Kenneth Guzman Portfolio

KENNETH GUZMAN V I R G I N I A P O LY H T E C H N I C I N S T I T U T E M . A R C H 2 | 2 0 2 5

KENNETH

GUZMAN

www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-guzman-b0733622b

Gkenneth295@gmail.com

PERSONAL STATEMENT As Architects and Designers, we have the pivotal role of empowering what it is we create. In doing so we must be vulnerable to our peers, community, spaces, culture, historical narrative, and even the environment. We work to design projects with care and craft, complementing our vital belief of following form and function. We are the future and architecture will follow, so we must adapt to maintain our identity and spirits in our progressing lives on earth. A resonating quote by Frank Gehry says, Architecture should speak of its time and space, but yearn for timelessness.

Architecture is more than just a profession: it’s the way of life. It is all around us and can give birth to new stories, create connections, advocate, and be sustainable. The question is how can we contribute to these meanings? It persists on what are your inspirations, how one can form opportunities, knowing who or what it is being served, taking challenges, not fearing risk, but just as important is knowing who you are. It allows one to escape the world for what it is and opens the door to what it can be.

SUMMARY

Motivated Architectural Design Graduate student with a strong foundation in design principles, conceptualization, and technical skills. Skilled problem-solver with meticulous attention to detail. Experienced in working with diverse teams and effectively communicating design ideas.

With a background in numerous construction and contracting companies, I have gained hands-on experience in project execution, material applications, and the coordination between design and construction processes. Committed to creating exceptional designs that balance form and functionality. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic architectural firm and make a meaningful impact in the field of design.

SKILLS • • • • • •

Strong conceptual and schematic design skills Strong verbal communication/presentation skills Bilingual English and Spanish Autocad Adobe Autosuite Revit

EXPERIENCE

• • • • • •

Hands-on field field experience Rhino Lumion Rendering Sketchup Microsoft Suite Bluebeam

Architectural Internship / JACOBS - Arlington, Virginia

05/2024-08/2024

Graduate Assitant/ VT El Centro- Blacksburg, VA

10/2024-CURRENT

• • • • • • •

Assisted in quality control checks during construction phases, verifying that work is completed according to design specifications Analyzed and interpreted client needs and project requirements to contribute to design solutions Created detailed CAD drawings and 3D models to support project development and presentations Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, planners, and contractors, to integrate various aspects of the project Conducted research and analysis to support decision-making and strategic planning during different phases of the project life cycle.

Assisted in the redlining and revision of project documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company standards and client specifications.

•

Assist in planning, organizing, and executing community events. Play an integral role in the setup, coordination, and breakdown of event spaces. Ensure on-site support during events, assisting with Collaborate with other units, offices, and centers to ensure events align with the center’s mission and goals.

Support the development of marketing materials, including flyers, posters, and social media content Engage with center visitors, providing information about programs and services Provide administrative support, including data entry, filing, and maintaining records.

• • • •

Director of Committee/ VT Latino Association of Student Organizations- Blacksburg, VA • • • •

Developed and implemented a structured review process for the election of committee members, ensuring transparency, fairness, and alignment with the organization’s goals and values.

Fostered collaboration and effective communication within the committee and between the executive board and other stakeholders.

Managed all aspects of event logistics, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation for the boards Committee Created and fostered a rotational year program, allowing committee members to shadow each executive board member, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the responsibilities of` various executive positions.

Production Crew/ Comfenergy & 3 Pro Basement Systems - Sterling, Virginia • • • • • •

09/2023-CURRENT

06/2023-09/2023

Used hand/power tools and equipment to perform wide range of Contracting services in the insultion industry Built reputation for excellent Contracting services by taking pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Provided prospective customers with professional services of air sealing, loose insulation install/removal, and installment of spray foam Communicated with customers directly when arriving to location and the job that will be preformed.

• •

Used hand/power tools and equipment to perform wide range of Contracting services in the waterproofing and crawlspace industry Built reputation for excellent Contracting services by taking pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail when waterproofing basments and sealing off crawlsapce with humidifier installs.

Install of “beautiful panels” in basements post waterproofing unfinished basements Communicated with customers directly when arriving to location and the job that will be preformed.

• • • • • •

Used hand/power tools and equipment to perform wide range of Contracting services.

Built reputation for excellent Contracting services by taking pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Shadowed employer from jobs ranging from painting, plumbing, electricity, roofing, flooring, and landscape.

Provided prospective customers with professional quotes at the assistance of the lead.

Created oral and written presentations for project designs and proposals.

Completed formal design intent and small scale construction documents

Handyman Assitant/ Eliseo Contractor - Woodbridge, Virginia

EDUCATION

08/2021-05/2022

Bachelors of Fine Arts: Architectural design James Madison University - Harrisonburg, Virignia

08/2019-05/2023

Masters of Architecture: Architecture Virginia Polytechnic Institute - Blacksburg, Virignia

08/2023-05/2025

PROJECT 1: SOAR: LEARNING IN LIBERIA

M.Arch 2.1 Studio | Term: Fall 2023 | Professor: Heinrich Sc

PROJECT 2: SILENCE AND NOISE AT VIRGINIA

M.Arch 2.1 Studio | Term: Fall 2023 | Professor: Heinrich Sc

PROJECT 3: PLACE AND MEMORY JOHN CAG

M.Arch 2.1 Studio | Term: Fall 2023 | Professor: Heinrich Sc

PROJECT 4: ARTIFICIAL IMPRESSIONS

M.Arch 2.1 Arch Urb lab II | Term: 2024 | Professor: Stefan A

PROJECT 5: LA MICROHOUSING

M.Arch 2.1 Arch Urb lab I | Term: 2023 | Professor: Stefan A

PROJECT 6: GOCA D.C.

Undergrad | Term: 2023 | Professor: Dijia Chen

PROJECT 7: THE BIKE SHACK

Undergrad | Term: 2022 | Professor: Nick Brinnen

PROJECT 8: MARIO-LYMPICS Internship| 2024 | JACOBS

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GE MEMORIAL

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AI

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AI

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PROJECT 1

SOAR: LEARNING IN LIBERIA

ACADEMIC TERM: ARCH 5716 STUDIO | 2024 PROFESSOR: HEINRICH SCHNOEDT TYPE: ACADEMIC SITE: MONROVIA, LIBERIA

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8 | SECTION

CONCEPT | 9

CONCEPT Radial Classroom/Spaces Corrider/Hall Space

Circulation

Central courtyard Load Bearing Walls

Vocational School Wings (Construction, Agriculture, & fashion)

Concrete Pleated Roof

Partial perforated Brick screen wall Fully Perforated Brick Screen Wall

The design concept for this project is inspired by the theme of “ascending,” with a monumental roof symbolizing growth and elevation. This striking architectural form not only enhances the building’s visual appeal but also serves as a potential tourist attraction, offering the school a unique opportunity to generate revenue. The radial layout incorporates load-bearing walls, columns, and precast concrete beams, effectively managing Liberia’s heavy rainfall while maximizing natural ventilation and sunlight. A central courtyard provides a space for communal gatherings, fostering a sense of unity. Circular staircases, which house water tanks on the highest floor, further support the building’s sustainability.

Additionally, the radial configuration allows for a controlled security approach with a singular entrance, addressing concerns about safety and reducing the risk of burglaries.

10 | IMAGE

PLAN 1

PLAN 2

DRAWINGS | 11

ISO CROSS-SECTION

SECTION

COURTYARD VIEW

CIELING PLAN

CLASSROOM

MULTIPURPOSE ROOM

12 | Section

SECTION OF CONSTRUCTION VOCATIONAL SCHOOL WING

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PROJECT 2

VT ARCHITECTURE SUCCESS BUILDING

ACADEMIC TERM: ARCH 5715 STUDIO | 2023 PROFESSOR: HEINRICH SCHNOEDT TYPE: ACADEMIC SITE: BLACKSBURG,VA

16 | CONCEPT

CONCEPT DIAGRAM

The project started with three rectangular forms for the following: WORKSHOPS, LIBRARY, LECTURE HALL & GALLERY. Proceeding foward extensions were made for in between walking pathways, which would then take on different forms to serve different functions or experiences. different forms to serve different functions/experiences.

Deisgn Diagram | 17

STRAIGHT PATHWAY WITH PILESTERS FOR STRUCTURE. SIGNIFICANCE IS IT MEET THE LOWER GROUND LEVEL WITH STRAIGHT PASSAGE TO A ELEVATOR (WHEELCHAIR ACCESSABILITY AND EASE OF MOVEMENT) CURVING FACADE FOR: OUTDOOR WALKING EXPERIENCE & OVERLOOKING STUDY SPACES THIS LECTURE HALL BUILDING SITS ON GROUND LEVEL; ALLOWS FOR ROOF PATIO USAGE & ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THE BISHOP FAVRAO BUIDLING.

WORKSHOP FEATURES A LOADING DECK THAT WILL MEET VEHICLE TRAFFIC LANE.

NOTE THAT THIS WALL IS THE SOUTHERN FACING RESULTING IN A OPAQUE DESIGNED WALL

18 | libary core

PROGRAM MATRIX | 19

PLAN 1

02.PROGRAM This project features a 3 story library that is split across the middle to allow light diffusion from a skylight above. This building is created so that the pilesters on the right hold all the books while columns to the left have a in between moment for studying that overlooks the curve path in between the workshop and library wings.

20 | PLANS

PLAN 2

PLAN 3

CEILING PLAN

BUILDING SECTION | 21

SECTION

PROJECT 3

VT JOHN CAGE MEMORIAL ACADEMIC TERM: ARCH 5715 STUDIO | 2023 PROFESSOR: HEINRICH SCHNOEDT TYPE: ACADEMIC SITE: VIRGINIA TECH POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE DRILL FIELD

24 | project manifesto

“There is no such thing as an empty space or an empty time. There is always something to see, something to hear. In fact, try as we may to make a silence, we cannot.”

- JOHN CAGE This is a design for a John Cage memorial next to the Veterans War Memorial on Virginia Tech Drill FIeld. The project consists of a room for the diaplay and reading of 10 famous books written by John cage and a room for contemplation while listening to Johns Cage composition.

IMAGES | 25

Right rear view

Book Display Room

Contemplation Room

26 |

PROJECT 4

“ARTIFICIAL IMPRESSIONS: TESTING AI RENDERING IN ARCHITECTURE” ACADEMIC TERM: 5706 ARCH & URBANISM LAB | 2024 TYPE: CULTURAL CENTER SITE: GEORGETOWN, D.C.

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28 | SITE

SITE

Georgetown Waterfront Overhead bridge Bridge like cliff adjacent to site location Adjacent to Georgetown University

MANIFESTO | 29

PROJECT STATEMENT This project investigates the capabilities of artificial intelligence in architectural visualization, specifically through AI-powered rendering programs such as Stable Diffusion. The objective was to explore how AI can be integrated into the architectural design process to generate final presentation renders.

Our approach involved developing architectural models using software like SketchUp and Revit, which were then processed through AI rendering tools. The results varied, highlighting both the potential and the limitations of these emerging technologies in accurately interpreting architectural forms, materials, and lighting conditions. Through this study, we critically assessed AI’s effectiveness in enhancing architectural representation and identified areas where further advancements are needed to bridge the gap between traditional rendering methods and AI-driven visualization.

To achieve a polished final result, post-production involved extensive use of Photoshop to enhance photorealism and refine the AI-generated imagery.

30 | DESIGN DEVELOPEMENT

STABLE DIFFUSION VISUALIZATION

FINAL RESULTS | 31

FINAL POST PRODUCTION

PROJECT 5 L . A .

M I C R O H O U S I N G

ACADEMIC TERM: 5705 ARCH & URBANISM LAB | 2024 TYPE: RESIDENTIAL SITE: 101-155 W COLLEGE ST, LA, CA PARTNER: LARRY UTTER & HATIM ALKHOMAIRI

34 | SITE

SITE Adjacent to public housing project Access to Metro Adjacent to state park Existing modern residential development Very close to Dodger Stadium

plan proposals | 35

MODEL FLOOR PLAN 1

MODEL FLOOR PLAN 2 (2 STORY) 1ST FLOOR PLAN

2ND FLOOR PLAN

RENDER

FLOOR PLAN PROPOSALSPLAINS

THE DIAGRAM AFBOVE

36 | CONCEPT

3 - ADJACENCY

1 - DIMENSION

2 - EXTENDED SHELL

Modular cube is created for a apartment space with 18’ x 36’ dimension.

Shell is extended to create a balcony and allow for openings.

The design allows area for verticle movement by sky openings.

Another method of expansions would be by the demolishing of certain areas of wall based off the modules adjacencies.

Modules are place each other.

Each module is measured at 18 feet of width and 36 feet on legnth w affordability, and proportions.

es next to

which is suitable of space,

CONCEPT | 37

4 - SHIFT Shift the modules slightly to create spaces and the buildings form.

5 - STACK Stack the 3 modules but also slightly shift to allow for overhead for the balconies.

PROJECT 6 G

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C

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ACADEMIC TERM: UNDERGRAD | 2023 PROFESSOR: DIJIA CHEN TYPE: MUSEUM SITE: 27 O ST NE WASHINGTON D.C

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34 | project statement

PROJECT STATEMENT The goal of this Gallery is to showcase all medias of arts under the category of contemporary. These medias are model art, pin up art, and projection art. They are spread out within the 3 diffferent quadrants of the building, this serves as a metaphor for those create art. “Whatever path you may take in creating art, there is no right answer so long as you follow what it is you desire” this is reflected upon arrival in the center, one can choose which media of art it is they wish to visit first. Another mission the gallery serves is to also allow for the exhibition of any local artist work.

SITE & MODEL

design concept | 35

TECTONICS ARE EXEMPLIFIED BY PYLONS ARRANGED IN A CERTAIN WAY TO PROMOTE OUTDOOR VISUALS OF LOCAL ARTIST WORK BUT ARE DESIGNED IN A WAY TO KEEP FORMAL DISPLAYED WORK PRIVATE

36 | DRAWINGS

Section

Section

East Elevation

Northwest Elevation

MOVEMENT While parking is placed next to the main entrance (East elevation) the curve on the Northwest elevation is inspired to create a flow of vehicles for vistors who may be dropped off via bus or car.

IMAGES | 37

Physical model

GALLERIES Pin up Gallery and Model Gallery are both presented through the structure on the entering facade. The projection gallery is more of a hidden feature as it is on the second floor inside.

Wall Gallery

Projection Gallery

Model Gallery

PROJECT 7

B I K E S H A C K BY D E S I G N B U I L D D U K E S ACADEMIC TERM: UNDERGRAD | 2022 PROFESSOR: NICK BRINNEN TYPE: SHACK SITE: HARRISONBURG,VA OTCES

40 | project manifesto

This studio was the most unique of all being that it was a design build studio.

We worked with JMU Occupational Therapy Child Education Services to design and build an accessible, multifunctional mobile module to repair and store the bikes of JMU OTCES.

images / plans / sections | 41

Elevation

PLANS

SECTION

42 |

MARIO-LYMPICS A I A

C A N S T R U C T I O N

INTERN COMPETITION |JACOBS| 2024 TYPE: CAN SCULPTURE

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44 | AIA AWARD PHOTO

As part of the AIA Canstruction competition, I collaborated with a team of architects and engineers to create a large-scale structure entirely out of canned food. This project combined architectural creativity with structural problem-solving, requiring precise planning and execution to ensure stability while achieving a compelling visual design.

Beyond the technical aspects, this initiative had a strong philanthropic purpose—after the exhibition, all canned goods were donated to local food banks to support communities in need.

This experience reinforced the power of design to make a social impact, blending architecture, engineering, and community service into a meaningful and rewarding project.

PROCESS IMAGES | 45

THANK YOU

www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-guzman-b0733622b

GKENNETH295@GMAIL.COM