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2025_Jakitha Portfolio

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MADEBYJAY.CO

small business est.2020

The beginning of MadebyJay.co started in the summer of 2020. It was another creative outlet besides working at an architectural firm and working on professional projects.

Madebyjay.co is a woman-owned small business that brings colorful and creative pieces of jewelry to the market. The core value of this business idea is to produce l ong-lasting pieces of jewelry that can be appreciated as art and are also functional for customers. For the few years in this handmade-item business, Madebyjay.co has attended more than twenty of vending events throughout Los Angeles and the Venice area. It is a business and an art form that helps me stay creative beyond architectural practice.

MIXED USE HOUSING

MIXED USE HOUSING

MIXED USE PROJECT IN LOS FELIZ

This mixed-use building project responds to the unique lot condition at Hollywood and Vermont, which presented a key design challenge . The teardrop-shaped plaza draws in foot traffic from both streets, shifting the focus from building mass to the central shared space.

The design centers around a welcoming courtyard that invites visitors into the retail area while also creating a transition from public to private Inspired by the young professional demographic of Los Feliz , the residential component includes 28 studios, 4 one-bedrooms, 15 two-bedrooms, 4 duplexes, and 2 live-work units.

The courtyard typology supports both openness and intimacy , allowing for communal interaction while preserving the residential character. On the second floor, shared amenities continue this blend of community and privacy, making the architecture a bridge between urban life and home.

TYPICAL UNIT FRAMING EXPLODED

STRUCTURAL ISOMETRIC

PIAZZA DEI CIOMPI

Kindergarten and Branch Library

This project is envisioned as a vibrant hub for education, community, and green space . It consists of two main elements: a branch library and a kindergarten for children aged 4–5. Together, they form a place where learning, play, and social interaction converge.

The design prioritizes openness and natural light , with each classroom and reading room offering direct access to outdoor areas , encouraging site engagement and connection to nature. The layout gently slows down foot traffic, drawing people into a series of inviting public spaces . A café and bookstore activate the plaza, transforming it into a s hady, open-air gathering spot during the city's warm summers.

Two distinct public squares a primary and a secondary serve different needs. The secondary square offers a quiet, shaded retreat , ideal for parents waiting for their children or for visitors seeking a moment of calm. The kindergarten aims to be a space where creativity, physical development, and learning flourish in tandem with family and community life.

Inspired by Florence’s elevated loggias , the project incorporates historical elements into a modern framework. The open primary square supports community events such as outdoor exhibitions, movie nights, or local flea markets, preserving the spirit of public gathering that defines the city.

Piazza dei Ciompi:Kindergarten and Branch Library introduces a multi functional, inclusive space in the heart of Florence—one that enriches daily life without disrupting its rhythm.

PIAZZA DEI CIOMPI

BRANCH LIBRARY COURTYARD SCENARIOS

LOCAL FLEA MARKET

CLASSES

CONCERT EXHIBITION

SUMMERTIME

OUTDOOR DINING

OUTDOOR CINEMA

MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT

SAN DIEGO - CALIFORNIA

Public Spaces Renovation

The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is undergoing a $200 million, multi-phase renovation aimed at revitalizing the entire guest experience across both towers of the hotel. The comprehensive scope includes upgrades to all 1,628 guestrooms, approximately 320,000 square feet of public spaces , and key indoor/outdoor amenities. This includes the renovation of major dining venues, pool decks, meeting rooms, lounges, and recreational areas —all executed while the hotel remains fully operational . The transformation modernizes the property’s architectural character and enhances its appeal as a premier waterfront destination in Southern California.

My contributions focused on several high-impact public areas , including Sally’s Waterfront Dining , the 3rd and 4th floor pool decks, Top of the Hyatt, the Grand Club, and meeting rooms. I was involved throughout all project phases —from schematic design and conceptual development through design development , construction documentation, and into construction administration . We translated the client’s design intent into buildable solutions , developed coordinated drawing sets, and collaborated with consultants to integrate architecture, MEP, structural systems, audio/visual systems, food service consultants, interior designers, landscape architects , and other specialty vendors. I also supported the bidding process and provided construction-phase support through submittal reviews, RFI responses, and site coordination . My role required balancing design vision with technical precision , navigating phased construction in an a ctive hospitality environment, and contributing to the successful execution of this complex renovation.

3RD LEVEL POOL DECK RENOVATION

MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT - SAN DIEGO

3rd Level Pool Deck Floorplan Render by Parker-Torres Inc.
3rd Level Pool Bar Elevation Render by Parker-Torres Inc.
KEYPLAN

SALLY’S WATERFRONT DINING

MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT - SAN DIEGO

4TH LEVEL RECREATIONAL SPACES

MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT - SAN DIEGO

4TH LEVEL POOL DECK RENOVATION

MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT - SAN DIEGO

4th Floor Pool Deck Schematic Design Collaboration with Greey|Pickett

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

TRANSFORMERS THE RIDE 3D

I was part of the design team tasked with delivering architectural and engineering services for the facility upgrade of Transformers The Ride 3D At Universal Studios Hollywood. The scope included the replacement of end-of-life projection equipment, upgrades to catwalk access , and coordination of all necessary mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, structural, and life safety systems to support the new projector infrastructure. I supported the project through site due diligence, design development, and construction documentation, aligning all work with Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (DPW) codes and Universal’s creative and operational standards . This involved integrating inputs from Universal’s audio/visual (A/V), ride systems, and show vendors, producing permit-ready construction documents, and participating in ongoing construction administration , including requests for information (RFIs), submittal reviews, and code compliance coordination within an active theme park environment.

This project holds particular significance as Houston Tyner Architects was the original designer of the Transformers attraction, and this upgrade represented a rare opportunity to contribute to the evolution of a globally replicated ride system. The design solutions developed for this project were used as the base template for subsequent implementations at Universal Studios theme parks internationally , making this a uniquely rewarding experience that combined technical precision with high-level creative coordination on a globally recognized attraction.

THE CAMBY HOTEL

PHOENIX - ARIZONA

Guestroom and Public Space Renovations

The CAMBY Renovation involved selective upgrades to guest-facing areas of The CAMBY Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. The scope included ADA guestroom corrections, resort suite conversions, lobby and meeting room restroom renovations, and new corridor water/ice dispensers, while excluding work on typical guestrooms, RFID systems, thermostats, and fire/life safety upgrades, which were handled separately. Houston/Tyner Architects led the design and documentation process in collaboration with MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) and structural consultants, while the client’s interior design, BELECO team provided interior design services.

As a part of the team, I contributed to program development, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation. My responsibilities included preparing code-compliant drawing sets, coordinating with engineering consultants, reviewing interior finishes and layouts, and supporting permit submittals to the local authority having jurisdiction. During construction administration, I reviewed submittals, responded to RFIs (Requests for Information) , participated in site visits, and helped compile the final punch list. My role required balancing technical coordination, client requirements, and budgetary constraints to deliver a cohesive and permittable design package.

The CAMBY Bar and Restaurant Photo Render by BELECO
The CAMBY Hotel Reception Lounge
Photo Render by BELECO
The CAMBY Hotel Reception Lounge
Photo
Render by BELECO
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2025_Jakitha Portfolio by Jakitha Chanthisa - Issuu