Hi, I am Conrad Ontimara. I am a professional architect in training at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. What fascinates me the most about architecture is not necessarily the built environment, but rather how the mind has the ability to create such phenomena. Growing up as a poor child in rural Louisiana, I was not surrounded by architectural preeminence; However, I was creative which allowed me to escape my reality and imagine a world of architectural beauty. My experience with homelessness as a child drives my passion for residential architecture. I intend to focus my career on designing spaces that allow for unity among families, friends, and strangers.
American Institute of Architects Diversity Advancement
Scholar
University of Miami President’s Architecture Scholar
Louisiana State University
School of Architecture Summer Design Award
United Negro College Fund
Excellence in STEM Scholar
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Semifinalist
Aceable Real Estate School
Higher Education Scholar
Schoolhouse Connection
Scholar
United Negro College Fund
Boule’ Foundation Scholar
ONTIMARA CONRAD
University of Miami President’s Scholar
EDUCATION
Bachelors of Architecture | University of Miami
August 2022 - May 2027
EXPERIENCE
Architectural Intern | Ferguson and Shamamian Architects
June 2024 - August 2024 (3 months)
Assisted architects in conceptual design sketching, 3D modeling, and rendering for various projects. Contributed to design development, creating detailed drawings to support project execution. Participated in client meetings and site visits to ensure design alignment. Completed a final hand-drafted esquisse in 25 hours, demonstrating strong technical and creative skills, and presented it to the firm.
Participated in meetings with U.S. Senators Murkowski and Wyden, U.S. Representatives Leutekemeyer and Trone, and Congresswoman Bonamici to discuss the needs of students experiencing homelessness. Led advocacy meetings with stakeholders from the U.S. Department of Education and Agriculture to discuss policy changes regarding youth homelessness. Wrote an excerpt for the novel “Hidden Homelessness: Voices of Youth.” Reached over 1,000 stakeholders through various webinars discussing support mechanisms for underprivileged children in the U.S.
EXTRACURRICULARS
New Student Orientation Leader | University of Miami
SCUBA Club | University of Miami
United Black Students Organization | University of Miami
Graphic Design | Personal
Photography | Personal
CONTENT
Mixed
MID-RISE SIDE YARD HOUSE
LEARNING CENTER
MARKET STRUCTURAL DESIGN
OBSERVATOY
THE
MID-RISE
MIXED USE BUILDING
This mixed-use, mid-rise building in Saint Augustine, Florida, is designed for both commercial and residential purposes. Situated on a 270 ft by 120 ft lot within a neighborhood of mid-rise and low-rise buildings, the structure features a ground floor primarily dedicated to commercial space, with two live-work apartments included. Floors two through five are consistently organized, offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. The building’s amenities include rear alley-entry parking, a gym, a common room on each floor, two rooftop terraces, a rooftop pool deck, and a rooftop bar.
THE SIDE YARD HOUSE
RESIDENTIAL DWELLING
This residential home is categorized as a “side yard” due to its 12-foot setback from the side lot line, extending from the front yard to the rear yard. Located on a 40 ft by 120 ft lot in a neighborhood of various residential dwellings in Saint Augustine, Florida, the house features rear alley-entry parking for two vehicles, three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a covered patio, and a second-floor wraparound porch.
THE LEARNING CENTER
EDUCATIONAL ADDITION TO THE DEERING ESTATE
The Deering Estate in South Miami, Florida, now features an educational addition designed to endure for generations. This Learning Center offers a dynamic educational environment with four open classrooms, two lecture halls, an archaeological demonstration lab, a gallery, and a concession stand. The design blends concrete and wood elements, creating a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment. The concrete foundation provides structural strength, while the wooden louvers are strategically designed to naturally withstand the impact of natural disasters. Elevated 21 feet above sea level, the building’s lowest point exceeds FEMA’s required flood elevation. This project was made possible through the collaboration with Deyanna Bonardi, whose vision, combined with my technical expertise, brought this vision to life.
Lecture
WEST ELEVATION SECOND
NORTH ELEVATION
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
THE MARKET
MIXED USE MARKET AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
This mixed-use building in Florida City, Florida, combines a vibrant farmers market with residential living. The ground floor features an open-air farmers market, while the second and third floors house residential apartments. The roof is dedicated to community produce gardens. Constructed entirely from natural materials such as steel, concrete, and glass, the building is elevated to minimize the risk of flooding.
THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN
SUSPENDED CAFE
This café, suspended in the air, was conceived as part of a structural design challenge. This concept is embodied in the café’s suspended dining room. The structure is elevated to minimize its impact on the surrounding natural environment, while still allowing for usable space beneath it.
THE OBSERVATORY
ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY
The astronomical observatory, situated on Great Hill in Central Park, New York City, features a classically designed structure. On the first floor, there is a grand entry hall, while the second floor includes two office spaces and a library. The observatory room opens to two observation decks. The design incorporates Doric order for the columns, pediments, and balustrades. Its ornamental elements draw inspiration from Palladio, including stairs embedded in the pedestal that lead to the porticos. This project was an esquisse, where the goal was to complete the hand-drafted design within 25 hours.
