It is with great enthusiasm that I submit my application for the Architecture Intern position at Gensler. I was introduced to the firm by Jennifer Cosenza, a family friend who enjoyed many years working at your firm and spoke highly of the integrity and community-driven work of the company What I find most unique about Gensler is the commitment to sustainable design given the wide range of projects across different scales and capability of transforming the makeup of a city through thoughtful urban design I appreciate the focus of going beyond good design and instead enhancing the experience of the user who makes up the urban fabric I feel that I would have both a lot to contribute to and learn from this mission I am a third year Dean’s list, honors student in the School of Architecture at Syracuse University with a minor in Business I am thrilled to apply for this position as my work experience, education and skill set match the position’s requirements I hope to gain experience in architectural design and learn from key members of varying exper tise that make up the design process
My past experience as a design intern for an architecture firm taught me how to respond diligently to any task requested of me in a fast-paced working environment During my time at T7 Architecture in California, I contributed to projects ranging in scale from residential to commercial, which exposed me to working with a diverse makeup of clients. I have gained practical experience with many softwares through creating detailed construction drawings and site surveys for submittals Through my minor in business and marketing, I bring extra creative vision and ar tistic training that applies in multiple design contexts, as shown through my work on firm rebranding and managing online content My recent experience at Kitchell as an Architecture intern gave me exposure to institutional projects while gaining new skills such as conducting and formatting facility condition assessments and taking par t in design charrettes In addition to gaining technical skills, my experience at T7 and Kitchell has given me the chance to hone my strong communication skills, such as going to the county to inquire about zoning information, presenting design proposals to our team, communicating with clients directly during design meetings, and collaborating effectively with structural engineers and general contractors on site
Additionally, I bring strong leadership and interpersonal skills that have developed through my student activities. Within the School of Architecture, I served as a Creative Team Leader which allowed me to create branding for the school and work collaboratively with students and faculty I serve as an Architecture Ambassador which involves leading tours for prospective students, a chance to practice my public speaking and communication skills. I am also a Peer Advisor where I plan interactive events with the incoming freshmen class to foster community Given that Gensler implements team-based design and project work, I am confident my interpersonal skills would lend value to the current team dynamic at the firm I am also the PR Director of my A Capella group where I am able to practice and grow my experience in marketing, which has allowed me to diversify my experience in the ar ts and design field.
I am happy to expand on my experience and present my por tfolio via phone, Zoom or in person Thank you for your time and consideration I look forward to hearing back!
Sincerely,
Drew McMullen
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flexibility: framing a perspective porch forms rebranding
figures of interpretation personal work drawing
flexibility: framing a perspective
fall 2024
framing a perspective starts with the concept of flexible/removable clt wall panels based on the fabrication dimension of a 4’ x 9’ clt panel. arranged in a six by six grid dimension, units are able to expand both horizontally and vertically by means of connection, utilizing open provisional space, and expanding outward and over the cantilevered building mass timber system. the units can theoretically be arranged to fit any size, but are categorized into a range of 1-3 stories that fit the needs of its users. for example, a family in a three story unit located directly next to a two story unit has the potential to buy up the bordering unit in the case of needing to accommodate their evolving family, or due to factors such as aging in place that require a one level layout. this process is done through the simple removal of these panels within a 2 x 4 wooden frame. the varying height and porosity of the structure also allows for the creation of green spaces that both connect residents while serving as a water collection strategy. on a building scale level, the mass timber system allows for infill of these units within a 24’ spacing which allows units to be removed/added over time, whether it’s based on the need for shared public space or population growth within the city of Syracuse.
designed under the instruction of Professor Brian Lonsway
ARC 307
software: Rhino 7, Adobe Illustrator, Twinmotion
unit plans illustrate the possible combinations and types of units able to accommodate different user needs, such as aging in place or family growth, and integration of wet walls which remain fixed while allowing for flexbility of spaces over time.
floor 7, typical unit floor plan illustrating communtiy garden and public space relationship to units
diagrams illustrating flexibility/adaptibility concepts over time, and square footage calculations
ground floor plan, e. genessee street
section perspective, e-w
section perspective, n-s
porch forms
spring 2024
“Porch Forms” is set in New Orleans, Louisiana and serves as a multi-use space that houses a temporal archive for Mardi Gras while also being used as a costume vocational School. Gaining inspiration from the idea of “porch culture” upon researching the vernacular architecture of the area, this project seeks to examine the way in which “porch spaces” (outdoor space) can facilitate movement between forms.
designed under the instruction of Professor Nimet Anwar ARC 208 software: Rhino 7, Adobe Illustrator, V-Ray, Photoshop
this abstract tectonic model explores the balance between heavier (wooden) pieces and lighter permeable areas as shown with the wire. it served as a crucial influence in the design and balance of heavy and light elements within the final design
the lighter tectonic elements serve as a way to highlight the significance of outdoor spaces of congregation within New Orleans as not merely connection points from one space to another, but as areas to be celebrated and embraced
interconnection is expressed through semi-visible glass floor elements, as shown between the ground and second floor between the float display on the ground floor and costume assembly space directly above
the inner floors showcase the inner workings and process of mardi gras costume and float design
rebranding
summer 2023
while interning for local architecture firm in solana beach, t7 architecture, I was tasked with rebranding for the company while keeping the logos and graphics recognizable to the original design. I created two new logo variations, new headers, while giving the Instagram and clear and refreshed look with new highlight icons.
software: Adobe Illustrator
drawings
fall 2023
this section contains technical plans and sections from building systems design and highlights wall and and deck assembly drawings within a small scale “tiny home” project. designed under the instruction of Professor Timothy Stenson ARC 222
figures of interpretation
fall 2023
figures of interpretation explores the ideas of self-sustainability and relationship between exposed and embedded overlapping figures within a multipurpose interpretative center in Bihar, India. The facility is built to serve many purposes, including an educational center for local children of the area, while also providing for the local community as a self-sustaining agricultural cultivation center.
designed under the instruction of Professor Joseph Godlewski ARC 207
arc 207 hidden water connections showing change over time below badain jaran desert dunes, mongolia, china, fall 2023
the overlapping rectangular figures allow for circulation between exposed and embedded figures, as the facility houses a wide variety of programs. it also creates “in-between” moments which blend interior and exterior spaces
the relationship between private and public spaces is seen through the embedded vs. exposed overlapping forms. harsh materiality is used for the embedded forms which are made of ferrock (a sustainable and compact material made of waste steel dust) while the exposed forms use lighter and vernacular materials such as bamboo and metal roof sheathing.
overlapping is furthered with the heavy/embedded vegetation beds partially covered by light/exposed shading, which perpetuates the self-sustaining nature in bihar, india. walking paths intentionally weave through the center in order to facilitate movement between vegetation spaces and public congregation areas, while partially shading certain vegetation spaces to allow for a diverse cultivation of crops.
the exposed upper congregation spaces allow airflow and circulation inside to accomodate for the warm climate of the region while applying passive ventilation strategies through the pitch and orientation of the roof.
the configuration of forms allows for central social areas of congregation directly between the public spaces, which contain partially shaded zones to provide shading during warm seasons.
personal work
spring 2022-summer 2024
this section contains some photography and physical sculptural work I have worked on in my spare time. I am passionate at working creatively in many different mediums and forms, and am always seeking to further those skills by exposing myself to new pursuits.
summer in san diego: photos from del mar beach, summer 2024
“mother nature” face coil jug, spring 2022 materials: clay, glaze
