From a young age, I’ve been captivated by architecture—the balance of form, light, and structure. Though my background is in structural engineering, my true passion lies in designing spaces that embody clarity, simplicity, and purpose. Inspired by I. M. Pei’s precision and Tadao Ando’s poetic use of concrete and light, I aspire to create architecture that is both timeless and structurally profound. Blending engineering logic with artistic vision, I seek to craft spaces that are not just built, but felt.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Master of Science Architecture
Master of Science Civil Engineering - Structural
Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering - Structural & Construction Mgmt
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Architect Intern
Klein & Hoffman, Inc. – Chicago, IL May. 2022 – Sep. 2024 | Summer
• Analyzed structural system for potential restoration and retrofit.
• Drafted construction documents using AutoCAD and Revit.
• Conducted site condition assessments, and constructed reports.
Lighting Team Lead / Architecture Team Member
Illinois Solar Decathlon - Urbana, IL Sep. 2018 - Sep. 2020
• Worked with 50 teammates in Revit to design and build net-zero solar house.
• Designed lighting and appliances with industry sponsors.
• Created construction drawings, specs, and Revit model.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Material Behavior Lab – Urbana, IL Aug. 2020 – Current
• Led weekly labs on metal alloys and wood behavior tests.
Step Cultural Center
Hill of Urb San Pablo
. 13
Surfaces
Manufacture
Allerton Center
The Dwell 78 apartment high-rise is distinguished by its striking architectural form and thoughtfully designed landscape. The proposal aims to create an iconic and efficient structure that is visually celebrated from all perspectives while integrating a landscape that honors the site’s history and enhances the pedestrian experience.
The structural system draws inspiration from the bracing of the Saint Charles Air Line Bridge, located just across the river, as well as the iconic John Hancock building. The final design echoes these landmark X-shaped forms through a concrete diagrid that envelops the entire building.
The surrounding area is envisioned as a dynamic district integrating sports, research, nightlife, and business. The site’s corner serves as a focal point for significant pedestrian and vehicular movement between the sports stadium and commercial blocks, functioning as both a residential development and a gateway to Dwell 78.
The Metra line’s route diverges from pre-existing railroad tracks, which will define the building’s southern profile. These tracks will be preserved, integrating them into the landscape design as they trace its varied sections. This preservation serves as a tribute to Chicago’s historical infrastructure and the original contours of the river in this area.
Base Shape
The Metra line’s route diverges from pre-existing railroad tracks, which will define the building’s southern profile and be preserved within the landscape design.
Proportion of Tower
The proportions of the tower in relation to the site block were meticulously calculated to ensure optimal floor plan efficiency while maximizing natural light and panoramic views for the residential units.
Site Circulation
Situated at the intersection of 15th and Clark Street, the Nest will anchor a dynamic district, with its corner serving as a focal point for movement between the Baseball stadium and commercial blocks.
THE STRUCTURE OF DWELL 78
Mullion Glazing
Concrete Slab
Diagrid Insulation
Drop Beam
Concrete Diagrid
Concrete Perimeter Beam
Concrete Shear Wall
Structural System
Diagrid Connection Detail
The site features a central park, a museum, and a food bank integrated through a series of repeating modular boxes that create a mountain-like topography adorned with lush rooftop vegetation. Transforming the entire area into a walkable park, this design establishes a monumental social hub that provides functional spaces for each program and revitalizes and strengthens the surrounding community.
The project draws inspiration its rich historical center hoods are integrated into small squares while
THE FORMATION OF PIXEL STEP CULTURAL CENTER
inspiration from Guanajuato City, Central Mexico, renowned for center and distinguished colonial architecture. The city’s neighborinto an organic urban fabric, unfolding gracefully into charming adapting to the natural topography.
Module
Rectangular
Elevator
Stair
Ramp
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
THIRD FLOOR PLAN
STRUCTURAL MODULE
The structural system of the Pixel Step Cultural Center is composed of a series of prefabricated steel rectangular modules, meticulously designed to ensure both efficiency and flexibility in construction.
Located in Lima, Peru, this project explores high-density urban transition areas, informality, and culture to reimagine spaces of survival and belonging. The site analysis focuses on pharmacy availability, topography, and transportation. While much of Lima, including Gamarra, has accessible pharmacies, the hill areas lack essential medical services, impacting residents’ well-being. The proposal envisions transforming these hills into vibrant, active spaces by integrating scenic trails with kiosks, markets, and solar-shaded areas. Adding playgrounds and recreational spaces could turn hilltops into community hubs and tourist attractions, fostering further development. This approach seeks to enhance urban life while respecting local culture and improving living conditions.
TYPOLOGY OF STOPPING POINTS
T SHAPE STOPPING POINT
Small Public Space without Slope
Spaces in Irregular Shape
No Height Difference
Interrupted View
Z SHAPE STOPPING POINT
Small Public Space with Slope
Spaces in Regular Shape
Height Difference
Interrupted View
The three wheel motor car takes people around the hill, at same time carrying products for local pharmacies and venders at each stopping points.
OBSERVATION DECK
The observation deck provides a good view of the city of Lima for tourists and local residents. The deck is made of a concrete frame and wooden solar shading panels, structurally connected to the concrete slab.
Street parking is designated for three-wheeled motor cars to stop, pickup customers, and unload goods for the local pharmacy.
The Makani wind energy kite captures wind power using lightweight hardware and intelligent software. Its rotors generate significant electricity, which is then supplied to the pharmacy and library.
MAKANI WIND ENERGY KITE
THREE WHEEL MOTOR CAR
U SHAPE STOPPING POINT
Large Public Space without Slope
Spaces in Irregular Shape
No Height Difference
Uninterrupted View
The vertical garden and play ground for kids offer a spot for both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy Lima’s cityscape.
I SHAPE STOPPING POINT
Large Public Space with Slope
Spaces in Regular Shape
Height Difference
Uninterrupted View
FOOD VENDERS
Local food vendors offer street foods and local goods for both the community and tourists. These food carts are versatile in terms of space and mobility, making them easy to move around.
MEDIUM-SIZE LOCAL PHARMACY
A medium-sized local pharmacy stands right by the street, offering essential products and medical guidance to both the community and tourists. Its concrete structure connects with the plaza, sharing the same slab as the playground.
LIBRARY
The library is situated on the ground level of the plaza, sharing the concrete foundation with the pharmacy. It offers a collection of books and a quiet reading area for the local community.
CIRCULATION OF I SHAPE STOPPING POINT
STOPPING POINTS PROGRAM ANALYSIS
KIOSK PHARMACY
Small Public Space
Few Product Options
Requires Small Area Frequent Interactions
MEDIUM-SIZE LOCAL PHARMACY
Small Public Space
Fair Product Options
Requires Small Area Frequent Interactions
BASKETBALL COURT
The basketball court sits atop the building, catering to the local residents. As a sport, basketball requires a relatively small area and is easy to implement on the rooftop.
The designated parking for the three-wheeled motor car facilitates passenger boarding and the loading of products for local businesses.
PLATFORM FOR GATHERING & PERFORMANCE
The platform is constructed with adobe brick, which is locally available and cost-effective. Additionally, it features a solar shading device to provide relief from the sun. This platform serves as a gathering spot for local residents to engage in activities like dancing and hosting performances.
STREET MARKET
The street market sits on the outer edge of the intersection, following the curve of the street. It’s constructed using bamboo sticks and LED lights. Bamboo is chosen for its lightness, easy transport, local availability, and affordability. This light structure offers flexibility for vendors, conforms to the street’s curve, and offers a panoramic view of Lima.
Street Market
LARGE FRANCHISE PHARMACY
Large Public Space
Various Product Options
Requires Large Area Less Interactions
The rooftop offers versatile uses, including a basketball court, solar panels, a roof garden, and a space for hanging clothes.
OBSERVATION DECK
Requires Small Area
Requires Uninterrupted View Not Providing Service to Community
The paving at the intersection is designed to delineate various spac es, guiding pedestrians smoothly through the area.
PLAY GROUND
The playground sits right in the heart of the intersection. It’s crafted from tree trunks and concrete blocks, providing a fun and safe space for kids to play and rest.
EDUCATIONAL SPACE & ANIMAL SHELTER
The educational area and animal shelter will be built on top of an existing concrete slab with a wall. It will showcase the history, culture, and local animals of Lima and this specific hill to both tourists and residents. Lastly, it will provide shelter for local animals like cats and dogs.
The new Visitor Center preserves the original shape of the garden while aligning with its horizontal axis. Modules are organized based on their functions and circulation patterns. The mass timber structure harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment. The circulation space serves as a transitional zone between the interior and exterior, connecting the modules to the garden landscape.
The center mirrors the garden’s design, aligning with its axis and Allerton’s spirit. Inner and outer boundaries feature walking platforms that link the forest and building.
Existing trees shape the center’s circulation. The walking platform links to streets and the landscape, offering seating and interactive elements.
Amenities follow a circular layout, reflecting the garden’s shape and seasonal changes. The sliding envelope connects with the landscape while enclosing functional spaces.
The mass timber structure harmonizes with the site and natural surroundings, maximizing natural light and framing picturesque views.
P O N D :
Ponds are strategically integrated around and within the Visitor Center, creating a serene yet dynamic ambiance that complements the Japanese-inspired mass timber structure.
The glass hallway exterior enhances panoramic views while serving as a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Concrete has a high embodied energy, making its sustainable adoption a critical challenge in the built environment. To enhance its environmental viability, it is essential to minimize concrete consumption in architectural and structural applications. Minimal surfaces, derived from mathematical principles, optimize material efficiency by locally minimizing surface area. By extruding these surfaces into three dimensions, we can significantly reduce the volume of concrete required while maintaining structural integrity. Ultimately, what we build matters—but so does what we leave behind.
THE SURFACE OPTIONS AND SNALYSIS
SCHOEN IWP
SCHERK’S SURFACE
SELECTION PARAMETERS
HUMAN USE
CASTABLE
ASSEMBLABLE
ENCLOSE SPACE
NOT 3D PRINTABLE
ELEVATION VIEW OF CONCRETE SURFACE
1 A cube of points is constructed and fed into a function.
2 Values are plugged into Millipede’s Isosurface component.
3 Bounding box sets up the restrictions for geometry.
4 XRES, YRES, ZRES: The resolution of the three-dimensional grid.
5 The ‘Isovalue’ input generates the surface in shells.
6 The resulting mesh has its vertices fused and continuous.
THE CAST OF THE MODULE DESIGN I
RUBBER MOLD PLA MOLD
MODULE DESIGN II
ROTATED MODULE WITH INTERLOCKING MECHANISM
INTERLOCKING DETAIL
DIMENSIONS WITH HIGHLIGHTED INTERLOKING DETAIL
The floating housing design for Miami’s Biscayne Bay features one-story structures to minimize wind impact. Each modular unit is supported by a cost-effective aluminum 6262-T6 hull, engineered for buoyancy and durability. To enhance stability, the base of the hull is partially filled with halite. The building foundations are constructed using aerated concrete, providing both strength and lightweight efficiency. Additionally, rainwater collection systems are integrated into the roof design, promoting water sustainability. This approach addresses housing affordability and rising sea levels while incorporating innovative architecture and sustainable design solutions tailored for coastal resilience.
PLAN FOR TOKYO, 1960
Axial Layout
THE MODULAR PLAN
PALM JUMEIRAH, 2001 Radial Layout
VENICE, 421 Canal Layout
LITTLE ISLAND, 2021
Layout
1 BEDROOM
2 BEDROOMS
THE MODULAR ANALYSIS
3 BEDROOMS
THE VIEW OF PUBLIC AND WATERFRONT PARK
BAR/CAFE BRIDGE PUBLIC PARK BASKET BALL CORT GROCERY MARKET GYM
OTHER WORKS
BRASILIA CARTOGRAPHY
The cartograph highlights key urban factors, including transportation networks, major attractions, population density, and income distribution. It illustrates the city’s development trajectory while identifying potential urban challenges such as population growth, commuting patterns between satellite residential areas and originally planned districts, and the widening socioeconomic gap within the urban population.
The height of the steel elements represents population density within specific residential areas, while the radius of the plastic elements indicates the flow intensity to major attractions. Circulation patterns within and beyond the city are depicted through connecting lines. Additionally, wooden and red sticks symbolize the transportation system, highlighting areas prone to typical slow zones.
The plastic boards are arranged on a sliding grid system, enabling horizontal movement to symbolize population flow between satellite cities and the originally planned area. The dots on the plastic boards represent household income levels and population demographics, providing insight into socioeconomic distribution across the region.
LA VICTORIA, PERU CARTOGRAPHY
The cartograph highlights the various types and locations of pharmacies within the area. Pink diamonds indicate bus stops, while pink lines represent transportation routes. The pink-highlighted areas denote hilly regions that are home to large populations. Additionally, the mapping illustrates healthcare assemblies and typologies, exploring the potential integration of pharmacies into public infrastructure to enhance accessibility and community interaction.
TRANSPORTATION-PHARMACY
The feathers symbolize pharmacies, visually connecting them to key nodes within the transportation grid through hot glue, representing accessibility and integration within the urban network.
TOPOGRAPHY-PHARMACY
Clear pins represent pharmacies, while metal pins signify bus stops, with lines illustrating the circulation between pharmacies and key transportation points.
PMMA debris represents pharmacies, connected by adjustable lines. Manipulating these lines alters the height of the pharmacies, effectively illustrating the topography of the area.
Nails represent changes in topography, while pharmacies are marked on the bubble wrap to illustrate their natural relationship within the landscape.
