ALLOY
PROFILE: PULSE P-2 AND PULSE P-2, VERTICAL COLORS: WEATHERED ZINC AND DARK BRONZE 2
EXTERIOR SOFFIT CEILING AT ENTRANCE AND BACK PATIO 3
3-CURTAINWALL GLAZING SYSTEM
YKK YCW 750 XT HIGH PERFORMANCE
30” DEEP HORIZONTAL SOLAR SHADE AND 12” DEEP VERTICAL SOLAR SHADE AT SOUTHWEST EXPOSURE. 12” DEEP VERTICAL SOLAR SHADE ON NORTHEAST EXPOSURE.
EXTERIOR WALL BASE 4
4-GRANITE WALL CLADDING
WHITE MOUNT AIRY GRANITE BY POLYCOR
THE CHILDREN’S INN RENOVATION & ADDITION
Bethesda, MD
Perkins&Will, Project Architect, 2022-2023
Schematic Design + Design Development
Hospitality / New Construction + Renovation
Pursuing LEED Silver and WELL Silver
The Children’s Inn is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary housing children and their families who are undergoing medical treatment at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Children’s Inn currently consists of two existing adjoining buildings (Buildings 62 and 62A) providing a total of 60 guest rooms, office and meeting spaces, common spaces, and kitchens. The Children’s Inn has commenced a master plan of the existing facilities and a vision of a new scope of work for improved exterior site work, renovation of existing interior spaces, and a new building addition.
The renovations to existing buildings will address program deficiencies, finish and fixture upgrades to common areas and guest room, and failing building infrastructure. The renovations will include new open plan office space, private offices, meeting rooms, break rooms on the first level. The main three-story great room will be updated, to incorporate a new living room on level two.
The proposed 14,900 square foot, two-story Expansion (Building 62B) will connect to the existing buildings at both levels creates an interior courtyard with planting and trees. The addition will include an a new main lobby/entry, private offices, 10 guest suites, communal kitchen and dining room, laundry, elevator and MEP rooms.
In attempt to achieve an optimal environment for serving diverse families with weakened immune systems and provide a place for comfort and healing, the design prioritized strategies that focus on optimizing health and well-being through air and water quality, material selections, and Universal Design principals.
site diagram
aerial view and new entry at expansion (collaboration with team at Perkins&Will)
04D. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN NARRATIVE
ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT
The architectural concept of the project began with the goal to reinforce the mission of The Children’s Inn at NIH to provide a family-centered place of belonging, support, and care. Through design works hops and discussions with the staff, Board, and visiting families of The Children’s Inn, the concept evolved to focus on transforming The Children’s Inn by improving access to care, enhancing comfort and safety, and facilitating a refined guest experience. The architectural and interior design of the proposal, support s this mission through enhanced spaces , connection to nature, materials, and character to create a welcoming, accessible, and sustainable “place like home”.
Fi g.04D-1 Concept Diagram s
The architectural concept of the project began with the goal to reinforce the mission of The Children’s Inn at NIH to provide a family-centered place of belonging, support, and care. Through design works hops and discussions with the staff, Board, and visiting families of The Children’s Inn, the concept evolved to focus on transforming The Children’s Inn by improving access to care, enhancing comfort and safety, and facilitating a refined guest experience. The architectural and interior design of the proposal, support s this mission through enhanced spaces , connection to nature, materials, and character to create a welcoming, accessible, and sustainable “place like home”. Fi g.04D-1
design vision
SITE RESPONSE
SITE RESPONSE
With limited available land to develop The Children 62B just south of Building 62 to preserve as mu relocation of the existing sport court to the north sequence at the east to be improved upon. Addit the Existing Building 62A to create a beautiful cour building now houses the primary entrance and a n entrance to the existing entrance.
The existing service and support areas for the facil in their current location. A new covered, pedestrian access to the NIH campus. The existing playscape an building.
With limited available land to develop The Children’ 62B just south of Building 62 to preserve as muc relocation of the existing sport court to the northw sequence at the east to be improved upon. Additio the Existing Building 62A to create a beautiful court building now houses the primary entrance and a ne entrance to the existing entrance. The existing service and support areas for the facilit in their current location. A new covered, pedestrian b access to the NIH campus. The existing playscape and building.
new great room in expansion (collaboration with team at Perkins&Will)
PRIORITY 1 – OPTIMIZE HEALTH AND WELLBEING
sustainability goals
To provide spaces for guests with compromised immune systems , the design team will focus on optimal air quality to reduce the entrance of toxicants in interior spaces. The Children’s Inn new mechanical units will use aggressive air filtration measures to remove various size air particulates, UV filters may be installed to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria l growth, walk-off mats will be located at all entrances to reduce outdoor debris, and dedicated exhaust will be placed in all spaces that could jeopardize air quality. Similarly, the design team may consult an industrial hygienist to analyze water samples for potential contaminants. Should water contaminants be found for any water used for consumption advanced water filtration, such as reverse osmosis & UV sterilized filtration can be installed should particulates, coliforms, and harsh municipal water additives be found.
Large volume building materials in the new and renovated portions of the building will be evaluated to reduce their VOC emissions and material makeup, thereby avoiding harmful toxicants that are prevalent in building materials . To verify the air quality of the space, tests will be performed, and any remaining impurities flushed.
PRIORITY 2 – WELL & LEED
Finding synergies between a su Inn, which caters to sick childre of both the LEED and WELL ratin It is increasingly recognized tha relationship through the design children and adults alike. To imp Children’s Inn, and to reduce th as provisions for both restorativ and whimsical touches, access healing power of nature and its
While more lively spaces are av truly optimizing restorative spa communal kitchen and eating a with each other as they experie Institutes of Health. Each kitche through the numerous program robust and holistic health. Thes families at The Children’s Inn.
The new UNESCO offices will house the administration of a threecountry organization working to protect the intertidal coastal ecosystems of the Wadden Sea within Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands.
The building itself will contain office space and meeting facilities, sitting entirely on top of an existing concrete WWII bunker. The bunker itself will be exposed through a double glass facade, enabling natural ventilation. It will function as exhibition and event space as well as a temperate archiving space.
In the daytime the building resembles the reflective surface of the Wadden Sea, that again is reflected in the surface of the rainwater retention pools. And at nighttime it expresses itself as a lighthouse visible from far away, representing the trilateral and global collaboration to save this important ecosystem.
I contributed to massing and formal concept design as an environmental and operational energy response, interior layout strategies, documentation of exterior assemblies, and visualization.
public lobby and circulation (collaboration with Dorte
Mandrup, Lars Almgren, MIR)
building and park at night
formal concept and plans
(collaboration with Dorte Mandrup, Lars Almgren, and MIR)
1 operable window
83/20 mm intermediate rail
2 2 mm sheet-aluminium covering to parapet two-layer bituminous seal
200 mm rigid-foam insulation vapour barrier supporting structure consisting of steel I-beams
3 standard facade element circa 1500 mm spacing:
laminated glazing: 6 mm toughened safety glass + 13 mm cavity +
6 mm safety glass with low-E coating + 13 mm cavity + 6 mm safety glass
aluminium frame
500 mm cavity
insulated glass unit: 8 mm toughened glass + 16 mm cavity + 2x6 mm laminated safety glass operable window at top
4 conventional pressure wall window system mullion
5 mm galvanized sheet-steel maintenance walkway
40 mm aluminium grating
83/20 mm intermediate rail
5 2x8 mm toughened glass fixed to 10 mm sheet steel
50 mm cavity
2x100 mm rigid-foam slabs
20 mm gypsum plasterboard fire/resisting sheeting
2x 40mm SHSs fixed to 400 mm deep steel I-beam
50 mm gypsum-fibreboard fire-protection casing
6 25 mm metal flooring system
50 mm gypsum-fibreboard fire-protection supporting structure consisting of 160 mm deep steel I-beams with insulation
30 mm gypsum-fibreboard fire-protection
400 mm deep steel I-beam supporting structure
4 mm suspended ceiling clipped on steel supporting structure
7 cavity sunscreen/blind
8 interior shade
9 25 mm metal flooring system
50 mm gypsum-fibreboard fire-protection
supporting structure consisting of 160 mm deep steel I-beams with insulation
30 mm gypsum-fibreboard fire-protection
750 mm deep steel I-beam supporting structure
20 mm gypsum-fibreboard fire-protection
300 mm thermal insulation
20 mm gypsum plasterboard
100 mm cavity
20 mm suspended chrome-plated ceiling clipped on steel supporting structure
10 vegetative cover
800 mm substrate layer typ.
30 mm drainage layers: filter fabric + 3 mm PET foil + bituminous sealing layer + vapour control layer + protection board
120 mm rigid-foam insulation
60 mm thermal insulation
330 mm rigid-foam insulation
existing concrete bunker construction
11 wood planks
30 mm drainage layers: bituminous sealing layer + vapour control layer + protection board
120 mm rigid-foam insulation
50 mm gypsum-fibreboard fire-protection
supporting structure consisting of 160 mm deep steel I-beams with insulation
30 mm gypsum-fibreboard fire-protection
400 mm deep steel I-beam supporting structure
4 mm suspended ceiling clipped on steel supporting structure
technical section
(collaboration with Dorte Mandrup and Lars Almgren)
SCAIFE HALL ENGINEERING BUILDING
Pittsburgh, PA
KieranTimberlake, Architect, 2020
Design Development + Construction Documentation
Higher Education / New Construction
LEED Gold Certified
The 6-story 85,000 square foot research facility, Scaife Hall, is the new home to the Mechanical Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon University. The building has a focus on expanded, technology-rich labs, modern, flexible classrooms, and spaces that facilitate formal and informal collaboration . A two-story lower volume is strategically and efficiently integrated into the hillside to house laboratories. Two additional volumes float above the labs, unify the spaces between adjacent buildings, and form a landscaped courtyard. The project will work in connection with adjacent buildings and labs that house other engineering and technology disciplines to create an integrated Maker Court and allow for interdisciplinary collaboration. The building’s location on the edge of campus will further increase the connectivity between external consortia and institutes and the university, both physically and programmatically.
I worked with the Senior Project Architect on detail iterations of all typical exterior wall systems , which included documenting base and alternate designs of a modular wall panel system versus a unitized curtain wall between design development and construction documentation. Additionally, I helped coordinate below grade waterproofing systems and details with outside consultants for sitework, drainage, and landscape design.
ground level approach and aerial view (collaboration with team at KieranTimberlake)
exterior envelope (collaboration with team at KieranTimberlake)
BULLETIN BUILDING FACADE RENOVATION
Philadelphia, PA
KieranTimberlake, Architect, 2018
Design Development + Construction Documentation
Commercial / Facade Renovation
2022 AIA Philadelphia Honor Award
2022 AIA Pennsylvania Merit Award
2022 The Architect’s Newspaper Top Facades
This renovation reimagines the former printing and publishing headquarters of the now-defunct Evening Bulletin newspaper as a centerpiece in Philadelphia’s booming Schuykill Yards. Constructed in 1954, the original building demonstrated renowned architect George Howe’s mastery of modern, simple, and powerful architecture. The elevated volume sat atop a slender base with a smooth masonry skin, an expansive, horizontal eastern facade, subtle asymmetry, and assertive signage. Additional windows cut into the facade during a renovation in the 1990s brought much-needed light to the space, but also diminished the building’s impressive monumentality
In re-imagining the structure, we retain the scale, massing, and character of the original building while evolving the design to accommodate new uses and standards. Our design restores and enhances the original fabric and features while also incorporating evolutionary interventions including a new red-framed glass facade, modern graphical signage, and an alphabet-patterned frit—an homage to the building’s history.
Building, with 1990s alteration
Building, 1954 original design
REPAIR/RESTORE MASONRY
UNITIZED CURTAIN WALL WITH DIGITALLY PRINTED FRITTED GLASS
ALUMINUM ARMATURE WITH CUSTOM PEARLESCENT METAL COATING
REPAIR/RESTORE SST COLUMN COVERS LED NEWS TICKER
relationship between soffit, ticker, slab edge, and curtainwall continuous cabinet
separate cabinets
new enclosure and led ticker integration (collaboration with team at KieranTimberlake)
OPERATIONAL AND EMBODIED CARBON ANALYSIS
COMPARATIVE CARBON ACCOUNTING
OPERATIONAL AND EMBODIED CARBON ANALYSIS
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Bright Common, Project Architect, 2023
Bright Common, Project Architect, 2023
At Bright Common I am the primary person in charge of environmental building analysis for all projects in the office and through all design phases. This role focuses on digital modeling to predict operational carbon (energy use) and embodied carbon accounting for assemblies and whole building (WBLCA). Using design tools such as Sefaira and One Click LCA, I analyzed the data and results in written, verbal, graphical formats to colleagues and clients
At Bright Common I am the primary person in charge of environmental building analysis for all projects in the office and through all design phases. This role inform
At Bright Common I was the primary person in charge of environmental building analysis for all projects in the office and through all design phases. This role focuses on digital modeling to predict operational carbon (energy use) and embodied carbon accounting for assemblies and whole building (WBLCA). Using design tools such as Sefaira and One Click LCA, I analyzed the data and results in written, verbal, graphical formats to colleagues and clients
Because I have this role on all projects within the office, I have knowledge of other project successes in terms of design strategies than can inform other projects I am working. Therefore, my comprehensive view of the studio’s projects promotes knowledge sharing to meet building performance goals firmwide for all project types (mixed-use residential, single-family, and commercial). Furthermore, as an AIA 2030 Commitment signatory, I report all of the predicted operational and embodied carbon metrics to the organization through the online DDx dashboard.
Furthermore, as an AIA 2030 Commitment I report all of the predicted operational online DDx dashboard.
Because I have this role on all projects within the office, I have knowledge of other project successes in terms of design strategies than can inform other projects I am working. Therefore, my comprehensive view of the studio’s projects promotes knowledge sharing to meet building performance goals firmwide for all project types (mixed-use residential, single-family, and commercial). Furthermore, as an AIA 2030 Commitment signatory , I report all of the predicted operational and embodied carbon metrics to the organization through the online DDx dashboard. All architectural graphics on this is spread was in collobaration with team at Bright Common.
Manayunk Church
Manayunk Church
Built circa 1850 on the banks of the Schuylkill River, the Roxborough Mills building is being transformed into a long-term home for a local Church. This project examines the challenges of designing in a rising flood zone, renovating an existing building Historicallyregistered , and marrying these complexities with aggressive carbon goals . This project highlighted the need to reevaluate the way we approach historic preservation to incorporate building science, life cycle carbon, and operational costs into a more holistic conversation. When complete it will use half the embodied carbon of comparable new construction, and with the PV system, it will use 1/5 the operational carbon compared to the regional average for this typology.
Built circa 1850 on the banks of the Schuylkill River, the Roxborough Mills building is being transformed into a long-term home for a local Church. This project examines the challenges of designing in a rising flood zone, renovating an existing building Historicallyregistered , and marrying these complexities with aggressive carbon goals . This project highlighted the need to reevaluate the way we approach historic preservation to incorporate building science, life cycle carbon, and operational costs into a more holistic conversation. When complete it will use half the embodied carbon of comparable new construction, and with the PV system, it will use 1/5 the operational carbon compared to the regional average for this typology.
Frankford Apartments
WALL ASSEMBLY: EXTERIOR 1-HR FIRE RATED WD-FRAMED WALL, UL U356 R-VALUEDEPTHMATERIAL
WALL ASSEMBLY: EXTERIOR 1-HR FIRE RATED WD-FRAMED WALL, UL U356 R-VALUEDEPTHMATERIAL
EXTERIOR CLADDING: VARIES, REFER TO ELEVATIONS FOR MATERIAL:
3/8" -1/4"W5.1: NATURAL SLATE W/ HPDE UNDERLAY
EXTERIOR CLADDING: VARIES, REFER TO ELEVATIONS FOR MATERIAL: 3/8" -1/4"W5.1: NATURAL SLATE W/ HPDE UNDERLAY 3/8" W5.2: FIBER CEMENT SIDING
3/8" W5.2: FIBER CEMENT SIDING ---WRB / AIR BARRIER: SELF-ADHERED, DRAINABLE HOUSEWRAP. WEATHERLAP ALL COMPONENTS AS PER MFR RECOMMENDATIONS
EXTERIOR
7 1/4"FRAMING: 2X8 WD STUD FRAMING
EXTERIOR WALL ASSEMBLY V1.0
---WRB / AIR BARRIER: SELF-ADHERED, DRAINABLE HOUSEWRAP. WEATHERLAP ALL COMPONENTS AS PER MFR RECOMMENDATIONS
R-8.42"THERMAL CONTROL: EXTERIOR MINERAL WOOL INSULATION ---WRB / AIR BARRIER: SELF-ADHERED, DRAINABLE HOUSEWRAP. WEATHERLAP ALL COMPONENTS AS PER MFR RECOMMENDATIONS 7/16"SHEATHING: WD STRUCTURAL PANELS. TAPE ALL JOINTS
R-8.42"THERMAL CONTROL: EXTERIOR MINERAL WOOL INSULATION ---WRB / AIR BARRIER: SELF-ADHERED, DRAINABLE HOUSEWRAP. WEATHERLAP ALL COMPONENTS AS PER MFR RECOMMENDATIONS
7/16"SHEATHING: WD STRUCTURAL PANELS. TAPE ALL JOINTS
7 1/4"FRAMING: 2X8 WD STUD FRAMING R-30 THERMAL CONTROL: MINERAL WOOL BATT INSULATION ---INTERIOR VAPOR VARIABLE MEMBRANE 5/8"SHEATHING: (1) LAYER PTD TYPE "X" GYPSUM BOARD R-38.4 WALL R-VALUE
7 1/4"FRAMING: 2X8 WD STUD FRAMING R-30 THERMAL CONTROL: MINERAL WOOL BATT INSULATION ---INTERIOR VAPOR VARIABLE MEMBRANE 5/8"SHEATHING: (1) LAYER PTD TYPE "X" GYPSUM BOARD R-38.4 WALL R-VALUE
Frankford Apartments is a mixed-use residential new construction project. During DD, the concept of a building would have two different expressions – one more linear, and one rounder with complexity in sculptural moves like decks and carveouts. Post-2020 required the team to be more adaptable for the assemblies and exterior expression . Buildings that are more energy efficient are typically built with materials that have a higher embodied carbon than those same materials applied to a code building. This is usually due to more thermal insulation which is often foam or plastic that has a high global warming impact. The team began looking at a “best” version of an embodied carbon wall and massing that is Code+. This primarily required simplifying the overall geometry to reduce sculptural carve-outs, specify bio-based materials, and use less plastic overall. The analysis and redesign showed that the thicker assemblies of “bad” materials lead to less energy use while thinner assemblies with carbon sequestering materials had a higher energy use. I conducted operational and embodied carbon analysis on both design schemes .
GF Passive
GF Passive is a new construction, single family townhome located in Southwest Philadelphia. As currently conceived, the project is a three-story 2/2.5 single-family house, slab-on-grade, woodframed construction with no basement. A photovolatic solar array is located on the building’s roof. Since the project Phius CORE Prescriptive certification, the clients were interested in seeing their projected energy costs and the embodied carbon compared to a typical single-family home in Philadelphia. Even with natural gas being cheaper than electricity, and all-electric home designed to Passive House standards with bio-based insulation had a lower predicted energy cost and carbon emissions. I conducted operational and embodied carbon analysis on the baseline and design cases with iterations for HVAC systems and bio-based insulation.
KNOWLEDGE SHARING
I proactively seek opportunities related to sustainability within my firms and the local professional architecture community. Outside of project work, I also developed a research proposal and action framework for zero waste operations for the office and promoted the creation of high-performing places that support human and ecological well-being at the studio-level through the firm’s Living Design initiative through regular meetings with project teams. At KieranTimberlake, I volunteered regularly at a local food bank and led and planned a community voter registration event. Additionally, I initiated and led daylight analysis (sDA and ASE) for an elementary school project at Mahlum that resulted in the successful design integration of skylights in all existing and new classrooms to meet building performance goals. In addition to my immediate project assignments at both KieranTimberlake and Mahlum, I carved out my own research investigations related to life cycle cost analysis benchmarking and the integration of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence with overarching company design principles at each firm, respectively.
Firmwide Sustainability Action Plan and Workflow Tools
Philadelphia, PA / JacobsWyper Architects
At JWA I reviewed, edited, and composed portions of the firmwide Sustainability Action Plan that included background, intention, and actionable steps for project teams to implement in their design to align with the firm’s sustainability goals. I additionally developed internal workflow guides and calculation templates to assist teams on the feasibility and analysis for several LEED credits.
Operation Zero Waste Washington, DC / Innovation Incubator
We as designers consistently and successfully track operational energy and water use. The reporting of these sustainability measures has promoted both environmental resource efficiency and economic and social incentives for using less within the built environment. In demonstrating leadership in energy and water use design, we should do the same for operational waste that is generated and managed within the buildings we design and occupy. The goal of this Innovation Incubator proposal is to produce a document that catalogs current practices and provides actionable guidance for operational waste-management and resource efficiency.
Data Visualization for AIA DDx Reporting Philadelphia, PA / AIA Philly COTE
As a member of the Philadelphia chapter of the AIA Committee on the Environment, I have presented to the chapter and internal working groups on topics related to the AIA’s 2030 Commitment and the interpretation of data reported to the DDx by member firms. Example presentation titles includes “Best practices and tools for reaching 2030 targets” and “Introducing the New DDx and Techniques for Analyzing your Portfolio”.
For the QC Laboratory Hub, I co-led the sustainability design and LEED management for the building, systems, and site . In addition to the goal of LEED Gold certification , the client had ambitious sustainability goals, especially with regards to whole building total (operational and embodied) carbon emissions and the global warming impact of all chosen building materials.
In Schematic Design, I assembled presentations and led LEED Workshops with client teams to determine which credits to pursue based on feasibility and company goals. Through Design Development, I was the primary person in charge of environmental building analysis and led a small team who tested the feasibility of achieving specific credits. And I led consultant coordination meetings to ensure integrated sustainable design across the project team.
Carbon & Fireproofing Assembly Comparison
Early in the schematic design for the floor and roof assemblies, the design team identified multiple options that fit the fire rating and structural requirements of both assemblies. These ranged based on the presence and the amount of fireproofing and the depth and strength of concrete and metal deck.
As a design tool to determine which assemblies had the lowest global warming impact (kgCO2 eq), a comparative LCA using Tally was conducted on a representative 100 sf of each assembly. The results found that the use of cementious spray fireproofing often resulted in assemblies with a higher embodied carbon footprint even with an offset of a more shallow layer of concrete. I conducted operational and embodied carbon analysis on both design assembly schemes and provided recommendations to the design team for further implementation.
Exterior Sunshades Studies
With the intention of providing more daylight to the office spaces and less daylight to the lab spaces, the building was oriented where the lab facades face North, while the office side faces South. Given the building rotation driven by the site constraints, floorto-ceiling curtainwall for the offices face Southwest and slot windows on the lab-side face Northeast
Using Ladybug and Enscape, sunshade depth and orientations were studied to mitigate solar heat gain and glare according to the facade orientation. Coupled with considerations of the design expression and occupant views, 30” horizontal and 12” vertical sunshades were chosen for the offices and 12” verticals for the labs.
Whole Building Carbon Emissions
One of the client’s sustainability goals was a requirement for new buildings to have a maximum total carbon emissions of 12 kgCO2/m2/yr over a 50-year period. To measure against this benchmark, we used LCAs and energy models as a design tool to identify construction materials and building systems with high carbon emissions and implement strategies to decrease emissions including specification integration. Required scope of the LCAs included structure, foundations, envelope, interiors, MEP systems, and sitework.
The top 3 largest CO2-emitting materials were identified as metals, concrete, technical systems (MEP installations) and represent 60% of the building’s 12.25 kgCO2eq total emissions.
I used Tally for the Architectural scope and coordinated with our engineers in their use of Tally or EPD takeoffs. I also created a calculation template to record and consolidate the analysis date from all project team members to conform to reporting standards for the client.
SELECTED PROJECTS
2014 - 2025
HIGHER EDUCATION
Swarthmore College - Campus Building Upgrade Studies 2025, Swarthmore PA, USA
JacobsWyper Architects, Concept + SD
Bowie State Univ, Communication Arts Building 2020 - 2023, Bowie MD, USA
Perkins&Will, DD + CD + CA
*Targeting LEED Gold
Carnegie Mellon University, New Mechanical Eng Building 2020, Pittsburgh, USA
KieranTimberlake, DD
*LEED Gold Certified
University of California, Institute for Energy Efficiency 2019, Santa Barbara, USA
KieranTimberlake, CA
*LEED Platinum Certified Turbinveien College
2017, Oslo, NO
Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter, SD
SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY
Confidential Client - QC Laboratory Hub 2024, North Carolina, USA
JacobsWyper Architects, SD + DD
*Targeting LEED Gold
Confidential Client - Pharma Production & Offices Renovation 2024 - 2025, North Carolina, USA
JacobsWyper Architects, SD + DD + CD
Confidential Client - Pharma Manufacturing & Offices 2024, Indiana, USA
JacobsWyper Architects, DD + CD
NIH E-Wing Renovation 2021, Bethesda, USA
Perkins&Will, CA
*Targeting LEED Silver
University of Toronto Mississauga, New Science Building 2019, Missisauga, CAN
KieranTimberlake, CD + Pre-Con
*Targeting LEED Gold
CIVIC/CULTURAL
Religious Worship Space Adaptive Reuse
2023, Philadelphia, USA
Bright Common, DD + CD
*Targeting EnerPHit Standard
College of Physicians of Philadelphia / Mütter Museum 2020, Philadelphia, USA
KieranTimberlake, SD + DD
Fælleshuset Transformation 2017, Copenhagen, DK
Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter, SD
WORKPLACE
Bulletin Building Renovation 2018, Philadelphia, USA
KieranTimberlake, DD + CD
Trilateral Wadden Sea Heritage Partnership Centre 2017, Wilhelmshaven, DE
Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter, Competition - 1st Prize
Bestseller Headquarters 2017, Brande, DK
Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter, SD + DD
K-12 EDUCATION
Pope Elementary School Renovation + Addition 2014 - 2015, Tacoma, USA
Mahlum, SD + DD
HOUSING & HEALTHCARE
Kensington Corridor Trust Mixed Use
2023, Philadelphia, USA
Bright Common, DD + CD
Passive George Duplex 2023, Philadelphia, USA
Bright Common, DD + CD
*Targeting Phius CORE Prescriptive
The Children’s Inn at NIH Renovation and Addition 2022 - 2023, Bethesda, USA
Perkins&Will, SD + DD
*Targeting LEED Silver and WELL Bronze
tation elopment mmunity ined an mmercial singleused as tation to ting and pty real capital. n, green es while atability, n blends
These two single-family passive rowhomes of Philadelphia’s Francisville neighborhood maximize the area of their small lots and create a against the neutral exteriors of adjacent development. Borrowing from cladding of the primary facade is complimented by the materials which weave and bound its edges the duplex is perceived as one building. Windows are sized and placed in response to the interior use on each floor and mirrored to reinforce the exterior expression. The main entry and electric vehicle parking space are tucked under the upper levels. A solar array allows the project to take aim for zero energy use
