Architecture Portfolio

Page 1


LUKE GUTHRIE

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

sophomore year

Modern Organic Residence

La Jolla, San Diego

7,600 sq. ft.

Embedded Horrions

Reno, Nevada

5,200 sq. ft.

Office Building

Denver, Colorado

38,000 sq. ft.

Oceanfront Residence

The Bahamas

2,800 sq. ft.

Modern Traditional Residence

Austin, Texas

9,450 sq. ft.

Hyatt Hotel (renovation)

33,000 sq. ft (my piece 1,200 sq. ft.) Savannah, GA

I

Modern Organic Residence

La Jolla, San Diego

7,600 sq. ft.

This La Jolla Residence features a stunning blend of natural materials and innovative engineering, designed to captivate the homeowner. The second floor floats above the first, supported by a sleek, one-foot-thick glass board, giving the home a bold and futuristic edge. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, filling the interiors with natural light while seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.

The open-concept living area includes a modern fireplace stretching across the room and a custombuilt wooden ceiling that adds warmth. A striking spiral staircase leads to a library with floor-toceiling shelving and expansive ocean views. Outdoors, the home boasts an infinity pool, sunken fire pit with built-in seating, and a large lawn perfect for entertaining or relaxation. High-end finishes, such as polished wood, exposed concrete, and sleek stone, ensure both luxury and durability, while the thoughtful layout prioritizes functionality, privacy, and comfort.

These renders showcase a stunning library space with a seamless blend of modern and natural design elements. The upper image highlights the warm tones of wood-paneled ceilings and flooring, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Expansive built-in shelves line the walls, offering ample space for books and decor, while the skylight above floods the room with natural light, enhancing its openness and serenity.

The lower image provides a unique top-down view of the spiral staircase, a central feature that serves as both a functional and artistic statement. Its graceful curves and precise craftsmanship add an elegant flow to the space, connecting the library to the levels below.

Together, these design elements reflect a harmonious balance of utility, beauty, and modern luxury.

The sunken fire pit is a striking focal point, surrounded by built-in cushioned benches that create a cozy atmosphere for gatherings. Its clean, modern design mirrors the sleek architecture of the patio and nearby pavilion. Just beyond the fire pit, a fullsized shuffleboard court adds a dynamic element to the outdoor space, offering both entertainment and functionality. Together, these features blend seamlessly with the open lawn and pool, enhancing the area’s aesthetic appeal and usability.

The 150-foot lap pool is a striking centerpiece, blending luxury with function. Its sleek design complements the modern home's clean lines and glass facade, while surrounding lounge chairs and greenery enhance the serene atmosphere. The cantilevered second story and expansive windows provide seamless indoor-outdoor connection, perfect for relaxation or entertaining.

The water feature serves as a guide to the entrance, subtly directing movement while adding a dynamic interplay of light and texture.

The edge of the water flows toward the ocean, further connecting the home to its coastal setting and reinforcing a sense of harmony with the natural environment. This feature is not only aesthetically pleasing but also establishes a calming ambiance as part of the approach to the residence.

This facade combines warm wood panels, louvered slats, and expansive glass, creating a modern, open design.

The cantilevered upper level adds lightness, while the glass doors connect the indoors with the outdoors, emphasizing natural light and clean geometry.

The great room combines a spacious living area with a functional kitchen, designed to maximize openness and efficiency. The living area features a long, horizontal fireplace set into a stone wall, with the stone's texture providing contrast against the smooth surfaces of the room. Above, a wooden ceiling adds warmth and connects the space visually to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, full-height wooden cabinetry provides substantial storage, while the clean, rectangular lines maintain order and structure.

A large marble island anchors the kitchen, incorporating a sink, a cooktop, and seating for multiple people, making it both a workspace and a gathering point. The open layout allows for clear sightlines between the kitchen, and living area, and the expansive glass walls that frame views of the outdoors. These architectural elements prioritize functionality, clean lines, and a connection to the surrounding environment.

II

Embedded Horizons

Reno, Nevada

5,200 sq. ft.

Embedded within the rugged terrain below Tohakum Peak, the observatory is strategically positioned to utilize the site's natural features while minimizing environmental impact. The peak’s solid slope provides a stable foundation, enhancing structural resilience and thermal efficiency. This southwest-facing orientation optimizes views of Pyramid Lake, captures dramatic sunsets, and supports passive climate strategies by managing solar exposure.

Proximity to Hell’s Kitchen Canyon allows direct lake access via a natural pathway, with an ATV charging station beneath the lab for mobility. A rooftop helipad ensures remote accessibility. By embedding into the mountainside, the design leverages natural contours for stability, thermal protection, and a deeper connection to the landscape, enhancing both research functionality and immersive observation.

CONTEXT PLAN / SITE ACCESS

III Office Building

Denver, Colorado

45,000 sq. ft.

I designed a 7-story office HQ building that features a striking curved facade, offering a dynamic and modern aesthetic. The curvature continues into the roof design, creating a seamless flow from the exterior walls to the ceiling, giving the building a unique and cohesive form.

The ground floor hosts a restaurant that is seamlessly connected to the main office building, providing a social and functional space for employees and visitors. To address shading and sustainability, I implemented a wooden louver system on the curved facade, which serves as a shading strategy to protect the building from direct sunlight while adding texture and warmth to the exterior.

This design not only prioritizes aesthetics and functionality but also reflects thoughtful consideration of environmental factors and user experience.

The 3D Level 1 floor plan features an open, functional layout with a seamless flow from the entrance to the lobby and shared spaces. It emphasizes clear circulation paths connecting the reception, workspaces, and restaurant. Walls and glass partitions maintain openness while ensuring privacy, and large windows maximize natural light for a bright, airy interior.

TheofficeHQbuildingfeaturesacurvedfacadethatreflectssunlightthroughouttheday,blendingfluidlywithitsnaturalsurroundings. Sleekglasspanelsandwoodencladdingcreatedynamiclightinteractions,givingtheexterioramodernyetorganicfeel.Inside,thedesignis sleekandminimalist,withexpansivewindowsfloodingthespacewithnaturallight.Cleanlines,aneutralpalette,andairyspacesprovidea refined,comfortableworkenvironmentthatbalancesnaturalwarmthwithcontemporaryelegance.

IV Oceanfront Residence

The Bahamas

2,800 sq. ft.

This coastal retreat combines modern functionality with timeless Bahamian architecture. Elevated on sturdy stilts, it ensures storm protection while maximizing ocean breezes.

Expansive wrap-around balconies and oversized windows seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces, offering stunning views of the turquoise Caribbean waters and lush tropical surroundings. Thoughtfully positioned to face west, the home provides unmatched views of breathtaking sunsets over the Caribbean, creating a serene, golden-hour experience every evening.

Inside, the home balances modern luxury and coastal simplicity with open living spaces, sleek wood finishes, and abundant natural light. The sloped roof and high ceilings enhance airflow and create an airy, inviting atmosphere, while the elevated design keeps the structure cool and energy-efficient. Every detail is designed to enhance comfort, relaxation, and harmony with nature perfect for those seeking style, tranquility, and the ultimate Bahamian lifestyle.

The design embraces Bahamian coastal architecture with elevated stilts for storm protection and improved airflow. The use of natural wood and large open balconies creates harmony with the tropical surroundings, while expansive windows frame the ocean views, inviting natural light. The sloped roof and minimalistic aesthetic enhance durability and maintain a clean, modern appearance suited to the environment.

Warm wood tones, natural light, lush views, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow – perfect for the Bahamas' tropical, relaxed vibe.

These renders capture a stunning ocean sunset, framed perfectly by the house’s expansive west-facing deck. The design prioritizes uninterrupted views with clean railings and an open layout, seamlessly connecting the interior to the natural surroundings. Facing west ensures breathtaking sunsets over the Caribbean Sea, enhancing the home’s connection to the tropical landscape and providing the perfect space for evening relaxation or gatherings.

V

Modern Traditional Residence

Austin, Texas

9,450 sq. ft.

This traditional modern residence showcases a blend of contemporary design elements with classic features. The expansive outdoor area, including a swimming pool and a basketball court, emphasizes leisure and recreation, complementing the home's luxurious character.

The facade integrates clean lines and large glass windows, enhancing the connection to the outdoors and allowing natural light to flow into the interior. A prominent curved staircase acts as both a functional element and a sculptural feature, adding elegance to the design.

The use of natural materials and a minimalist color palette emphasizes simplicity while maintaining a sophisticated and welcoming aesthetic. Overall, the residence balances traditional architectural features with modern details to create a timeless and comfortable living environment.

This living room design emphasizes luxury and warmth, blending modern and traditional elements. Neutral tones, natural materials, and comfortable seating create an inviting atmosphere. Large windows enhance natural light, connecting the space to the outdoors, making it ideal for both relaxation and entertaining.

The design features a grand facade with clean lines, large windows, and a modern aesthetic. The reflective pool in the foreground mirrors the building and sunset, adding depth and serenity to the space. A dramatic spiral staircase enhances the architectural elegance while connecting outdoor and indoor areas seamlessly. The play of light and shadows from the sunset highlights the structure’s geometry and creates a dynamic visual experience.

The symmetrical façade features a balanced window arrangement, emphasizing uniformity and a classic aesthetic. The entryway and central windows draw attention to the heart of the residence. The north elevation showcases a curved outdoor staircase, adding an elegant sculptural element that bridges the indoor and outdoor spaces.

The 3d isometric view highlights the layout and spatial relationship of the residence to its outdoor amenities, including a pool and recreational areas. The open courtyard and terraces further integrate the outdoor spaces with the living areas, offering a versatile area for relaxation and activities.

VI

Hyatt Hotel (renovation)

Savannah, GA

33,000 sq. ft (my piece 1,200 sq. ft.)

This project marked my first-ever studio assignment, where I transformed a portion of an existing hotel into a dynamic and engaging space. My concept reimagined the area as a social hub, blending open layouts with bold geometric forms and floor-to-ceiling glazing to flood the space with natural light. The design incorporated a multi-level arrangement, creating visual connections between floors while maintaining a seamless flow.

I created detailed floor plans, sections, and perspective renderings to communicate my vision. The centerpiece of my design was a physical model crafted to highlight the interplay of light and shadow across the structure. The space featured open circulation areas, thoughtfully integrated seating, and transitional elements to invite both movement and relaxation. The project includes a 1/4 inch = 1 foot scale model. This was my first time making an architectural model.

These interior views capture the essence of the design as an interactive space that encourages exploration and connection. The pathways and staircases, visible in the first and second images, guide visitors through layered and interconnected spaces. Each level opens up new perspectives, inviting people to move deeper into the structure and discover its different areas, creating a sense of journey and engagement.

Hand Drawings -

1/8’’ = 1’

These hand drawings emphasize spatial relationships and user circulation. The section views illustrate vertical connections, sunlight impact, and movement pathways, supported by detailed sun diagrams. The floor plans highlight dynamic layouts with curved and linear forms, designed to foster social interaction. Notes on spatial principles demonstrate a clear focus on user experience and thoughtful design.

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