Jillian Gonchar Portfolio 2023

JILLIAN

GONCHAR

Jillian Gonchar

WORK EXPERIENCE

WARE MALCOMB, NEWARK, NJ

Production Coordinator, July 2021 - January 2023

Intern, March 2021 - May 2021

ARCO DESIGN BUILD INDUSTRIAL, WHITE PLAINS, NY

Intern, June 2019 - August 2019

NASTASI ARCHITECTS, HOBOKEN, NJ

Intern, July 2017 - August 2017

KIPCON ENGINEERING, NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ

Intern, June 2015 - August 2015, June 2016 - August 2016

EDUCATION

MASTERS

Jillian Gonchar

Table of Contents

Junior-level architectural designer with a Masters of Architecture degree, a comprehensive background in art and architecture history, and a passion for design. Experience in the design of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. An insatiable desire to learn and gain experience.

BACHELOR

Professional Experience

Designing healthcare spaces can be a challenging but rewarding task. While in the Design Development phases of these healthcare facilities, there was constant consideration of the safety and accessibility regulations, as well as the specific needs of patients and healthcare professionals. I found this to be a challenging balancing act, between creating a calming environment and ensuring functionality and efficiency. Knowing my contribution to the end result can improve the patient experience, increase efficiency for the healthcare professionals working there, and possibly contribute to better health outcomes for patients was rewarding.

Through my experience I found that designing industrial type buildings involves a complex process that involves a thorough understanding of the specific needs and requirements of the industry whether in manufacturing, assembly, or warehousing goods and products. The design process involved creating layouts that maximizes efficiency, while also designing for the clients needs and within code parameters. Additionally, learning how to implement sustainable and energy-efficient materials and systems invigorated my desire in thinking about how the industrial building industry can integrate and develop new sustainability practices.

Designing for Self-Storage facilities

I learned that when designing self-storage facilities security and space efficiency is paramount. In the project featured here, I was tasked with creating a unit-type plan. This plan was to use show the rentable spaces. We used this plan to insure that we were using the maximum rentable space while also creating the necessary spaces for the building utilities, code compliance, and egress needs.

Jillian Gonchar

Jillian Gonchar

Academic Work Vertical Quad

In the spring of 2019, our studio designed a building for NJIT. This was to act as a vertical campus that could house a number of fictions such as offices for whatever department would occupy the building, classrooms, student center, and much more. One of the most important factors of the design was that the floors and spaces would be flexible, lending the spaces to change as the needs changed inevitably in the future.

This unique and innovative project that aimed to create a vertical campus. This building was designed to be a multi-functional space accommodating various departments and functions, such as offices, classrooms, a student center, and more.

One of the most critical design considerations was that the building had to be flexible and adaptable to changing needs in the future. Therefore, the floor plans and spaces were designed to be easily reconfigured, allowing the building to be adapted to the changing needs of the occupants over time. This was critical in ensuring that the building would meet the university’s changing needs and maximize the use of the space and resources over the long term. The design of the building also incorporated features and materials that were environmentally friendly and sustainable, such as energy-efficient systems, natural ventilation, and the use of renewable energy sources. These elements were chosen to help reduce the building’s carbon footprint and promote sustainability in the long run.

In conclusion, our studio’s building designed for NJIT was a forward-thinking and innovative project that aimed to create a flexible, sustainable, and multi-functional space for the university. By incorporating flexible floor plans and environmentally friendly design elements, the building was designed to meet the changing needs of the university and promote sustainability in the long term.

Jillian Gonchar

Jillian Gonchar

Jillian Gonchar

Honeycomb Hotel

This group project required us to develop a module hotel form and engineer the mechanical electrical and plumbing in each hotel room and how they would be put together. In addition to the hotel rooms themselves, we were also tasked with equipping the hotel with all of the modern amenities guests expect today. This included a large banquet hall and pre-function area, in addition to the areas that were to be used by the hotel staff as well. Our team also studied the latest advancements in engineering and design to create a sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotel. The first step was to design a hotel that would handle the site’s unique conditions, including the landfill’s load-bearing capacity and the need for proper drainage and ventilation systems. Next, we worked on the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.

These systems were critical to the functionality of the hotel and had to be designed to handle the demands of a modern hotel while also being energy-efficient. Finally, we utilized green building technologies like geothermal heating and cooling to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint and lower energy costs. The hotel also included a large banquet hall and pre-function area, perfect for hosting events and conferences.

These spaces were designed with versatility, allowing them to be used for various events, from business meetings to weddings. Finally, we created the areas that would be used by the hotel staff, such as the front desk, housekeeping, and laundry. These spaces were designed to be functional and aesthetically pleasing, with an eye toward efficiency and ease of use.

Jillian Gonchar

22 North

The community center at 22 North was designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ youth. The first floor was dedicated to a reception area, where visitors could be greeted and directed to the appropriate resources. This space also had a lounge area where visitors could wait for appointments or hang out. The second floor had several private offices for community outreach organizations to provide counseling and other support services for LGBTQ+ youth. One of the critical features of the community center was the inclusion of a youth resource library.

This library was designed to provide young people with books, videos, and other resources related to LGBTQ+ issues and experiences. In addition, the library was staffed by trained volunteers who could assist visitors with finding the help they needed. The residential building was also designed with a focus on sustainability. 22 North incorporated green building practices, such as high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, low-flow toilets and showerheads, and energy-efficient lighting. This was done to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and to support the community’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact. In addition to the community center and residential spaces, 22 North had a rooftop garden.

This garden was designed as a gathering place for residents and visitors and was used for community events and activities. The park was also a source of fresh produce for the community center, providing visitors with healthy food options. Overall, 22 North was designed to be a space that indeed served the needs of the Carroll Gardens LGBTQ+ community. By providing a safe, welcoming environment and the resources that young people need to succeed, this building has helped to create a more vital and vibrant community.

Jillian Gonchar

Jillian Gonchar

Museum of The Domesticated

The project type for the fall semester of 2019 was museums. The final project was the one-room museum. We were tasked with picking an object and designing a museum around that object. I chose a house plant and explored the domestication of what is naturally occurring.

I showcased how man has tamed and transformed the natural world to fit our needs and desires. Therefore, the museum was designed as a continuous space, where each module represented a different object that society has domesticated.

Starting from the entrance, the first module showcased water and its role in nurturing and sustaining life. The second module displayed soil and the process of farming and agriculture. The third module was dedicated to fire and its use in cooking and warmth. The fourth module was all about plants, showcasing different species of house plants and their significance in our lives. The final module was dedicated to animals, exploring their domestication and their roles in our lives.

The overall design of the museum was minimalistic and modern, with clean lines and neutral colors. This was done to ensure that the focus remained on the objects and the message being conveyed rather than being distracted by the aesthetics of the museum.

Through this project, I aimed to educate people about man’s impact on the natural world and how our actions have changed the course of nature. In addition, the museum sought to start a conversation about our relationship with the environment and the importance of preserving and protecting it for future generations.

Jillian Gonchar

Jillian Gonchar

Architectural Photography

As a passionate photographer, I deeply love capturing the beauty and majesty of architecture. I have been practicing photography for years and have always been fascinated by how buildings and structures can tell a story and evoke emotions.

My passion for photography took flight during my travels in Europe in the summer of 2018. I had the opportunity to take a class in European art and architecture that took me to five countries and eight cities. In this gallery, I am sharing some of my favorite photographs from my travels in Europe and other trips I have taken over the years. Each photo is a testament to my love for architecture and my desire to capture its beauty through my lens.

I am proud to say that all of the photographs used in this portfolio and on my website were taken and edited by me. Each image has been carefully selected and crafted to showcase how I view and am inspired by the built world around me. My photographs capture a particular experience in a built space and express the feelings and experiences I want to emulate in my designs.

Jillian Gonchar

Jillian Gonchar

Jillian Gonchar