ARCHITECTURE DESIGN PORTFOLIO
SELECTED EDUCATIONAL & PROFESSIONAL WORKS
Address:
4500 Overland Dr, Lawrence, KS
Phone: (417) 616-4018
Email: maxwnichols@outlook.com
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/maximillian-nichols-0967b81a9
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
AUG 2023
MAY 2025
AUG 2018
MAY 2023
University of Kansas
Master of Architecture
Summa Cum Laude
University of Missouri
Bachelor of Architectural Design
Minor - Construction Management
Minor - Sustainable Design
Aug 2022
July 2023
May 2019 July 2021
Real Equity Management Design-Build
Columbia, MO - Architecture Design Intern
Commercial and Multi-family architectural design/ consulting
Commercial interior programming and schematic design
Large scale commercial design developement
Spaces Construction Management
Springfield, MO - Construction Laborer
Property Management - Residential/ commercial construction and renovations
Exterior facade design development
Property maintanence and sub-contracting
May 2022
Dake-Wells Architecture
Springfield,MO - General Office Shadow
General firm opperations and front office observation
Project timelining and contractor communications
Field visits with schedule meetings
DEC 2024
FEB 2025
AUG 2024
MAY 2025
AUG 2018
MAY 2023
USGBC LEED Green Associate
In process of obtaining certification
American Institute of Architecture Students
University of Kansas Chapter - Midwest Quad Member
Beta Theta Pi
Zeta Phi Chapter Member
Community outreach program development
Assisting House Manager
AUG 2018
MAY 2023
Architectural Development Research Graduate Program
Undergradute Research Assistant
Lidar construction application
AUG 2018
MAY 2023
AUG 2018
MAY 2023
Mizzou Architecture & Design Student Association
Student Member
Promoting designed environments through collaboration and community service projects
Mizzou Environmental Design Association
Student Member
Local campus and community environmental design
May 2023
Honors Undergraute Completion
Graduated Cum Laude
Apr 2023
U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon
National Finals - Placed Top Five
Mar 2021
National Society of Leadership & Success
Presidential Member Award
Mar 2019
Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society
Four Year Member
Revit 2025
AutoCAD 2025
Rhino 8
SketchUp 2024
TestFit 2025
Cove.Tool 2025
Enscape 2025
TwinMotion 2024
D5 Render
InDesign 2025
Illustrator 2025
Photoshop 2025
Joe Colistra, AIA Univ. of Kan. - In Situ Design| Prof.
E : jcolistra@ku.edu
P : +1(720) 203-5678
Bruce J. Odle, Developer
Real Equity Manage. | Owner
E : odle@odle-associates.com
P : +1(314) 378-3770
Bimal Balakrishnan, Ph.D.
Miss. St. Univ. | Associate Dean
E : bbalakrishnan@caad.msstate.edu
P : +1(662) 325-2202
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Single-Stair Housing Challenge 1330 Emerson St, Denver, CO 001.
Manual Career Tech Center 1215 East Truman St, Kansas City MO 002.
Community Multi-Use Gateway 90 Cambridge, Charlestown, MA 003.
Local Economic Success Plaza 1509 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO 004.
The Kitchen Grill & Games 3711 Discovery Parkway, Columbia, MO 005.
1338 Emerson Street is part of a large network of empty properties in the surrounding neighborhood. This dilemma presents an intriguing opportunity to provide a more efficient and cost-effective method for developing these lots. This gave rise to the notion of modularity. Every site is unique, with its own set of limitations. To comply with these limits, a building style that allows for off-site, pre-built modular pieces is a viable option.
Design Development Sketching: Utilizing AI vs. hand drawn sketches.
Massing Development: General
Unit Features: Highlighting
Massing Diagrams: Highlighting
Project Pro Forma Analysis:
ENCOURAGING ARCHITECTURAL PROGRESS
This thesis proposes a Manual Career Technical Center in Kansas City’s 18th and Vine District, integrating education, community empowerment, and sustainability. Positioned within a culturally rich area, the center will provide vocational training while serving as a landmark of growth and resilience.
Designed for seamless urban integration, the project prioritizes accessibility, safety, and connectivity, with
pedestrian-friendly pathways and public spaces fostering engagement. Architectural elements will reflect the district’s heritage while incorporating contemporary design.
Beyond education, the center aims to be a cultural and economic catalyst, featuring public art, flexible event spaces, and a dynamic environment that promotes innovation, inclusivity, and community interaction.
18th and Vine is neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri that is internationally recognized as a historical point of origin for jazz music and a historic hub of African-American businesss.
• Metropolitan context
• Commercial and industrial adjacent
• Transportation access
• Crossroads + Downtown Kansas City adjacent
• Arts + Culture Influence
Core Values
1. All students have the potential to learn, and it is our responsibility to provide them with appropriate educational opportunities.
2. Education is a lifelong process, fostered through mutual respect and support.
3. Schools achieve success by ensuring access to a rigorous curriculum and fostering engagement, collaboration, and preparedness for future endeavors.
4. A safe learning environment is essential for student protection and academic growth.
5. Parental and community involvement is crucial in creating an environment that supports student success.
BUILDING OF INTEREST WATER EASEMENT
PROGRAM KEY
STORAGE
FLEX SPACES
ENGINEERING
DESIGN & CONSTRCUTION
Utilizing Grasshopper and Dynamo for parametric modeling, optimizing form, space, and efficiency. Cove.Tool analyzed energy performance and sustainability, ensuring a functional, aesthetic, and environmentally responsible design.
Design + Const. Section
Scale: 1/32” = 1’-0”
Double Height Shop Space Single Height Class
Scale: N/a N
Section Plan
Central Commons Section
Scale: 1/32” = 1’-0”
Model Building Elevation Model Building Sections
The semester assignment focused on designing for urban growth, using 90 Cambridge St. in Boston as a case study within the rapidly expanding Charlestown area. We analyzed the existing master plan, selected sites of interest, and developed strategies to improve utilities, public transportation, roads, and infrastructure, enhancing both safety and efficiency. A key priority was affordable housing,
addressing inequality and homelessness while promoting economic stability. Additionally, we integrated green spaces and sustainable design principles to improve environmental resilience and community well-being. Ultimately, this project aimed to create inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable urban spaces that address critical social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Charlestown, Boston, has a rich history from colonial settlement through industrialization, decline, and revitalization. By the late 20th century, historic restorations and new developments transformed it into a vibrant neighborhood. Today, Charlestown blends historic charm with modern amenities, featuring preserved architecture, waterfront views, and proximity to downtown. The Charlestown Navy Yard, decommissioned in the 1970s, is now a national historical park and residential area. With a strong sense of community, local events, and organizations, Charlestown remains a desirable and dynamic part of Boston.
Concept Development
Structural Development
REAL WORLD APPLICATION
Unlike previous semester’s, this project introduced the utilization of NAAB project requirements. This highlighted the importance of a multi-layered approach to project development and real-world problem solutions. 90 Cambridge went through numerous versions to increase consistency and demonstrate sustainability in such a massive project. This method was also evident while building for egress and creating a modern and efficient tenant experience.
Environmental Anaylsis
N AG LVL 01 - Retail Scale: 1” = 20’ - 0” N
AG LVL 02 - Retail
Scale: 1” = 20’ - 0” N
AG LVL 03 - Private Amenities Scale: 1” = 20’ - 0” N
AG LVL 04 - Private Units
Scale: 1” = 20’ - 0” N
Scale: 1” = 20’ - 0” N
AG LVL 17 - Private Units
55mm Screed
50mm Rigid Insul.
146mm CLT Panel
Air Break
Vapor Seal
50mm Wool Insul.
W-Beam
Shear w/ Leveling Bolts
Vapor Barrier
Insul. Butt-Jointed
CLT Column
Sound Insul. Panel
50mm Metal Stud
128mm CLT Wall Panel
Sealant
Screed Damp-Proof Membrane
146mm CLT Floor Panel
Asoustic Ceiling Panel
Asphalt w/ Fiber Backing
50mm Rigid Insulation
2” x 6” Wood Framing
4” Blown Insul.
L-Break Anchor
Vapor Seal
Curtain Mullion
Clip Assembly
Shear w/ Leveling Bolts
W-Beam
Curtain System
Column
MIXED-USE CONCEPTUAL APPROACH
Located in Columbia, Missouri, at Clinkscales Rd and West Broadway, this project integrates commercial and residential spaces with a focus on sustainability. As development grows, blending aged housing with new commercial areas becomes increasingly important. Designed for lower- to middle-class residents, it offers an affordable, practical living and com
muting solution. While using high-cost materials may raise initial concerns, the energy-efficient seven-building complex minimizes long-term expenses. Sustainability is embedded through active and passive design strategies, ensuring lower energy demands and long-term viability.
LOCAL FINANCIAL STRUGGLE & POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
The cost of rent in both single- and two-bedroom apartments has gone up significantly in the past few years, while the poverty rate of Columbia and its surrounding area has matched the increase. This clearly illustrates a strong connection and will only get worse as infrastructure and inflation
continue to raise prices of construction and goods. Defining a new way of utilizing products, both recycled and renewable in the long-term can slowly begin to slow down or stabilize price increase of housing in the future. Inflation continues to rise but poverty income remains nearly the same.
Site-Optimization & Air-Tightness
Minimizing disturbance to the existing environment, maintaining vegetation, reducing the need for extra infrastructure, and allowing for daylighting, solar heat gain, natural shade, and ventilation. When combined with a robust ventilation strategy, you will save money on heating and cooling while also having a more comfortable indoor environment thanks to less drafts and mold avoidance.
Solar, Wind & Water Use/Collection
Construction Materials & Carbon Capture
Using recyclable materials and strong external cladding/treatments to better withstand weathering. This procedure will be primarily reliant on developing a universal rating system that allows for efficient and effective material comparisons. Carbon capture ventilation systems on the roof, as well as a variety of flora, promote the breakdown of CO2 within the building and surrounding region.
In the long term, it may be more affordable and sustainable to create essential living conditions by using PV modules that harvest solar energy, a rainwater collection system with active components for filtration and distribution, wind turbines, or solid state generators. When the harvest modules, batteries, and generators are not in use, these systems can be dispersed and operated in an active or passive manner. When a particular sort of system cannot be used due to inclement weather or during a specific season, storage is essential.
Ventilation & Plumping Automation
In addition to HRV (Heat Recovery Systems) and ERV (Energy Recovery Systems) specifically tuned for the site’s requirements, this building should have a high efficiency HVAC system. Using low-flow plumping fixtures is another extremely straightforward application. The majority of these efficiency solutions also have the option of being automated, which adds to the sustainable consumption component. Because components of this automation system can be turned on and off based on patterns of tenant usage, it will also significantly reduce costs.
The Kitchen Grill & Games Columbia, Missouri 005. SPR 2023
Unlike the other projects in this portfolio, this one is currently under construction. I began working on this entertainment venue while working as a design intern at Real Equity Management. The architect had designed the concept before to my employment, but it needed more work to become a viable design. The property consists of five buildings: a restaurant, a gaming room, an indoor pickleball court, a rental room, and a stage. Along with these structures are a variety of
outdoor patios, entertainment places, and sporting grounds akin to Kansas City’s “Chicken & Pickle.” This was an excellent approach to learn about real-world design applications and how to handle information and workload from a range of construction sectors and departments. Some of the designs that we worked on during my employment can be seen throughout this chapter, as well as their present status in the construction process.
