Louis Cao

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON BS | 2024

LOUIS CAO

469-732-7089

louiscao55@gmail.com

PERSONAL STATEMENT

By means of introduction, I’m an architectural graduate at the University of Texas at Arlington with a BS in Architecture. As an aspiring young designer, I’m seeking to learn and expand my works in the architectural and design field. My passion lies for improving the daily lives of people just as much as buildings or environments.

I have a strong interest in design development and visualization. I enjoy the act of designing through the visual graphics. The questions I always ask myself is “what and why should this be built?” My natural curiosity has forced me to explore ideas and seeking the best solution for a project.

I’m glad to share with you my latest works.

CURRICULUM VITAE

SKILLS SUMMARY

Rhinoceros & Sketchup: 3D modeling experience in conceptual and design development phases (2020 - 2024)

Revit: Intermediate understanding of modeling and various standards (2023 - 2024)

Lumion & Enscape: Advanced use to create compelling renderings visualizing design intent

Adobe Suite: Advanced use of photoshop, illustrator, indesign for compelling graphics for presentation since (2020 - 2024)

EDUCATION

www.linkedin.com/in/louiscao55 louiscao55@gmail.com

University of Texas at Arlington, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 3.82 GPA | August 2020 - May 2024

Maverick Academic Scholarship | 2020 - 2024

Deans Honor Roll | August 2021, January 2023

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

BRW Architects, Dallas, TX | July 2023 - Present

Supported design team during all phases with modeling and rendering support.

Assisted in business development and marketing by preparing responses for RFQs (Request for Qualifications).

Developed architectural and environmental graphics for police and fire stations, including evacuation plans, badge graphics, and school graphics, contributing to the visual identity of key public projects.

Participated in site visits and weekly OAC meetings, documenting project progress and providing input for team discussions. Contributed to the firm’s visual assets by photographing architecture for marketing purposes, showcasing design intent and capturing key project milestones.

Photographer | May 2024 - Present

Commercial Photography: Experienced in architectural, product, and automotive photography, skilled in capturing building exteriors, interiors, e-commerce product, and vehicle design elements

Storytelling: Experienced in creating cinematic, narrative-driven images in couple portraits, delivering tailored visuals

Portfolio: Instagram: lcao.photography | Website: https://louiscaophotography.pixieset.com

ACHIEVEMENTS

Architectural and Environmental Graphics

Designed and implemented architectural and environmental graphics that are now integrated into completed public buildings, such as police and fire stations and schools, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Established NCARB Record

900+ recorded AXP hours towards liscensure Present

CULINARY HUT

TERM: SPRING 2022, 4TH SEMESTER

TYPE: HOSPITALITY/RECREATIONAL

SITE: KARWENDEL MOUNTAINS, AUSTRIA

INSTRUCTOR: OSWALD JENEWEIN

PROGRAMS: RHINO, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, LUMION

PAVILLION

TERM: FALL 2023, 5TH SEMESTER

TYPE: COMMUNITY

SITE: SANTA FE, TRINITY SPINE TRAIL, DALLAS, TEXAS

INSTRUCTOR: JULIA LINDGREN, CORD REID

PROGRAMS: RHINO, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, LUMION

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TERM: SPRING 2023, 5TH SEMESTER

TYPE: K12 EDUCATION

SITE: DOUGLASS PARK, ARLINGTON, TEXAS

INSTRUCTOR: NICK NEPVEUX

PROGRAMS: RHINO, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, LUMION

PLAYSCAPE

TERM: SPRING 2023, 5TH SEMESTER

TYPE: K12 EDUCATION

SITE: DOUGLASS PARK, ARLINGTON, TEXAS

INSTRUCTOR: NICK NEPVEUX

PROGRAMS: RHINO, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, LUMION

ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE

TERM: FALL 2022, 3RD SEMESTER

TYPE: COMMERCIAL

SITE: NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

INSTRUCTOR: BIJAN YOUSSEFZADEH

P ROGRAMS: RHINO, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, LUMION 01 02 03 04 05 06 07

PROGRAMS: REVIT, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, TWINMOTION

MULTI-FAMILY DUPLEX

TERM: FALL 2022, 3RD SEMESTER TYPE: RESIDENTIAL

SITE: FORT WORTH, TEXAS

INSTRUCTOR: BIJAN YOUSSEFZADEH

PROGRAMS: REVIT, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, TWINMOTION

INTERNSHIP + PRACTICE

LOCATION: DALLAS, TEXAS

DURATION: JULY 2023 - DECEMBER 2023

JOB TITLE: ARCHITECTURE INTERN / ARCHITECT-IN-TRAINING

TASKS: RENDERS, MODELING, GRAPHICS, MARKETING

FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE CULINARY HUT

TERM: SPRING 2022, 4TH SEMESTER

TYPE: HOSPITALITY/RECREATIONAL

SITE: KARWENDEL MOUNTAINS, AUSTRIA

INSTRUCTOR: OSWALD JENEWEIN

PROGRAMS: RHINO, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, LUMION

“From the soil to the table, it is essential alternative systems be designed to curb deforestation and stop climate breakdown.”

- Donna Maltz

The Climate Crisis is a global challenge, (re)shaping the natural, cultural, and built environment. Ecological design has therefore become a fundamental tool for architects and in architectural education, from basic to advanced design. The architectural community is deeply embedded with the flows of energy, materials, and ideas that relate to climate change, both causes, and solutions. While there is no “one solution” to the multifaceted challenges brought about by this crisis, every individual can apply their skills and actions in addressing the pressures on the natural world.

Located in the remote region of the Karwendel Mountains in Austria, it was important to consider the implications of an extreme environment during the design process. Known for its drastic temperature differences and harsh wind, these factors heavily influenced the design of the building.

The Culinary Hut in the alpine will serve as a shelter for individuals interested in a culinary program that centers on exploring the possibilities of food science and growing alternative organic food sources. Due to the climate crisis and the shift in climate patterns, it is necessary to study how plants adapt to extreme environments to provide a complete, sustainable, and dependable means for future human life support on earth. Individuals will be allowed to examine seedling’s cultivation under controlled variables. This hut will feature a greenhouse, a cooking studio, and a broadcasting room where individuals can explore and experiment how plants grow and act as a food source. There will be several alternatives to traditional farming methods including, but not limited to aquaponics, fungi cultivation, and ‘super grains.’ With all these in mind, it was important that this building be self-sufficient and selfsustaining for the inhabitants of this place.

DESIGN MOTIVATIONS

Site

Original Path 3. Original Program

Manipulation and Integration of Site

1. SITE RESPONSE

Building is angled to align with natural flow of the landscape and sunken into the site to fit in with the natural environment

2. FLOODING

Northern wall becomes angled to redirect avalanches away from the building, avoiding direct impact

SUSTAINABILITY

PASSIVE COOLING

Windows are placed on the eastern and western facade to allow for cross ventilation

Considering the harsh environemental conditions of an alpine site, such cases of flood, wind, and drastic temperature differences heavily influenced the design. The wall embedded into the peak of the mountain becomes angled to direct and guide an avalanche from direct impact. Next, as the strongest winds come from the NE direction, the tower walls are angled to direct the wind away. Roofs are angled to allow snow to fall

DAYLIGHTING

Roof overhangs to diffuse summer sun and allow winter sun to penetrate into the living spaces

A series of analytical studies are done to understand the performative impacts and spatial requirements. Environmental impacts factors of the design process. Considering the topography beauty of the site and aethetically merge the alpine hut into defining character to enhance the form of the hut. Due to the natural light to penetrate into the interiors. The hut is angled the structure is situateted into the ground to represent how site rather than being randomly placed in it

Roof overhangs to diffuse sun and allow winter into the living spaces

Walls of greenhouse angled to redirect the strongest winds coming northeast direction

PASSIVE HEATING

3. WIND

STRATEGY

greenhouse towers are the flow of the coming from the

Roofs are angled to direct snow off the roofs

Greenhouse towers are oriented on the eastern front to take advantage of the sun and use it for heating

SUSTAINABILITY

diffuse summer winter sun to penetrate spaces

Gutter systems and water tanks work in tangem where it undergoes a filteration system that reuses the water for practical purposes

performative aspects of an alpine hut to environmental and internal spatial relationships become the driving of the site, it was important to preserve the natural into the landscape, in other words, the landscape becomes a the harsh temperatures, the orientation of the hut permits angled to match the natural flow of the mountain and part of the design can appear to be a natural element into the

Solar panels are placed on the greenhouse towers to absorb the sunlight and let it power the building to be self-sufficent and sustaining

Sustainable design is integral if we are to reduce the negative impacts on the environment, the health and comfort of occupants, and improving building performance. For this reason, a series of sustainable diagrams are done to showcase how sustainable design can help mountain architecture function properly. For example, solar powered systems can help acquire energy using sustainable means

HEATING RAINWATER COLLECTION

4. SNOW

SOLAR ENERGY

5. SUN PATH

Living quarters and main living spaces are housed towards the end of the hut to have the best views facing towards the valley

Food preparation is done in a kitchen connected to the main lodge, which can be stashed with supplies for occupants to cook their own meals

First level is reserved to the main growing area where super grains, fungi, and aquaponic farming methods are housed

Featuring three greenhouse towers that utilize a pulley system to rotate different crops that can be harvested on the first floor and be viewed on the floors above

LEVEL THREE

LOUIS CAO

DESIGN + BUILD STUDIO PAVILLION

TERM: FALL 2023, 5TH SEMESTER

TYPE: COMMUNITY

SITE: SANTA FE, TRINITY SPINE TRAIL, DALLAS, TEXAS

INSTRUCTOR: JULIA LINDGREN

PROGRAMS: RHINO, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, LUMION

THE GOAL

The Santa Fe and Trinity Spine Trailhead Stop Enhancement project aims to create a welcoming and functional trailhead stop at the intersection of Santa Fe and Trinity Spine Trail in Dallas, Texas. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of enhancing community connectivity, promoting outdoor activities, and contributing to the development of the Dallas Loop trail system.

Shade and Rain Protection

The goal is to create a structure that provides shade and rain protection for trail users. The design will prioritize both functionality and visual appeal, ensuring a comfortable environment for individuals pausing at the trailhead.

Community-Focused Amenities

Integrate amenities such as seating, informational signage, and water stations to cater to the needs of the community. The trailhead stop will be designed to serve as a gathering point, fostering a sense of community engagement and interaction.

Dallas Loop Integration

Plan the trailhead stop to play a pivotal role in shaping the Dallas Loop trail system. Consider future interventions and expansions, ensuring the design aligns with the overall vision of the Dallas Loop and contributes to a cohesive and well-connected trail

SITE AERIAL

DESIGN MOTIVATIONS

1. Maintain Visibility. Create open sight lines for the intersection of the Santa Fe + North Spine Trail when approaching from all directions. Site lines are derived from the maximum cone of vision for approaching bikers and pedestrians.

3. Trail Continuity. Link secondary trail connection safely to the Santa Fe and North Spine to promote safe bike turning radiuses and speeds. Intersections should have a minimum 16’ turning radius.

2. Mitigate Speed. Create a secondary northbound to southbound connection linking Deep Ellum/Fair Park/ Downtown with the new Creekside Park, mountain biking trails, and Loop. A new connection will decrease bike volume and high speeds at the existing Santa Fe + North Spine Intersection.

4. Welcome Users. Invite trail users to pull off the trail at the Santa Fe + North Spine intersection. Welcome users equitably from both trails and in all directions. Provide visual cues that an intervention exits upon approach and extend markers out to the trails from the intersection expandning it’s reach + impact.

In the larger bay, the first bay pays respect to the natural environment in the site by leaving it open, allowing fauna and flore to flourish, uninturrupted by the public

The organization and form of the benches allow for open circulation and the versatility of group and single user seating

The repetition of the structural system of the pavillion, specifically the columns, beams, and lattice roof showcases the concept of the repetition of bays, exposed structure, and simplicity and craft

Wayfinding signage was an important addition for trail users. The structural columns of the bay allowed for the addition of metal sleeves and lettering along the trail

In the smaller bay, it featured a functional bike repair service station for trail users to service their bikes

FOR THE GIFTED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TERM: SPRING 2023, 5TH SEMESTER

TYPE: K12 EDUCATION

SITE: DOUGLASS PARK, ARLINGTON, TEXAS

INSTRUCTOR: NICK NEPVEUX

PROGRAMS: RHINO, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, LUMION

STATIC VS. DYNAMIC

Static elements faciliate limited changes through the form. Dynamic elements faciliate spatial changes through the movement of small parts or larger sections of the structure itself. The buildings shape and form changes from one end to the other end because of the ‘static vs. dynamic’ nature and the tension in between. Since the perfomring arts wing is associated with music, and music is associated with movement and rhythm, the performance art wing has a dynamic facade, as well as rotating from the main form to adapt to the site. All in all, the idea of static vs. dynamic in this project shows how the building can adapt to change to its environment.

PROGRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT

DOUGLASS PARK, ARLINGTON, TEXAS

CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS

PRE-FUNCTION DROP-OFF/PICK-UP

DROP-OFF/PICK--UP BRIDGE

LOUIS

MEZZANINE

CREATIVITY AND PLAY PLAYSCAPE

TERM: SPRING 2023, 5TH SEMESTER

TYPE: K12 EDUCATION

SITE: DOUGLASS PARK, ARLINGTON, TEXAS

INSTRUCTOR: NICK NEPVEUX

PROGRAMS: RHINO, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, LUMION

THE BRIEF

The Kinetic Discovery Playscape will be an innovative, multifunctional play environment designed to encourage movement, interaction, exploration, and creativity. Inspired by the fluid and expressive nature of dance, the design will feature flowing, organic forms derived from dance-inspired lines, creating a cohesive yet dynamic “parti” (organizational strategy). The playscape will be organized into distinct areas that cater to various activities and group sizes, supporting a variety of play styles and developmental needs.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

1.Original Program 2. Twist & Curve

Generic form of the feet in fifth position

PROGRAMMING

Consists of a large open lawn and woodchip area that can hold a variety of different backyard activities such as slides, car toys, and swings for children to play on

Introduce twisting and curving motion from the implied twisting motion of the feet and natural curve of the arms

3. Carve 4. Framing

Carve out massing to introduce spatial areas for function

Considering how the arm ‘frames’ the body, arches are developed to frame the main massing

Arches and cantilever form a space underneath the massing for a small group to gather and relax

Large gathering area that extends from each side of the playground and provides a 360 view of each play area below

Play area where inner circle features mud play and outer concentric rings feature clean play by using concrete as a contrast in materials

WOOD CONSTRUCTION

GLASS CONSTRUCTION

STEEL CONSTRUCTION

METAL TUBE CONSTRUCTION

ROOF BEAM

WOOD CONSTRUCTION

METAL TUBE CONSTRUCTION

PIER SUPPORT

BRACES CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

EXTERIOR PANEL

TIMBER WOOD CONSTRUCTION

MASSING

STEEL STRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION

PERSPECTIVE

BASE

MONKEY BARS

BALCONY

TRELLIS

BALCONY

CRAFTING POSSIBILTIES ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE

TERM: FALL 2022, 3RD SEMESTER

TYPE: COMMERCIAL

SITE: NEW YORK CITY NEW YORK

INSTRUCTOR: BIJAN YOUSSEFZADEH

PROGRAMS: REVIT, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, TWINMOTION

LOUIS CAO | ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

THE BRIEF

The goal of the project was to design a new office for an architecture firm and the site is a Party Wall situation within a row-house block. The existing party walls are structural bearing walls for the adjacent buildings. They are sound and are expected to remain (forever); however, a structural system must be developed independent of these walls. According to the city zoning laws, you are permitted to use up to approximately 15% of the volume of the six-foot-zone along the steet, and up to approximately 35% of the volume of the rear yard for your new building.

You anticipate spending long hours and some weekends at your office, so that your office-studio should be a home away from home--i.e., a nice place to be with accomodations for working, napping, and sometimes sharing a meal with one person.

The party wall site has a face to the public and the potential for development of exterior space(s) within the site (defined private exterior space(s) that should have a clear relationship with interior space(s). This should influence the zoning of activities and the design of the site-building section.

DESIGN MOTIVATIONS

PROCESS SKETCHES

LUXURY LIVING MULTI-FAMILY DUPLEX

TERM: FALL 2022, 3RD SEMESTER

TYPE: RESIDENTIAL

SITE: FORT WORTH, TEXAS

INSTRUCTOR: BIJAN YOUSSEFZADEH

PROGRAMS: REVIT, ILLUSTRATOR, PHOTOSHOP, TWINMOTION

LOUIS CAO | ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

THE BRIEF

The city of Fort Worth zoning ordinance requires that each unit shall not cover more than 50% of the lot and the maximum height of each unit shall not exceed 35 feet. She would like to utilize lots 23 and 24 for her unit and build a speculative unit on lot 22. Lot sizes: 21 (25’X125’), lot 22 (25’X125’), lot 23 (25’X125’), and lot 24 (25’X125’). Front set back is 20 feet and the side + rear setbacks are each 5 feet. TexDot has acquired lot 21 for the expansion of Merriek Street and will demolish the house on lots 21 and 22.

The client lives mostly by herself and will be visted regularly by a long-time-friend and lover. She will frequrntly entertain a maximum of six friends for drinks and dinner. She insists that the food preparation area include a sitting area for her guests and to be located adjacent to the dining area. She has required some exterior spaces that can be used in good weather, and in particular one for dining and one adjacent to her studio. She also would like to build up to a minimum of three levels (including the roof) to take advantage of the distance views.

A client has inherited four lots (zoned duplex) in Fort Wroth, Texas. She wants to build a residence and a speculative unit for sale on three of the lots.

INTERNSHIP + PRACTICE

LOCATION: DALLAS, TEXAS

DURATION: JULY 2023 - PRESENT

JOB TITLE: ARCHITECTURE INTERN | ARCHITECT IN PRACTICE ROLE: DESIGN TEAM

LOUIS CAO | ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON STUDENT CENTER

TYPE: HIGHER EDUCATION

SITE: ARLINGTON, TEXAS

INVOLVEMENT PHASE: FEASIBILITY STUDY

+ Iterated design options for facade, which initially started from massing/programming blocks

+ Developed renderings in coordination with BRW to be used extensively during design sessions with project clients.

Project description:

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is embarking on a transformative journey to renovate its existing student center, reimagining it as a vibrant hub that not only fosters academic and social interactions but also addresses the evolving needs of the digital age. This project aims to create a dynamic space that drastically improves circulation, enhances connectivity, and embraces innovative design principles to enrich the student experience.

WYLIE FIRE STATION

TYPE: COMPETITION GRAPHICS

SITE WYLIE, TEXAS

INVOLVEMENT PHASE: GRAPHIC DEVELOPMENT

+ Developed graphical site and floor plans for award competition submission

Project description: Collaborated with BRW in developing graphics for K12 awards submission

GENEVA HEIGHTS CHPS

TYPE: K12

SITE: DALLAS, TEXAS

INVOLVEMENT PHASE: GRAPHIC DEVELOPMENT

+ Develop CHPS graphic poster design for Geneva Heights Elementary School

Project description: With Geneva Heighs Elementary School being CHPS certified, a graphic poster was designed that showcased the school’s commitment to CHPS sustainbility.