Hello,
My name is Edith Garcia Jacobson. I hold a Master’s degree from Andrews University and have over 8 years of experience in the field. Within this portfolio, you will find snapshots of my experience and education that highlight my construction knowledge, design skills, and application of architectural principles. I hope you find it insightful and enjoyable.
Kneads Café Fit-Out
Urban Design Group Commercial Retail 2024
Reviving a Baltimore Beauty
Urban Design Group Historic Preservation 2024
Maryland Heritage Home
Neumann Lewis Buchanan Architects Residential 2023
Farmhouse Rehabilitation
Neumann Lewis Buchanan Architects Residential 2022
Chevy Chase Re-skin
GTM Architects Commercial Retail 2019
Beachtown Cottage
Beachtown Designers Residential 2016
A New Campus in the Mountains
Martin Smith Architect LLC Planning 2015
Context
H&S Bakery in Baltimore, a cherished family-owned institution, recently expanded by opening their own café called “Kneads.” Following the success of their flagship location, they decided to add a second location. I was appointed as the project manager and sole designer for this endeavor.
Design
The new location spans approximately 1,700 square feet. The front of house features a high bar, banquet seating, and ample display shelving for baked goods. Additionally, a small window off the bar allows for exterior access sales. The back of house includes a commercial kitchen with a hood, a storage room, and an ADA-compliant restroom. The design needed to complement the flagship location, and fit-out coordination had to align with the building’s construction. As the project manager, I was responsible for coordinating with the building owner, architect, contractor, tenant representative, MEP engineers, and specialty equipment representatives.
In order for the tile finish to also be applied on the side facing the storefront, the walls need to be assembled off-site.
Coordination was instrumental for the kitchen equipment layout, kitchen hood & RTU, electrical and plumbing.
[ HISTORIC PRESERVATION]
BALTIMORE, MD
2024-2025
The Fidelity Building is a 16-story, wedge-shaped masonry skyscraper that had been vacant in downtown Baltimore for decades. Recognizing its potential, a local developer, in collaboration with Urban Design Group, secured $5 million in tax credits for its development. The revitalized building will feature retail tenants on the first floor, where a beautiful bank once operated, and residential units ranging from studios to two bedrooms on the upper floors.
To receive the $5 million tax credits upon completion, the project must adhere to the approved design documents submitted by the architect, the conditions set by the National Park Service (NPS), and the NPS’s Standards & Guidelines. Any design updates or conditions that contradict the initial requirements must be approved through amendments. My responsibility was to prepare and submit all amendments to the state of Maryland & The National Park Service for approval.
For new windows being proposed on a side elevation, I developed the elevation and section details reflecting the existing windows on the respective facade. Upon review by the builder, and consideration of budget, the elevation was updated to be a reduced design but still complimentary of the adjacent windows. The proposed windows would be hidden and were to be located where brick varied in color and condition. Since this was differing from the existing conditions, approval from the Maryland Historic Trust and the National Park service was required.
The amendment was assembled with the respective plans, images, and narrative, and signed by the owner for submission to the state.
This amendment was approved.
New Window Elevation - Draft
This sketch closely resembles the existing conditions on the respective facade.
New Window Elevation - Final Submission
This design was reduction in detail at the header and the sill and swapped out the stone for brick.
Window Section - Draft
Window Section - Final Submission
WASHINGTON, D.C. 2022-2023 [ RESIDENTIAL ]
Context
This beautiful home on the eastern shores of Maryland was designed by my peer, Scot McBroom, by hand. I was tasked with drafting the construction drawings and details to further clarify the design intentions. At Neumann Lewis Buchanan, every construction detail was carefully considered from structure to finish.
Stair Construction
The process of creating construction documents also extended to provide detailed sketches on construction details. The above example shows how the central stairs off the foyer are built and structurally supported.
The 3D images are developed in SketchUp and the drafted plans are completed in Auto CAD.
[ RESIDENTIAL ]
WASHINGTON, D.C. 2022-2023
Context
We were approached by a client who wanted to expand and improve their existing home. The project required diligent attention to existing conditions from different phases. The design was executed by my peer, Scot McBroom, in coordination with the client’s desires and with sensitivity to the original farmhouse design. I was responsible for drafting all construction drawings and coordinating with the structural engineer
Structural Resolutions at Gable Roofs
Our design had an existing gable and new gables that were not lined up. The 3d model above allowed us to show how the LVL beams connected.
Structural Resolutions
Our clients wanted a deeper basement requiring stepping the spread footings in order to meet existing craw spaces.
Structural Resolutions at Kitchen Exhaust
Shown above is the kitchen exhaust path through the second floor wall in order to reach the higher roof plane. Roof rafters were doubled and headed off in order to make room for the exhaust. The ledger receiving the rafters was interrupted for clearance.
BETHESDA, MD. 2018-2020 [ COMMERCIAL ]
Context
We were hired by a management company to convert a 2-story space that once housed a Ralph Lauren store into two individual restaurants. During this project, GTM Architects was transitioning to Revit, and I was one of the few in the office with Revit knowledge. I became responsible for the construction documents of the exterior re-skinning and coordination with the interior designer for the interior fit-out. I had the opportunity to suggest solutions for code requirements. The design was led by my supervisor, Jeff Whittman.
Wall Construction Detail Sketch
I put forward this detail as a solution to maintain the design intent and insulation requirements by IGCC
GALVESTON, TX.
Context
Beachtown is a new Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) community on the East end of Galveston Island, Texas. As Beachtown continues to grow, homes of all sizes are envisioned within the 200+ acre development. While assisting in various design tasks, I was also responsible for drafting a cottage design envisioned by the developer. The cottage, approximately 1300 square feet, was designed to match Beachtown’s architectural language.
Context
I was honored to sketch schematic and visionary drawings for a sister university of my alma mater in Medellin, Colombia. The existing campus, once at the edge of town, has now been engulfed by the city. The university administration is looking to relocate to a rural setting and construct a campus in harmony with its principles and surrounded by peaceful nature. A preliminary budget and program were discussed, and the campus was designed in sections. I was responsible for producing all the hand drawings as part of a schematic design book, which the administration would use to seek investors and find the right piece of land. The final schematic drawings were all completed by hand.
Eye Level View of Academic Buildings
Opportunity in the Hills of EtheKwini
Umbumbulu, South Africa
Andrews University M. Arch Program
Twin Cities Harbor Gallery
Benton Harbor, MI
Andrews University M. Arch Program
Children Chrysalis Center
Chicago, IL
Andrews University B.S. Arch Program
Lincoln Park Three Flat
Chicago, IL
Andrews University B.S. Arch Program
A New Block on the Water
Niles, MI
Andrews University B.S. Arch Program
Sketching
Europe
Andrews University B.S. Arch Program
Umbumbulu KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Objective
This project was initiated by a peer who was determined to return to his country and help a family in need. What began as a small endeavor grew into an 80-acre community-based project. Wandile Mythiane and the Ubuntu Design Group were the initiators. Duduzile Ngubane and the Siyabanakekela Youth Skills Development Center NPO facilitated the project. Andrews University was responsible for the design, and finally, Linda Mbinambi and the Ethekwini Municipality will be the implementors.
Concept
Ubuntu stands for “I am because you are.” This project was created with a heart for people and the belief that everyone has inherent value and input. Over ten days, we listened to the concerns, desires, and hopes of high schoolers, community members, university students, city officials, and tribal council officials. By doing so, we participated in the philosophy presented by Ubuntu Design Group: “Listen to Build, Building to Enable, & Enabling Community.”
Our project was honored at the 2017 Congress for the New Urbanism Charter Awards. Guided by our professors, Andrew Von Maur and Troy Homenchuk, who were pivotal as design drivers and process organizers, our dedicated class meticulously produced a book summarizing our findings and design.
Envisioning the future of a rural South African town provided us with profound insights into the long-term impacts of urban planning—both positive and negative. The legacy of apartheid in South Africa remains evident today, through the deliberate design of civil spaces and public connections. We aspire to be a small yet meaningful part of South Africa’s journey towards a more connected future.
Similarly, in the United States, our history has left enduring marks on our social fabric. As designers, we are all tasked with the responsibility of leaving the world better than we found it. I hope to contribute to this mission through my work.
Within a week, our objective was to visit as many people as possible with a range of interests in the community to collect comprehensive information. We met with high schoolers, architecture students, town citizens, the local tribal authority, and Ethekwini city officials, among others. Our goal was to combine all the gathered information into a cohesive and inspiring presentation of the potential of the rural town of Umbumbulu. The project initially began as a challenge to design an affordable home for a family in need but expanded to address the broader community’s needs in housing and commerce, both small and large. We then divided the work of planning the future of Umbumbulu among all classmates.
A Library & Community Center
I was personally responsible for the schematic design of a library and multi-use community center. Apartheid left communities without places to gather, resulting in alienation. The design of this community includes a sports field, event hall, library, social services, and living quarters for orphans or struggling families. The main complex, seen on the right side of the photo-realistic rendering, is fixed at the end of a road where all government services, such as postal services and stipend offices, are located. Terminating the street aims to slow down traffic, add an aesthetic vista at the end of the corridor, and create a pedestrian-first area of town. Gathering is vital for the exchange of ideas, celebration of events and milestones, and the strengthening of communities.
Designing for Connection
Left: Existing Conditions. This site is found on the north side of town.
Top: A photo-realistic rendering of a community center. You can see the entrance into the main complex to the right, seating in front of this complex at the center, housing quarters behind the main complex, commerce lining the street to the left, and at the end of the road you can see a sports field being used.
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Objective
The graduate class was commissioned to design and build an art gallery to house urban design work by Andrews University. The gallery was to be made of two 8’x20’ containers, designed to be detachable and easily transportable. The project was limited to a 4-month timeline and a budget of $50,000. A total of 12 graduate students were involved in both the design and construction phases. I was personally responsible for ordering all the materials and managing the construction schedule.
Context
The project housed inside the gallery is a study on the potential of two cities in Michigan: St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. Both cities border Lake Michigan, with a river running between them. The art gallery now sits at the corner of Territorial Rd and 5th St in Benton Harbor, MI. Its main purpose is to keep the project alive by informing the community.
Process
Prairie Group Inc was the company that commission the work. Two representatives, Peter Colovos and Michael Wychers were actively directing the design process. Construction began after schematic design was solidified. Construction drawings were drawn as construction phases approached and as design obstacles occurred. Materials purchases were made from nearby companies to meet time limits when possible. A hidden door is also included for a future addition of a bathroom and storage unit.
The container gallery was styled to highlight it’s industrial origins. The original floors were kept as well as the exterior metal shell. At the location where the two containers meet, the container’s framed openings that join are painted the same color as the exterior, highlighting this connection. Other details included, a refurbished wooden ceiling, black track lighting, a custom cabinet set, an entrance wooden deck and metal roof deck.
[ MIXED USE ]
Objective
Through the stages of child development, children are actively engaging all their senses to absorb the information around them. With the accumulated information they infer conclusions and learn about the world around them. Learning and play can be hindered if a child is subjected to long rehabilitation periods or if it is a consistent part of their lives. The Children’s Chrysalis Center offers a place where children can continue to be children while receiving their rehabilitation and offers a place where families can stay within the same facility for rehabilitation sessions or visits. Within the complex there is a hotel, retail, parking, rehabilitation center & learning center This project seeks to offer full sensory experiences to enhance healing, learning and play. From toddlers to adolescents, the project will also maintain a sensitivity to different needs, family accommodations, emotions, experiences, backgrounds, etc. Decisions will affect the messages conveyed to children such as feelings of welcome, comfort, appropriateness, fun, safety, direction etc.
Context
The Children’s Chrysalis Center is located on the corner of North State Street and Chicago Avenue in Chicago Illinois. Currently there is a private elementary school across the street and a red line metro station stop. State Street is only three blocks away from Michigan Avenue, a primary street in Chicago for retail, business and tourism. Lurie’s Children Hospital is also on Chicago Avenue providing a potential relationship.
Design Approach
When caring for healing children and their rehabilitation or therapy, “dynamic interaction between patients and their environment” can be a key element to fast and positive recovery. Children’s healthcare deserves a lot more attention to their healing environment as they are very vulnerable and dependent on the care of others regardless of health conditions. Health obstacles can create hindrances to a child’s normal development. It can hinder recovery and cause stress if the child feels there is a difference in its ability to participate as other healthy children. It is also important to keep a child active as much as possible. According to research by St Jude’s Children Research Hospital, “childhood brain tumor cancer survivors in their 20s have physical fitness measures closer to individuals in their 60s and 70s” because of the “sedentary lifestyle” through treatment. This can puts children at risk for health problems later in life. Regardless of the health problem, a mental and physical active therapy can catalyze the recovery and healing process. When rehabilitating, it is important to reaffirm in a child their role in their own health, their ability to still be active and to encourage concentration of the positive while informing them of their own condition and steps necessary. Every step of the healing process should be supportive, personalized and respectful.
Project Arrangement
There are two parts of the Chrysalis Center. There is a hotel that is tall and narrow for optimal views towards the lake and Chicago skyline. And there is the Learning Center and Rehabilitation Center that sits below the views of the hotel. The Learning and Rehabilitation center are designed to have access to each other.
[ RESIDENTIAL ]
3RD UNDERGRADUATE YEAR
Objective
This residential design exercise aimed to explore multiple codes within a single project. A town home with three units was designed in accordance with the Chicago Building Codes, Historic Preservation Division Regulations, and required that at least one unit be fully accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The process, codes, notes, critiques, and final design were all compiled into a 5 x 8.5-inch sketchbook.
Context
The site was 25 feet by 125 feet, located on West Belden Ave in the Lincoln Park community of Chicago, Illinois.
Process
The process documented in the sketchbook included:
- Construction section drawings to study fire code requirements
- Elevations, window bay, and style sketches to study requirements associated with the
- Historic Preservation Division Regulations
- Entrance and circulation sketches to study ADA requirements
- Site and floor plans to study zoning requirements and natural light Window Studies
Objective
To encourage developers to invest in an underused block in Niles, Michigan, this project aimed to be attractive, an economic revitalizer, financially viable, marketable, practical in construction, and considerate of parking needs. My class presented our ideas to the city, and our work was then used as a marketing tool and documented for the city.
The corner of this development was further designed to include retail businesses and a restaurant. A walkway separated the restaurant and retail space, serving as the primary access to the 8,000 square foot business on the second level and as a passage between inner block parking and the street in front of the building. The restaurant faced the river and the park in front of it, envisioned to be used for outdoor performances and leisure space during the town’s summer food markets.
The designed lot was 285 feet by 340 feet, bordered by a riverfront park, a movie cinema, a highway, and the edge of downtown Niles.
Purpose
I have been fortunate to visit places around the world. During my travels, I enjoy documenting places and designs. This skill was developed during my time in school.
