I am writing to express my interest in the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed firm through industry opportunities and professional engagements. As an architecture student, I am eager to bring my passion for design to a professional environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
My academic journey at USC has provided me with a strong foundation in architectural design and sustainable practices. Through a series of intensive studio projects, I have developed an ability to conceptualize and execute thoughtful, functional, and aesthetically compelling spaces that respond to both human needs and environmental contexts. I am proficient in industry-standard software, including Rhino, Grasshopper, and Adobe Creative Suite, which allow me to effectively translate complex ideas into effective visual narratives.
Beyond technical skills, I take great pride in my ability to collaborate and lead in dynamic, multidisciplinary settings. Serving as a Class Representative on the USC Architecture Student Council Executive Board has sharpened my leadership and organizational abilities, and deepened my engagement with the architectural community. These experiences have strengthened my ability to work effectively in team environments, communicate design intent with clarity, and manage projects with precision and efficiency. I am excited by the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a firm that values innovative thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful design solutions.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and aspirations align with your firm’s goals and ongoing projects. Please find my portfolio attached for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to the possibility of connecting during the Fair.
Best regards,
Karina Prounis
EDUCATION
KARINA PROUNIS
Architecture student at USC with leadership experience and a passion for sustainable development. Skilled in design, collaboration, and innovative solutions to enhance the built environment.
University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA
- Dean’s List Scholar
- GPA: 3.7
Oxford Scholastica Academy | Edinburgh, UK
EXPERIENCE
USC Architecture Undergraduate Student Council
September 2023 - Present
Executive Board Member; First and Second year Representative
- Voices students’ suggestions for how to improve the architecture program
- Collaborates with other class representatives to implement proposals
Flair Hunter LLC | Park City, UT 2021-2022
Junior Design Assistant
- Assistant for interior designer rm owner and design director Stephanie Hunt
- Client interface
- Design product research
- Assistance with digital and technical platforms
Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority | Los Angeles, CA
2024 - Present
Design Chair
- Designs product and merchandise for sorority chapter
- Collaborates on design ideas
- Works with distributors and external relations
- Design product research
Annie Watt Photography Agency | New York, NY 2019-2020
Photography Intern
- Assisted in curating celebrity photography exhibition
- Shadowed photoshoots
- Managed social media
SKILLS
DIGITAL: Adobe Suite, Microso O ce
SOFTWARES: Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, AutoCAD
FABRICATION: 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Hand Modeling
OTHER PROFICIENCIES: Photography, Research, Spanish
SURFURBIA
term: second year 1st term class: arch 202a type: urban planning professor: hallie black partners: darius prince & valerie gahman-vergara
Inspired by Reyner Banham’s The Architecture of Four Ecologies, this project explores the ecology of Surfurbia as a mile by mile project in Santa Monica, California. Through practicing urban planning with a lense of superfuturistic goals, the project envisions the region in 25-100 years through radical propositions.
3d printed superblock gridscape
SURFURBIA STATE PARK
The project carves out a state park space to increase public recreation and reduce congestion and emissions. Within the park is a canal system that not only supports mobility but also mitigates sea level rise. Complementing this is a reimagined public transportation network, featuring high-speed rail and raised trolleys, designed to improve efficiency while reducing congestion and emissions.
3D Pritned and 4” x 4” basswood study model
A CITY OF CAVERNS & CAVES
term: second year 1st term class: arch 202a type: urban planning professor: hallie black
Plan view with overlayed render of individual sector design.
The next part of the project focuses on the development of specific chunk. The highlighted region yields an earthform topography driven landscape.
SECTOR DESIGN
LOWER LEVEL PLAN
The design of the individual sector resulted in a city sculpted from caverns and caves, creating a unique interplay between natural forms and urban development. This segment plans of the project showcase the variety of program that occurs on each level of the city.
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DIAGRAMS
TRANSVERSALITY
CIRCULATION
Every aspect of surfurbia is transversable by foot, bus, car, boat, or any other futuristic form of transportation. The two exposed layers of transportation are separated by pedestrian, topographic, paths and automobile, rigid, paths. The circulation system imposes an organized grid system amidst a fluid unpredictable landscape. Each indicated stop marks a maximum 10 minute walking radius.
PIER NETWORK
The pier extension slices through the landscape of surfurbia, providing a major hub for pedestrian programming and commerce. The connected routes branch off of the pier and provide travel opportunities for the most populated area.
STRUCTURE
The landform architecture creates spatial opportunities in a sophisticated way in the greater context of urban planning. High rise buildings sprawl from the earth and dip down to the lowest layer of surfurbia to maximize F.A.R.
TOPOGRAPHY
The topography takes a fluid and rippling form on the surface and a consistent sinusoidal form on the bottom. The topography drives the function and appeal of surfurbia, especially the cavernous openings that act as sources of light to the caves below.
TOPOGRAPHY ACCESS POINTS
CIRCULATION
PEDESTRIAN
Regular circulation; topographic; most accsessible
AUTO
TRAIN
Automobile and public transport; cuts across and through landscape Train system embedded in landscape; cuts through topography
SUB-TERRAINIAN
Lowest level of transport; aids boats and underwater systems
CANAL
The canal is the main artery of surfurbia that provides programming, transportation, and essential ecological services. The canal desalinates the ocean water while simultaneously mitigating sea level rise, dispersing water incrementally throughout Southern California. The canal is boat friendly and obtains tide pool pods that branch out to house program and ecological restoration as well as docking opportunities.
UNDERGROUND NETWORK
The underground network is a lower level continuation of the upper level circulation routes, targetting submersible and seafearing travel. The underground ntwork is eqipped with docks and port.
ACCESS POINTS
SECTIONS
The sections display the details of Surfurbia living, highlighting functionality, transportation, and lifestyle .
OVERALL SECTION
DIAGRAM SECTION
BUILDINGS
EARTHFORM TOPOGRAPHY
PERSPECTIVE RENDERS
URBAN PLAN MODEL
4” x 4” 3D printed study model of the proposed urban plan
Location of chunk in the site model to be developed
URBAN PLAN MODEL
7” x 7” x 12” chunk model made from stacked cardboard, acrylic, and mirror, with 3D printed forms
1” = 32’
STRATA STATION
term: first year 2nd term class: arch 102b type: public professor: kate chiu
This project envisions a gas station addition to Mercado La Paloma in Downtown Los Angeles, reimagining the station as both a functional hub and a visually compelling landmark. The project obtains 700 square feet of retail space and a market place.
Beyond functionality, the design redefines the gas station experience, positioning it as a destination for both highway travelers and urban residents. PERSPECTIVE
3D printed model spray painted with corrugated plastic facade
12” x 6” x 6”
WEST ELEVATION
PLAN VIEW
DOWNWARD DWELLING
term: first year 2nd term class: arch 102b
type: dwelling professor: gillian shaffer-lutsko
Dwelling project designed to be a unified circulating ramp, transversible from any point. The project was driven by the concept of folding and leaning.
KARINA
PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL EXPLORATION
Photography projects with digital manipulation in photoshop and illustrator.
