BY MARK A. VILLARREAL
I knew I wanted to be an artist from a young age. Music fascinated me, I wrote melodies and sang show tunes until my voice became raspy. I even travelled with sound. There was always a soundtrack or
an orchestral score narrating my life. Music made the quiet moments feel grand. Buildings, on the other hand, piqued my curiosity. I built models made of construction paper and drew plans with intricate detail. There was something so engrossing about an edifice that had stood through time; its walls retained history.
There was something so engrossing about an edifice that had stood through time; its walls retained history.
In architecture school, I was taught that a high ceiling could make someone feel small while a narrow corridor could be suffocating. I was interested in the people that inhabited these spaces, particularly in the lives they led. As a designer, I wanted architecture to impress upon their journey in a visceral way.
Living in Florence, I learned that buildings witness the intimate details of life and that art, much like film, is a window into another world. Every cathedral, church and monastery I visited was filled with decades of history; endless moments from the past overlapped in one place. Where I walked in awe, someone else had stood in fear.
Where I walked in awe, someone else had stood in fear.
The art, frescoes and sculptures drew from biblical mythology, illustrating scenes imbued with fantasy and drama.
During the past three years, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in the workplace. I have been exposed to various project types which include: commercial and residential. As a project manager, my responsibilites have dealt with: measuring, as-built modeling, 3D modeling, schematic design, 3D rendering, construction documentation, agency processing and some construction administration.
I hope to further develop my abilties as a designer and—in doing so—partake in meaningful work.
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
Year: 2022
Project Type: Addition/Remodel
This project was designed for the Lepard-Box Family with the intent to convert their existing two-car garage into a new studio workspace. A new detached garage was to be constructed; creating a semiprivate courtyard between the new and existing structures. My responsibilites on this project included as-built modeling, schematic design/documentation, 3D rendering, agency processing and coordination.
In approaching the design, we sought to emulate and enhance the mid-century modern aesthetic of the existing house. In doing so, we introduced new materials and decorative shapes that were reminiscent of that era.
The breezeway posed a unique challenge; as minimal light was cast upon this area. Potted plants, vines and wood decking were introduced in order to make this outdoor space more inviting to the adjacent bedrooms.
Rendered View of New Garage
Masonry-blocks were utilized for the new garage; allowing the structure to appear monolithic.
Drought-resistant plants were implemented in an effort to conserve the client’s water usage.
The new courtyard would serve as a communal outdoor space with access to-and-from the main house, flexible work space and garage.
Location: Ventura, CA
Year: 2022-2023
Project Type: Multi-Family Housing
This project was designed for a local developer; they wished to improve the aesthetic of the Poli Street hillside neighborhood in Downtown Ventura. My responsibilites on this project included the exterior schematic design, 3D rendering, agency processing and coordination.
In approaching the design, we sought to introduce a level of modernity to the existing architectural landscape. The elevator tower would become a focal point; a solid mass with minimal openings that could be recognizeable from afar. In terms of materiality; siding, aluminum panels and white stucco were primarily used.
This project went through various iterations, each becoming a unique collaboration with my principal. I learned how cost could be alleviated through design solutions. I also learned how to maneuver through municipal design regulations in a historic neighborhood.
Due to sun exposure, overhangs were implemented at each deck to provide adequate shading. For the siding; wood alternatives were utilized in order to alleviate cost and ensure longevity through the years.
Potted plants were used to make the terraced patios feel more like outdoor gardens.
The entrace at the street-level was designed to draw people in; whereas neighboring residences appeared rigid and closed-off.
Location: Ventura, CA
Year: 2019-2020
Project Type: Single-Family Residence
Though technically a new construction; this project resided on a beachside lot with an existing onestory single-family residence. Portions of the original foundation were re-used in order to make way for a new 2,800 square foot two-story home. The design incorporates zero eaves, low-pitched roofs and bold colors.
As Project Manager, I took sole responsibility of the entire documentation process which included: the lighting/system design and layout; coordination of agency fees; communication with the client; corrections; detailing and permitting. My other responsibilites included bidding, consultant coordination and design revisions.
Working from home, this project required a hands-on approach. Minimal mentoring from my peers allowed me to fabricate solutions on my own.
Location: Ventura County, CA
Year: 2022
Project Type: Accessory Dwelling Unit
This project was comissioned by the County of Ventura; they sought design/rendering services for housing aimed at agricultural workers.
Three pre-designed floor plans were presented to us; our task was to provide an exterior design for each module that was both affordable (i.e. simple to fabricate) and aesthetically pleasing.
In order to encourage the development of more affordable housing, these pre-approved plans would be made available to the public in an attempt to streamline the permitting process.
Coming from an agricultural community, I found this project to be quite pertinent as many migrant farmworkers lack the resources needed for affordable housing. My responsiblites included: partial construction documentation, exterior schematic design, agency coordination, material selection and rendering.
Bedroom Floor Plan
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Year: 2016
Course: ARC 202 (2nd Year Design Lab)
The use of height and texture are emphasized in this project; curating the visitor’s perspective through differing vantage points and elevations.
The intention of this design was to place several perspectives into a singular space or atrium (grand hall); the atrium would thus serve as the primary connection to each floor. Light is filtered into the museum through large skylights—one which lies directly above the central hub.
From the main entrance, a visitor travels past an information desk and a cafe which continues onto the second floor. The third level of the structure is dedicated to an outdoor sculpture garden while the fourth floor houses the main gallery space. The fifth floor is comprised of flexible studio spaces and recreational rooms for the museum’s staff.
Location: San Pedro, CA
Year: 2017
Course: ARC 203 (2nd Year Design Lab)
The aim of this project was to design a shading structure that would provide varying amounts of shade for three pools embedded within a landscape.
The shading structure is composed of large circular panels that are interlocked and stacked both vertically and horizontally. The landscape is outlined by a pathway that combines spherical and semicircular forms. This shading site was one of many excercises that allowed me to experiment with lighting and shadow. The shading panels are perforated in order to diffuse the amount of light cast onto the site.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Year: 2018-2019
Course: Senior Thesis
The aim of this project was to minimize the spatial segregation of public and private space in traditional theatre. I was also interested in an individual’s emotional response to a space and how architectural conditions can evoke specific experiences.
I began to consider the idea of a costume and how it is essential to a performer; acting as an armor or second skin. Intepreting a costume as a piece of architecture led to an exploration of abstract performance, performance art and Brechtian Theatre. While other techniques wish to create a real life setting onstage, Brechtian Theatre seeks to abstract the performance and instill reflection, conversation and interpretation from its proposed audience.
What results in my intent is a pavilion-like series of spaces with heightened architectural elements. As a visitor navigates through these spaces, they themselves become the actor and those observing them—the audience.
