Maya Byrd Architecture Portfolio

Maya Byrd

PORTFOLIO selected works 2021-2024

PROJECTS

Academic Work

Professional Work

01 International Housing

02

Concrete Chapel

03

Punctured Wall

04

Writers Residence

05

Holistic Healing

06 Puyallup Apartments

07 S. G St. Apartments

Fabrication Work

08

Folded Furniture

Physical Model at 1/2” = 1’-0” | Showing cross ventilation techniques through the main living space

01 International Housing 2022 419 Studio | 12 week project

Located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and adjacent to the U.S. military base, this mixed-use housing complex reimagines traditional living while honoring the region’s cultural heritage. Designed with both the local climate and the island’s socioeconomic context in mind, the project incorporates passive ventilation strategies to optimize comfort and sustainability. Each room – except for bathrooms – features two points of entry for air, allowing for cross ventilation that helps cool the space.

To further enhance the living experience, private overed balconies are integrated into each unit, creating comfortable outdoor areas. In Puerto Rican culture, social gatherings often center around food and due to the region’s heat and humidity, these events typically occur in carports, where the open space offers ventilation and protection from the sun. Responding to this tradition, the design incorporates the kitchen in a semi-outdoor area, reducing heat buildup and promoting a more inviting atmosphere for social interaction. Additionally, these outdoor spaces can be sealed off with a durable curtain system to provide protection during hurricanes or storms.

Skillset

• Physical Model • Site Analysis • Cultural Analysis • Rhino 3D • Illustrator • Photoshop

Walkability Study of the Site | From the retaining wall along the north side of the site, the inner circle represents a 5 min walk, the middle circle shows everything within a 10 minute walk, and the largest arc shows the 15 minute walking radius

San Juan, Puerto Rico Balcony Study | Images collected from Google Earth

01.1

Concept Sketch | Initial form study

Massing Model Study in Site Model | Looking from the South end of the site

Concept Sketch | Looking at the interaction and site lines between units

Concept Sketch | Looking at the cross ventilation opportunities for two early unit types

Massing Model Study in Site Model | Looking from the West side of the site

Concept Sketch | Looking at noise concerns and the imapact on bedroom placement

Mixed Use Residential Complex with Site Context | Site image from Monica Rivera, with housing Photoshopped in

Front Elevation | View from the sidewalk 16 Feet

01.2

Physical Model at 1/2” = 1’-0” | Showing breezeway from the unit entrance to the covered balcony

Section Perspective | Highlighting ground floor pickleball courts as an ammenity for the residents 15 Feet

Typical Floor Plan/Unit Aggregation | Highlighting the flexibility of the spaces 16 Feet

01.3

Initial Concrete Study

02 Concrete Chapel 2021 311 Studio | 15 week project

Concrete Chapel, located in St. Louis adjacent to Harris Stowe University, explores the limits of concrete as a material through design. Initial studies focused on the material’s ability to form curvatures and its structural capacities. Thes result is a series of flowing, curved roof forms that connect in strips, which in turn shape the layout of the program.

Inspired by the process of weaving concrete through PVC and MDF molds, the design language emerged around the use of circles to create curvatures.

These curves, in turn, influenced the spatial arrangement, with their size helping to determine the locations of key areas such as the main chapel, library, classrooms, and private residence. While the chapel’s section design is defined by dramatic curves, the overall plan adopts a more linear approach. The curving ceiling strips define the dimensions of each space while the undulating roof helps distinguish between the public and more private areas of the program, providing architectural boundaries that guide the flow of movement through the project.

Skillset

• Concrete • Testing • Additives • Formwork • Rhino 3D • Illustrator • Photoshop

Site Plan | Not to scale

Concrete Studies | Read left to right, top to bottom, these nine images show the process of casting concrete beginning with the multiple layers of concrete, fabric, and fiber glass mesh. Then the slab gets woven through the MDF and PVC mold where it is left to dry to form the curvatures. To finish off the process, the fabric layers and then peeled away to reveal the concrete surface.

02.1

Concrete Curvature Study 01 | Showing the initial diagram of the template for the formwork, the curing process of the woven form, and the final cured form.

Concrete Curvature Study 02 | Showing the initial diagram of the template for the formwork, the curing process of the woven form, and the final cured form.

Curvature Study | Based on the initial concrete studies, the study of roof curvatures for the final chapel followed a similar language, looking at how the forms could be draped over varying sizes of circles to inform the curves.

02.2

Front Elevation 42 Feet

Section A | Through the main chapel space

Plan 38 Feet

Section B | Through classroom and cafe space 56 Feet

20 Feet

02.3

Physical Model at 1/8” = 1’-0” | Showing the point of entry into the exhibition spaces and the network of program spaces

03 Punctured Wall 2022 Pre-Semester | 2 week project

Collaborating with my partner Jimin Kim, Punctured Wall explores the repurposing of an abandoned building in downtown St. Louis. Situated at the corner of Washington Ave. and N 15th Street, the project makes use of both the existing structure and the adjacent parking lot. By preserving three of the building’s original facades, we reimagined the fourth as an art gallery space, transforming it through the concept of “plugging” The original wall was replaced with a translucent glass, allowing natural light to flood the abandoned core of the building while offering passerby’s a glimpse into the depth of the new “plug-ins”. These tube-like structures, each housing specific program, are interconnected by L-shaped tubes that form the main circulation pathways between gallery spaces.

In addition, fold-out tables integrated into some spaces enable the galleries to transform into art studios or classrooms, encouraging interaction and engagement with visitors. This flexible design invites a range of activities, making the space dynamic and responsive to the community’s needs.

Skillset

• Physical Model • Groupwork • Rhino 3D • Illustrator • Photoshop

Vignette Drawing | Image 01

Vignette Drawing | Image 02

Vignette Drawing | Image 03

Physical Model at 1/8” = 1’-0” | Interior Detail 01

03.1

Physical Model at 1/8” = 1’-0” | Interior Detail 02

Physical Model at 1/8” = 1’-0” | Interior Detail 03

Physical Model at 1/8” = 1’-0” | Exterior View

Section Perspective

12 Feet

03.2

Interior Rendering | Kitchen, meeting, and eating space

04 Writer’s Residence 2023 511 Studio | 16 week project

Located a short distance from the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, Writer’s Residence draws inspiration from Dante’s The Devine Comedy and Giuseppe Terragni’s unbuilt Danteum project, creating a space for 33 writers to retreat, research, and work for a year. Designed as an escape from everyday life, the residence is equipped with an extensive library and a variety of writing spaces, cultivating an environment that fosters creativity.

The residence features suspended glass units that serve as skylights into the library space. These hanging forms are supported by a steel grid structure, with glass walls subtly tapered to case a rim of light along the solid walls on the lower level, offering privacy from the spaces below. The placement of these units plays a crucial role in shaping the layout of the library, as the grid of skylights informs the organization of the bookshelves below. Along the building’s southern façade, meeting and dining spaces are designed to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior. Additionally, covered courtyards overlook the street below, inviting natural light and air into the building. This offers a seamless connection to the surrounding environment.

Skillset

• Study Models • Building Assembly • Structural Analysis • Rhino 3D • Illustrator • Photoshop • Enscape

Working Study Model | Iteration 01

Working Study Model | Iteration 02

Working Study Model | Iteration 03

Working Study Model | Iteration 04

Working Study Model | Iteration 05

Working Study Model | Iteration 06

Interior Rendering | Library with the hanging glass and steel living unit system to allow light into the space

04.1

Concept Sketch | Initial form study

Concept Sketch | Initial unit aggregation study in plan

Concept Sketch | Initial unit shape strategy to allow the filtration of light into the library below

North-South Section 30 Feet

Level 02 Plan | Showing the library, kitchen, eating, and meeting spaces 30 Feet

Wall Section Perspective | Showing the glass and steel structure supporting the living units, as well as the typical wall systems

04.2

Level 03 Plan in Relation to the Danteum

East-West Section in Relation to the Danteum

32 Feet

32 Feet

04.3

Physical Model at 1/32” = 1’-0” | Showing bird’s eye view of the forest and pavilions

05 Holistic Healing 2024 612 Studio - 16 Week Project

Holistic Healing draws inspiration from Japanese natural healing practices, focusing on creating a center with acupuncture, chiropractic care, yoga and meditation studios, and cooking classrooms to promote healthy living within the community. The design integrates abundant natural elements, inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing, to enhance the healing environment.

To ensure accessibility and space for the program, I chose the former PruittIgoe site. While the site’s history is contentious, I found beauty in the idea of healing in a place that has been deemed a failure.

In approaching the design, I examined the site’s historical layers, abstracting curvatures that reflected these echoes of the past. Using salt models to study these layers, I then used them to inform the building’s form, with curvatures guiding the layout. Lifted elements respond to both the site’s history and the surrounding natural landscape, transforming the building’s sectional design.

Skillset

• Study Models • Building Assembly • Structural Analysis • Rhino 3D • Illustrator • Photoshop • Enscape • 3D Printing

Enlarged Plan | Showing the acupuncture and chiropractor office and treatment spaces.

40 Feet

Abstracting History Study | Image 02

Abstracting History Study | Image 01

Abstracting History Study | Image 03

05.1

Interior Rendering 01 | Showing the Meditation Studio space.

Interior Rendering 02 | Showing the Yoga Studio space.

Exterior Rendering 01 | Showing an open pavilion space from the forest.

Exterior Rendering 02 | Showing an open pavilion space from the forest.

Plan | Showing all of the program spaces as well as the natural forest and landscaped areas.

120 Feet

05.2

Elevation 01 | Showing the South building

Elevation 02 | Showing the North building

Physical Model at 1/32” = 1’-0” | Detail 02

Physical Model at 1/32” = 1’-0” | Detail 03

Physical Model at 1/32” = 1’-0” | Detail 01

Physical Model at 1/32” = 1’-0” | Detail 04

60 Feet

60 Feet

Section 01 | Showing wall section of open pavilion spaces.

20 Feet

Section 02 | Showing wall section of enclosed, insulated spaces.

20 Feet

05.3

Concept Rendering | For design package presented to the client

06 Puyallup Apartments 2021 Internship | Graves and Associates

Located in the Seattle-Tacoma area, Puyallup Apartments offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom units. The complex is positioned on a corner lot, featuring a surface parking lot at the rear, along with storage and trash collection services.

My role in the project involved creating and compiling schematic designs for presentation to the client. I was provided with three different floor plan options and tasked with developing elevations and renderings to help the client visualize the potential of each layout. To comply with setback requirements, I made necessary adjustments to the plans and designed exterior facades for all three options.

The updated floor plans and renderings were organized into a presentation packet, which the architects used to discuss and decide on the preferred option with the client. The floor plan and renderings included in my portfolio showcase an excerpt of the selected option, which was later refined after my summer internship ended.

Skillset

• Revit • Sketchup • InDesign • Bluebeam

First Floor Plan

21 Feet

Front Elevation | Sketchup Rendering

06.1

Apartment Site | Image from Google Earth

07 S. G St. Apartments 2022 Internship | Graves and Associates

In the initial phases of the South G Street Apartments project, located just outside of downtown Tacoma, Washington, the client requested yield studies for both apartment and townhouse options on a corner plot of land.

After reviewing the plot’s address and the client’s specific requirements, I began by conducting a comprehensive code analysis to identify key design restrictions.

With this information, I proceeded to develop yield studies for the site. I combined the firm’s existing data base of unit plans with a few original layouts of my own, exploring a variety of configurations. Some options focused on primarily one- or two-bedroom units, while others incorporated three-bedroom units as well considering the site’s proximity to an elementary school. Throughout the process, I ensured that all requirements for unit count, parking, and ADA accessibility were fully met.

The completed yield studies and code analysis were then organized into a presentation pack, which was shared with the client for review.

Skillset

• AutoCAD • Code Analysis • InDesign • Bluebeam

Floor Plans | Ground floor, second floor, and third/fourth floor unit plans 25 Feet

07.1

Folded Lamp | Image 01

08 Folded Furniture 2024

Furniture Design Studio | 5 Week Project Folded Furniture explores the use of a CNC plasma cutter, welding and brazing joinery techniques, and metal folding methods to create a small lamp. The project also incorporates a wax treatment to prevent rust formation on the metal surfaces once assembled.

The lamp design focuses on tilting forms and balancing them to ensure structural integrity. The process began with a series of folded Bristol sheets, which helped me explore how the folded forms could come together.

After refining a technique for dividing the form into three components, I transitioned to creating study models using chipboard, as its rigidity mimics that of metal. This stage allowed me to problem-solve connection points and experiment with the angles of the piece to achieve a stable structure while maximizing the use of angular shapes. The angular design not only ensures stability but also creates openings that allow light to escape in a purposeful way This lighting effect was inspired by inlaid ground lighting often seen in long hallways or stairwells, adding function, ambiance, and an architectural quality to the lamp’s design.

Skillset

• CNC Plasma Cutter • Welding • Brazing

Elevation and Plan | With Dimensions

Folded Lamp | Perspective Image 01

Folded Lamp | Perspective Image 02

Folded Lamp | Side Elevation

Folded Lamp | Brazing Detail

08.1