Grace Song Architecture Portfolio by gracesxng

GRACE YEONJIN SONG

Hello!

My name is Grace Yeonjin Song and I am a second year architecture student at the University of Waterloo. I am currently seeking a four month co-op placement within the months of September-December of 2025.

As a dedicated architecture student at the University of Waterloo, I’m deeply passionate about reinventing spaces for community healing

My passion for architecture is rooted in the belief that thoughtfully designed, equitable environments are essential to the well-being of all living beings.

Let’s get connected!

Email: gracesxng@gmail.com

Tel: +1 (647) 822-8259

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/grace-yeonjin-song

CURRICULUM VITAE

EDUCATION

University of Waterloo

School of Architecture

Cambridge, ON

LANGUAGES

English (Fluent)

Korean (Proficient)

ANALOG

Model Making

Laser Cutting

Wood Working CNC

3-D Printing

Hand Drafting

Sketching

WORK EXPERIENCE

REIGN ARCHITECTS

Architectural Student Intern

3D SOFTWARE Rhino8

Revit

Autocad Sketchup

Grasshopper

ADOBE

Illustator

Photoshop Lightroom

Indesign

Premiere Pro

• Collaborated with multiple project teams on five architecture projects across three cities, including residential renovations, new construction, and a commercial fitness studio, contributing to the delivery of high-quality architectural work.

• Participated in team and client meetings, crafting and presenting design concepts and supporting the development of design strategies.

• Created floor plans, sections, and technical drawings using AutoCAD and Adobe Illustrator during the Schematic and Design Development phases for client review.

• Built and refined 3D models of existing and proposed architectural spaces using Sketchup to support design visualization and interior development.

• Produced high-quality renderings of interior and landscape environments using Twinmotion for presentations.

VISUALIZATION

D5 Render Lumion

Enscape

V-Ray

TwinMotion

EXTRACURRICULARS

Waterloo Architecture BRIDGE Member

• Led group of Architecture students to speed friending social, fostering a supportive and connected student body

• Designed power point presentations to be presented during

Waterloo Architecture Orientation Leader

• Led a group of 17 first year students on tours around the city of Cambridge and within the school

• Helped students with their transition into the Waterloo community

Jan 2025-Apr 2025

VOLUNTEER WORK

Waterloo Architecture Admissions Assistant

• Welcomed Waterloo applicants to their interview rooms and overviewed students portfolios highlighting their strengths and gave helpful advice

• Answered inquiries from students and parents

Our Presbyterian Church Summer Camp Teacher

• Taught lessons about the Bible in Korean for children aged 4-6

• Led the physical activity portion of the day, giving instructions via loudspeaker

2025 June

2024 Sept

Mar 2024

July 2024

RECOGNITIONS

• Certificate of Excellent Community Service for Our Presbyterian Church

• Waterloo Excellent Academic Standing

• Ursula Franklin Academy Academic Honours Award

• Ursula Franklin Academy Community of Learners Award

• Ursula Franklin Academy Leadership Award

2024 Sept

2024 May

2024 June

May 24, 2025

Letter of Recommendation

To whom it may concern,

Grace Song joined Reign Architects as a student intern on January 12th, 2025, and completed her term on April 15th, 2025, as part of her co-op program at the University of Waterloo. During her time with us, Grace was involved in several residential and commercial projects in both the schematic and design development phases.

One of the key projects Grace contributed to was Spin Off Studios, an interior renovation of a new soul cycling studio. Grace used SketchUp and Twin motion to create 3D models and visual renderings of the space, which were used in client meetings and for design approvals. She also documented meeting discussions, helping to ensure that design decisions were accurately recorded and implemented. Additionally, she liaised with the City of Guelph to gather information about land use bylaws and permitting requirements.

Another project, PEC Bunkie, is a new-build guest house and garage with landscaping components. For this project, Grace worked in Sketchup to create interior and exterior views of the site and possible massing options. She also worked in AutoCAD, helping to develop plans and sections for review and approval.

Throughout her time here, Grace showed strong communication skills and a willingness to take initiative. We appreciate her contributions to our team and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Jacob JeBailey, Principal

I recognize that this portfolio was created on the lands of the Missisaugas of the New credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenesaunee Confederacy and the Wendat.

Etobicoke is a part of the Dish with One Spoon territory, a treaty between Haudenesaunee, Anishinaabeg, and allied nations to share and care for the land.

... The University of Waterloo is situtated on the Haldimand tract once belonging to the Six Nations, which run 6 miles from the Grand River.

1. INTERSTICE the law school

2. HAVEN the hospice

3. HELIX the pedestrian bridge

4. ADDITIONAL WORKS CNC/Lasercutting/more!

5. PROFESSIONAL WORK @ reign archiects

01. INTERSTICE

THE LAW SCHOOL

Waterloo, ON, Canada

Professor:

John McMin

INDIVIDUAL PROJECT

RHINO8, PHOTOSHOP, D5

Positioned at the threshold of the University of Waterloo campus and the serene flow of Laurel Creek, the new Waterloo Law School embodies the convergence of natural and social realms. At the heart of the design is its striking facade, a dynamic mosaic of frames that respond to the specific needs of each space within. Interstice lies at the threshold between the civil and natural world. It seeks to find interdiciplilnary approaches to law by being a structure with a sense of the city, the sense of order and grid whilst simultaenously complimenting and reaching out to its natural surrondings.

Another defining feature of the building is its network of bridges, which extend beyond the confines of the structure, connecting housing facilities to the school. These bridges connect the internal circulation to the external world, intergrating its use through a students daily routine.

3RD FLOOR PLAN

2ND FLOOR PLAN

FLOOR PLAN

LONG SECTION

MOOT COURT

INDIGENOUS GATHERING SPACE

CROSS SECTION

02.

Haven

The Hospice For the Terminally Ill

Etobicoke, ON, Canada BUILDNER Competition

Collaborator: Wanying Pei

RHINO8, LUMION, PHOTOSHOP, ILLUSTRATOR

Located on the tip of Humber Bay Park East of Toronto Canada lies the Urban Hospice. Seperated from the busy traffic and condominions it is embraced by the natural enviornment of the Ontario Lake. The Urban Hospice aims to offer a space of spiritual healing throughout its programs. The public space is open to patients, their families and locals of Lakeshore, connecting the communitity with patients and destigmatizing terminal illness facilities

The floors revolve around two central elements. The fountain is used as a primary place of reflection, It’s flow beginning from the third floor chapel to the public first floor. The gardens boundary is left untouched, its open ceiling allowing ample light to reach its leaves.

1ST FLOOR PLAN

SITE PLAN

The main access is positioned around the three-story water fountain, creating a repetitive loop that allows for a smooth flow of movement.

The roof skylights mimick the boundaries of the natural spaces that exist within the building, bringing natural light and a luminous atmosphere. It enhanses a distinct focal point that highlights the water fountain.

3RD FLOOR WATERFALL

3RD FLOOR FOUNTAIN

1ST FLOOR FOUNTAIN

The waterfalls circular seatng area is intended as a collective space, where patients may rest, share experiences, and meditate. The soothing ambiance created by the waterfall facilitates a a tranquil environment, offering a unique apporach to improving the experience of the community.

HEALING ROOM

2ND FLOOR HALLWAY

Wood panels regulate the amount of sunlight entering the building while privatizing intimate spaces. Views prioritize the Ontario Lake, to ensure that visitors can experience a connection with the water.

03. SHARD LIBRARY

The Modern Library

Cambridge, ON, Canada

Professor: Linda Zhang

Individual Project

RHINO8, PHOTOSHOP, ILLUSTRATOR

The House of Shards is a contemporary library that offers a diverse array of inviting public spaces. Its programming includes literary archives, cafes, a pottery studio, and a public park, creating a vibrant hub for community engagement and creativity.

The building’s design mimics shattered ceramic pieces, creating a striking facade that allows for unique light pockets throughout the space. The first floor is intentionally shielded from direct sunlight to protect the books and provide a cozy atmosphere for readers. In contrast, the second floor is flooded with natural light, creating an inviting environment.

To further enhance its connection to the local heritage, the building is cladded in re-purposed weathered copper plates, echoing the character of Cambridge’s historic architecture.

1ST FLOOR PLAN

WEATHERED COPPER ROOF

WEATHERED COPPER AND WHITE METAL FACADE

SECOND FLOOR FACADE

FIRST FLOOR FACADE

SECOND FLOOR : CAFE AND POTTERY STUDIO

FIRST FLOOR : LIBRARY / STUDY SPACE

STEEL

STRUCTURE

LONG SECTION + CROSS SECTION

04. Helix

The Pedestrian Bridge

Etobicoke, ON, Canada

Professor: Terri Meyer Boake

2024 CISC COMPETITION SUBMISSION

Collaborator: Michelle Ling

RHINO8, ENSCAPE, PHOTOSHOP, ILLUSTRATOR

Helix is a double tied arch bridge resting on Etobicoke’s Humber river. This pedestrian bridge serves as a vehicle free pathway between the historical hotel, tennis courts, canoe club, hiking trails, and residential homes. South of the bridge is the Old Mill subway station alongside with an automobile road and facing a rich forest north of the bridge.

The two contrasting pathways enable a diverse field of view, with the lower pathway immersed in nature, and the elevated pathway revealing society outside the forest. Helix invites the locals to observe the boundary between fast paced transit and a natural experience, adding a rich eco friendly route to their daily life.

The structure primarily comprises of steel with the exception of the wood deck on the lower bridge. There is a differentiation of utilizing a perforated steel sheet for the elevated bridge to enable a clear view of the Humber river.