Laura Bui
academic portfolio
2021 - 2024
Table of Con T en T s
l ight e x P loration
a ssemblage
u nderstor Y
r esume
yates viticulture center
Yates Viticulture Center is located south of Austin on a large plot of land, Yates Cattle and Conservation Ranch. It celebrates the existing land by tucking itself into the site. The winery creates a unique experience for visitors to interact with the wine-making process while also enjoying the views of the nearby valleys and creeks.
The complex processes and systems of both the site and wine-making are simplified into one elegant gesture that works in coordination with the existing landscape. The winery preserves as much of the land as possible by mediating between the natural environment and the winery production.
Different views are crafted throughout the space and landscaping is integrated into the interior through semi-public courtyards and vegetated lightwells, enhancing both employee and visitor experience.
spring 2022 | charles dipiazza + keith simon in collaboration with kayla nguyen
road entering site
site facing southwest
The Viticulture Center works in conjunction with the environment, allowing nature to intertwine with the building. The winery features courtyards and lightwell spaces filled with vegetation, creating connections to the outdoor.
ground floor plan
conditioned vs unconditioned
floor 2 plan conditioned spaces unconditioned spaces
site section facing east
The wine making process begins right to left. Starting at the loading dock, the grapes are crushed and transported into the building. They are fermented and processed before being put into the barrel storage. Afterwards, they are bottled, cased, and shipped out or are enjoyed directly on site.
section A through production wing
root
spring 2023 | coleman coker in collaboration with gulf coast design lab
Situated in East Texas, our client, the Temple Foundation (TLL) entrusted us with crafting a dynamic nexus for research, education, community, and nature. Guided by TLL’s commitment to fostering ecological stewardship and advancing conservation practices, we created an interactive pavilion nestled within the Boggy Slough Conservation Area.
Formulating a master plan for Boggy Slough, our objective was to lay the groundwork for future infrastructure while staying true to TLL’s mission. Central to this endeavor was the design and construction of a sheltered structure poised to serve as a gathering point for students, researchers, land owners, and conservation professionals.
Working a demanding timeline of just 5 months for both design and construction, our studio ensured a timely completion for the client. This accelerated process not only highlighted the realities of design and construction but also propelled our team toward heightened proficiency and innovation in our craft.
interpretivetrail
subshrubs
Dwarf palmetto Sabal minor Coralbean Erythrina herbaceea
Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Coral Honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens
Crossvine Bignonia capreolata
Inland Sea Oats Chasmanthium latifolium Canada Wild Rye Elymus canadensis
Broom Sedge Andropogon virgicus
Bushy Bluestem Andropogon glomeratus
Big Bluestem Andropogon geradii
Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
Coreopsis Coreopsis
Milkweed Asclepias viridis
Winecup Callirhoe involucrata
Echinacea Echinacea sanguinea
Silverleaf Nightshade Solanum elaeagnifolium
residences
existing
Deep in the southern pine forest, the Boggy Slough Clubhouse occupied this site until 1966 when it succumbed to a devesting fire. Only echoes of its former presence remained- a solitary chimney, two weathered concrete slabs, and the resilient silhouettes of loblolly trees.
A. east view facing deck and steps
B. close up view of structural connection
C. west view facing steel panel and rain chain
Materials were locally sourced, utilizing our east Texas lumber industry. Fallen forest trees were reused as log benches for large gatherings or as section cuts for the structural cookie wall.
The structure was designed as a modular 4x6 system, giving us the option to pre-fabricate on the UT Austin Site. This system also provided the flexibility for future expansion.
pressure-treated timber column
rebar J-anchor
rebar
concrete footing
log cookie wall
timber column
steel L angle
L angle
timber column
log cookie wall
wood decking
timber structure
Being a student led project, the construction of Root was bound to vary from the planned drawings. Our studio was prepared to work around different site constraints and quickly adapt to any mistakes made during the construction.
Root symbolized our construction’s open-ended flexibility in design, embracing our mistakes and adaptability. It represented the mass efforts put into developing a future vision for the Boggy Slough Conservation Area.
power center
The Power Center, located along the San Antonio River Walk, repurposes an abandoned power plant into an innovative leisure facility through adaptive reuse.
This facility blends rest and exercise, serving both competitive powerlifters and the local San Antonio community. The Power Center features a competition arena and a spacious open gym, while preserving key parts of the original power plant and infusing San Antonio’s historical charm to create a welcoming and empowering environment.
This design redefines the balance between rest and exercise by incorporating sleeping pods for users to recuperate from strenuous activties or gear up for further highintensity workouts. In addition, the exercise areas are designed as sanctuaries, providing an escape from everyday life.
fall 2021 |jen wong + andrew fulcher
existing boiler frame and smokestack
The Power Center serves as a vibrant community hub in an under-resourced area, providing people with opportunities for success and respite. It offers a variety of activities for all ages, including sports, fitness classes, outdoor relaxation, and quiet spaces for homework and study, ensuring everyone can find their own way to experience and benefit from this site.
light exploration
Learning how light can change the entire scope of a project, we explored the use of dramatic shadows and soft lighting to achieve an ambient feeling for students in the Gregory Gym Games Room, located at the University of Texas at Austin.
It is designed as a supplement to existing lighting. The scone design was chosen to light up discrete pockets of space that is is formed by thick and heavy columns in the room.
The light fixture uses opaque tubes that allows the light to be projected from the bulb to the top and bottom of the fixture. Partial cylinders connect the opaque tubes and are framed by wooden pieces and translucent material. These components softly diffuse the light through the fixutre.
fall 2021 | adam pyrek, keith simon, ken sneed in collaboration with justine do and arthur lam
The sconce light fixture provided ambient, diffuse lighting. The tubes were lined with reflective material to vertically distribute light. In addition, this washed the walls behind with light and brought a more lively quality to the room.
trace paper-light diffuser
chipboard tubes
wood structure
full assembly
assemblage
Assemblage explores innovative architecture by blending digital sculpting with iterative design, challenging traditional boundaries. It focuses on fragmentation dialogue, repurposing an existing building into a mixed-use space for housing, offices, and community areas.
Inspired by the industrial context, the design features furnace-inspired towers and dynamic structures that merge industrial and humanscale elements. Each curve and contour tells a story of innovation, as carefully curated materials blur the lines between interior and exterior, inviting exploration and discovery.
AI systems guide design decisions, resulting in a cohesive blend of translucent glass, perforated screens, metal paneling, and solid mesh. Assemblage explores how material can be used and interpreted with the help of AI. The design promotes community engagement with vibrant ground-level hubs and temporary office spaces, offering long-term accommodation for tourists. Every corner encourages collaboration and connection, challenging normative conditions and reimagining architectural vision.
design excellence nomination spring 2024 | patrick danahy in collaboration with lindsey meyers
To connect with the industrial location, the idea of assembling and disassembling provided unconventional methods of architectural experience. Two furnaces were dissected and repurposed into functional light wells while still embodying the characteristics of a furnace.
interior
exterior material dialogue
The community space on the ground level is where people come on the weekends to host flea markets, workshops, or other gathering events. During the weekdays, it is kept as an exhibition, displaying the history of Nord Landschaftpark.
The upper level is used as a temporary office space, where designers work to continue developing Landschaft park. Occupation and time is dependent on city needs, allowing for flexible use of space.
office/adaptable commercial fragment
view from light well looking into commerical space
northern light well/furnace
understory
design excellence nomination fall 2023 | nichole wiedemann in collaboration with ben meyer
The University Presbyterian Church (UPC) in West Campus hoped for a new way of using their valuable property located on the block of San Antonio and 23rd St. They envisioned a space of the future community to gather and become an important place for students on campus.
Because the site is located in a high-traffic area, this project provide relief from the congested urban fabric by utilizing intimate green spaces, a welcoming ground floor, and pockets of social space that re-engage the public and give back to the community.
Additionally, the existing sanctuary of the church remains intact to celebrate its history and maintain its strong presence in West Campus. Understory connects the community to UPC by incorporating a new space attached to the sanctuary. This space is designed to feel open and welcoming to West Campus and create balance in this location.
Fast and slow traffic studies conducted on San Antonio, 23rd, and 22nd St.
Understory offers a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of West Campus, providing a sense of belonging and community. It gives people a chance to take a break and escape Austin congestion.
James Maher, “Waiting in Grand Central”
Martin Roemers, “Hustle of the City”
The site had the potential to grow amongst the many high rise buildings in west campus and create a large form of revenue. The goal was to create a new presence in the community while creating ways to support the students in west campus.
section facing east
section facing east zoomed in
third floor plan
second floor plan
first floor plan
existing murals created by UPC members
existing stained glass inside sanctuary
section facing south
church exterior
belltower
belltower detail
understory pocket facing south
flex space facing south
view facing new church addition
understory pocket facing northwest
EDUCATION
The University of Texas at Austin Bachelor of Architecture 2024
WORK EXPERIENCE
Marmol-Radziner | June - December 2023
Architectural Intern | Los Angeles, California
• Produced construction drawings for submittals and meetings, independently managing assigned tasks
• Created 3D models and renderings using Revit and Lumion, using personal judgment to enhance project quality
• Participated in design and client meetings to refine design proposals
• Contributed to presentations and client meetings
LEEP Consultants | April 2023 - April 2024
• Designed company logo and other business graphics and consulted with client for future development
• Developed and maintained the firm’s website and online presence, enhancing brand visibility
VLK Architects | May - August 2022
Architectural Intern | Austin, Texas
• Created detailed drawings and models using Revit
• Researched building materials, building codes, and sustainable design practices, contributing to informed project decisions
• Collaborated with team members to create comprehensive project presentations and participate in client meetings
• Participated in site visits to gather crucial information for ongoing projects
Citrus Nail Spa | June 2018 - August 2019, 2021
Nail Technician | Fort Worth, Texas
• Delivered exceptional client services, ensuring highquality results and customer satisfaction
• Efficiently managed a fast-paced work environment
• Fostered a welcoming atmosphere, building strong relationships with both new and returning clients
SKILLS
Revit Lumion Rhino Photoshop Illustrator Enscape Bluebeam InDesign
Languages English Vietnamese
KeyShot Illustrator Model Making AutoCAD ZBrush
INVOLVEMENT
AIAS | 2019 - 2024
• Learned and prepared for professional development
Longhorn Architects | 2022 - 2024
• Exchanged knowledge and advice with fellow UTSOA peers to contribute to community success
Longhorn Powerlifting Team | 2019 - 2024
• Competed as a 56 kg and 60 kg Raw lifter
• Volunteered at high school powerlifting events
LEADERSHIP
Gulf Coast Design Lab Media | 2023
Design Consultant | Remote | Project Manager at Marmol-Radziner holmess@marmol-radziner.com | 310-826-6222
• Created engaging social media posts, graphics, and videos to produce high engagement and website traffic
• Recorded progress and maintained studio outreach
Longhorn Powerlifting Mentorship | 2022 - 2024
• Guided and supported mentees in achieving their personal and athletic goals
UTSOA Mentorship | 2020 - 2024
• Provided support and advice to incoming first years to facilitate a smooth transition into college
ACHIEVEMENTS + AWARDS
Texas Forestry Association, Excellence in Design Awarded 2023
• Root | Gulf Coast Design Lab |Coleman Coker
• Craftsmanship and sustainability in timber design and construction
UT School of Architecture, Design Excellence
• Understory | Nichole Wiedemann - nominated 2022
• Assemblies | Patrick Danahy - nominated 2024
University of Texas, Impact Scholar | 2019 - 2024
• Recognized for leadership and commitment to making a positive impact in the community
USA Powerlifting, Nationals Qualifier
• Qualified for Collegiate Nationals - 2022 - 2024
REFERENCES
Scott Holmes
Nichole Wiedemann | Professor at The University of Texas at Austin wiedemann@utexas.edu