RESUME + SELECTED WORKS
2020-2025
ARCHITECTURE
PORTFOLIO
MAYRA MENDEZ
RESUME + SELECTED WORKS
2020-2025
Welcome to my personal architectural journey. I am Mayra Mendez, an architect whom desires to create an important footprint through design.It all started from a personal experience which lead me into Architecture, after seeing the importance of spaces intertwine with buildings. As a reflection of my journey, “The end always leads us back to the beginning.” Each project and process is an example of my understanding, layers of evolution and detail, often become a connection from where I started.
MAYRA MENDEZ
EDUCATION
PUBLICATIONS
VOLUNTEERING + INVOLVEMENT
Bachelor of Architecutre (B.ARCH) Kennesaw State University
Website: Kennesaw State University, 2024 Churchwell, Raynard “Kennesaw State architecture students bring ecocentered design to global stage in Italy”
Habitat For Humanity Atlanta, Georgia
Associate Interiors of Applied Science (AAS) Chattahoochee Technical College
Website: Time Space Existence, 2024-2025 “Kathryn Bedette,Kennesaw State University”
High School Diploma South Cobb High School
Website: Kennesaw State University, 2024 Churchwell, Raynard “Kennesaw State student architecture team takes second place in national design competition”
EXPERIENCE
LANGUAGES
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Architecture Teacher Assistant Kennesaw State University
English Primary Language
Hiking + Walking
Project Engineer Intern American Structural Concrete
Spanish Native Language
Interior Design Intern The House of Scalamandre (ADAC)
French Beginner Knowledge
ACHIEVEMENTS
SOFTWARE SKILLS
FABRICATION SKILLS + SOFT SKILLS
Time Space Existence Exhibition Venice, Italy 2024-2025 Personal Project Exhibited
Microsoft Office 365
3D Priniting
Adobe Creative Suite
Laser Cutting
Barbara G. Laurie National Competition Baltimore, Maryland 2024 Second Place National Winners
Rhinoceros 3D
CNC Printing
Revit
Wood Model Making
AutoCAD
Team Oriented
Enscape
Adaptable/Flexible
Twinmotion
Dedicated
D5 Render
Lifelong Learner
Bluebeam
Problem Solver
Tactical Urbanism Atlanta Streets Alive 2023 Personal Project Exhibited
Woodstock Nursing and Rehabilitation Woodstock, Georgia NOMAS + NOMA Atlanta, Georgia AIA Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia
Adventuring + Traveling Crafting Furniture Making + DIY Home Decor Music + Instrument Exploration Photography
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2020-2025
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CONTENTS
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THE BACKYARD
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THE GENESIS RESEARCH CENTER
SCULPTING HEALING SPACES
T6 CHAIR
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MULTIFARIOUS: COMMUNITY CENTER
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 01 I Sculpting Healing Spaces
SCULPTING HEALING SPACES
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Academic Thesis Project 2025 Typology: Outpatient Cancer Center Location: Atlanta, Georgia Area: 13,475 SF
Sculpting Healing Spaces, underscores the transformative potential of biophilic design in redefining cancer care facilities as integrating healing environments. By shifting away from sterile, impersonal clinical models toward nature-integrated, patient-centered spaces, we can significantly improve both emotional well-being and physical recovery. Reflections on the research reveal the urgent need for architectural innovation in Atlanta’s cancer care facilities, where overcrowding and inefficiency currently hinder effective treatment. Integrating biophilic principles—natural light, greenery, tactile materials, and spatial flexibility—paves the way for adaptable, sustainable, and emotionally supportive care environments. Ultimately, this work advocates for architecture not just as a backdrop to healing, but as an active agent in the patient’s journey toward recovery.
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 01 I Sculpting Healing Spaces
The How...
WHAT AM I CRITIQUING? WHAT ARE THE CURRENT ISSUES? Disconnection between Program
Healthcare Facilities
Lack of care towards design
Cancer Care Facilities
Flexibility and Spatial Organization Navigational and Sensory Challenges Inadequate access to screening and treatment
WHICH TYPE OF FACILITY? An Outpatient Cancer Care Facility which informs and embodies healing spaces with the design principles of Organic Architecture + Biophilia
The What...
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“Sculpting Healing Spaces” is an architectural framework based on Biophilic Design Principles that address the multifaceted challenges which cancer care facilities encounter. An enhanced architectural typology approach becomes unifying through social, emotional, and physical facets of care. This method reinterprets architecture as more than just an area for medical procedures, it becomes a healing journey through the environment.
WHAT IS THE PROPOSAL?
The Vision... 08
Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 01 I Sculpting Healing Spaces
THE PROCESS In response to the overlooked connection between cancer as an illness and their environment , the design process becomes a synergy to integrating holistic services and biophilic principles, addressing accessibility, and strategic placement near existing hospitals. Biophilic Design anchored to healing environments shifts focus from treating an illness to transforming environments as a contributing factor in the healing process that hinders an effective treatment. The site is known for it is proximity to several hospitals and specialized centers enhancing the continuity of care. The proximity to urban centers causes an ease of access by patients and families. Developing a new cancer care facility in the Sandy Springs region helps prioritize advancing technologie, sustainable design, and community integration.
THE CONCEPT
The concept of the design derrived from cancer as a symbol. It is a continuous journey of healing. Many cancer care facilities overlook the reality of cancer in connection with architectural elements, design principles, and their environment as a whole. The implementation of a symbol ; when a cancer patient becomes a survivor the ribbon is a sign of a journey that is accomplished. The implementation of transformative architectural framework based on Biophilic Design Principles which address the challenges in cancer care facilities.Biophilic Design Principles actively promote health and well-being by designing environments that reduce stress. Through the integration of unifying research, treatment, and support services, as well as, bringing principles like visual connection to nature and material connection to nature. Implementing the Biophilic Design Principles enhance the architectural typology of Cancer Care Facilities that integrate healing environments.
VISUAL CONNECTION TO NATURE
A view to elements of nature, living systems, and natural processses.
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MATERIAL CONNECTION WITH NATURE
Materials and elements from nature that, through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology and create a distinct sense of place.
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 01 I Sculpting Healing Spaces
Level 01 Floorplan
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Level 02 Floorplan
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Infusion Bay Interior Render
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Project 01 I Sculpting Healing Spaces
South East Exterior Render
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 02 I The Backyard
THE BACKYARD
Second Place National Winners Barbara G. Laurie National Competition [NOMAS] Typology: Multi-Modal Transit Center Location: West Baltiomre, Maryland
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The Backyard is a celebration of the rich black culture of West Baltimore. The Backyard becomes a series of restorative spaces embodying RESILIENCE, EXPRESSION, and RECREATION. West Baltimore is known for it is development of black music, arts, and civil rights. It is an example of well-connected, self-sustaining community, corner stores, local owned businesses, and a tight-knit social support structure before the creation of the highway to nowhere fractured it. To create successful spaces, we focused on three core themes: Resilience, Recreation, and Expression.We observed the existing backyards of Baltimore rowhouses programmed with activity on the exterior and more intimate activity in the center. As we take The Backyard from what was once known as a private space and transform it into a shared public space. Resilience defines the community’s brave stand against the “Highway to Nowhere’ project, a fight that ended in its abrupt incompletion. Recreation becomes a vital part of the social fabric in Black communities, encompassing cookouts, sports, stoop sitting, and other essential activities that foster community connection. Expression is rooted in the legacy of Pennsylvania Avenue or “Broadway of Baltimore” where legendary artists started their artistic career or preformed in the clubs and theaters gracing the street. GROUP PROJECT CREDIT: Nelson A, Nick G, Mayowa O, Jonathan R, Andres M, Jesus V, Ethan J, Joy W
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 02 I The Backyard
FOOD HALL
ART GALLERY
TOWN CENTER / HISTORIC EXHIBIT
W. FRANKLIN ST.
W. FRANKLIN ST.
FRANKLIN - MULBERRY
INFO BOOTH
PLAZA
INFO BOOTH
EXPRY
CULTURAL RESTAURANT LIBRARY LEASING OFFICE
MARC STATION
LOCAL MARKET THEATRE
TRANSIT HUB
INFO
BOO TH
THEATRE INFO
BOO TH CONTROL ROOM
W. M U
LBE
RRY
ST.
POP UP SHOP
LOCAL BUSINESS
LOCAL BUSINESS
LOCAL BUSINESS
LOCAL BUSINESS
POP UP SHOP
BIKE SHOP
CORNER STORE
CAFE
DAYCARE
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
COMPUTER ROOM
TUTORING CENTER
FRANKLIN - MULBERRY EXPRY
W. MULBERRY ST.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
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Project 02 I The Backyard
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 02 I The Backyard
WEST LONGITUDINAL SECTION 01
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 02 I The Backyard
SYNERGY SECTION 02
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 02 I The Backyard
EAST LONGITUDINAL SECTION 03
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 02 I The Backyard
ICE FACTORY RENDER
LOCAL RETAIL AND BUSINESS RENDER
THE BACKYARD
LIVE MUSIC
BACKYARD BOIL
APARTMENT VIEW INTO RECREATION RENDER
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PERFORMANCE CENTER RENDER
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 03 I The Genesis Research Center
THE GENESIS RESEARCH CENTER
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Time Space Existence Exhibition Typology: Post-Humanist Research Center Location: Field Station Kennesaw, Georgia The Genesis Research Center embraces the ecological role of it is four co-clients, as the architectural elements dissolve the boundaries between human and non-human co-clients. Through the incorporation of programmatic response forms and programmatic flux materials, foster an interactive environment where ecological interconnectivity and spatial relationships become synergized. By analyzing the Field Station in Kennesaw through different lenses, the program was manipulated based on the parameters of the co-clients and humans incorporated through the spaces in the environment. The approach through our understanding and investigation of our co-clients: Hummingbird, Lichen, Eastern Cauliflower Mushroom, and Southern Red Oak Tree. The insights from the site and program establish a Post-humanist manner of thinking the design process.
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 03 I The Genesis Research Center
EASTERN CAULIFLOWER MUSHROOM FIRST SPECIES CHOOSEN Eastern Cauliflower Mushroom is a pivotal species due to it is ecological role and environmental interaction. The interrelation with specifically oak and beech trees creates a symbiotic relationship for nutrient exchange and aids the trees in absorbing nutrients. Eastern Cauliflower Mushroom also plays the role of decomposer, making it such a pivotal native fungus species.
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 03 I The Genesis Research Center
SOUTHERN RED OAK TREE SECOND SPECIES CHOOSEN The Southern Red Oak Tree surrounds the acworth region and is a key species due to its environmental adaptation purposes and ecological role. It provides habitats for various birds and mammals like squirrels and deer. The acorns which are released from the tree are an essential food source for the wildlife. The broad canopy it develops during it is growth provides shade and cooling hot environments in the local area. It is not only a resource to small animals but also supports insects and fungi.
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 03 I The Genesis Research Center
AXONOMETRIC
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 03 I The Genesis Research Center
Level 02 Floorplan Top Floorplan
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GROUND FLOORPLAN
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Southern Red Oak Tree Research Area
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Project 03 I The Genesis Research Center
Public Area Into Oak Research Lab Bridgeway
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 04 I Multifarious Community Center
MULTIFARIOUS: COMMMUNITY CENTER
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Typology: Mixed-Use ; Community Center Location: Marietta, Georgia Area: 38,000 SF.
Multifarious is defined as having many varied parts or aspects. This community center becomes an organism with reflexes that demonstrate a performance dignified of its multifarious nature. Through it is integration of Biophilic Principles from the design of a green wall, multi-purpose room, roof garden, and sustainable design elements create this Multifarious design. This community center strategized to be Net-Zero through design with the incorporation of Glulam Timber being used as a structural component, natural daylighting, solar panels on the roof, rainwater collection through roof and green wall towards cistern, and infiltration gardens in the front of the building.This community center envokes a healthier and comfortable indoor and outdoor environment, which promotes wellbeing to an area that has daily use in the city of Marietta.
GROUP PROJECT CREDIT: Alejandra M and Stephanie L.
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
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Project 04 I Multifarious Community Center
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BUILDING SYSTEMS
Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 04 I Multifarious Community Center
ELECTRICAL AXON
MECHANICAL AXON
LIFE SAFETY AXON
ALEJANDRA MONTALVO / MAYRA MENDEZ / STEPHANIE LE
ALEJANDRA MONTALVO / MAYRA MENDEZ / STEPHANIE LE
ROOF
ALEJANDRA MONTALVO / MAYRA MENDEZ / STEPHANIE LE PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
ROOF
ROOF
DOAS
THIRD LEVEL
THIRD LEVEL
THIRD LEVEL
DOAS
SECOND LEVEL
SECOND LEVEL
SECOND LEVEL
DOAS GEOTHERMAL ROOM (GEOTHERMAL VAULT SUPPLY & RETURN AIR)
ELEVATOR
FIRST LEVEL
LEGEND LIGHTING
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FIRST LEVEL
CHEROKEE STREET
LEGEND
FIRST LEVEL
LEGEND
FAN
FIRE STAIR
RETURN PIPE
PVS
AREA OF REFUGE
SUPPLY PIPE
PV POWER
REMOTE POINT
MECHANICAL ROOM
PV INVERTER ROOM
MAX COMMON PATH
MECHANICAL CLOSETS
ELECTRICAL ROOM
POINT OF DECISION
GEOTHERMAL ROOM
TELECOM/ DATA STREET ACCESS
MAX EXIT ACCESS PATH
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
TRANSFORMER
EXIT
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
ROOF HATCH
ROOF HATCH
17 GEOTHERMAL WELLS 20’ O.C.
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 04 I Multifarious Community Center
ALL SECTIONS
COPING SYSTEM EXTERIOR FINISH
ENTRANCE INTERIOR RENDER
EPS INSULATION AIR/WATER BARRIER BATT INSULATION
PLANTING MEDIUM FILTER FABRIC
INTERIOR GREEN WALL RENDER
DRAINAGE LAYER WATER RETENTION 4” MYCELLIUM INSULATION HYDROGARD 40MN ROOT BARRIER HYDROGARD MM6125 WATERPROOFING SYSTEM
/HYHO
5-PLY CLT PANEL INTERIOR FINISH
MECHANICAL CLOSET
15’
FITNESS STORAGE ROOM
EXTERIOR FACADE EPS INSULATION
/HYHO EXTERIOR STEEL COVER EXTERIOR WOOD CLADDING
15’ RUNNING TRACK
INTERIOR CAFE
/HYHO
SLOPED CONCRETE EXTERIOR BALCONY 5 PLY CLT FLOORING 2’ GLULAM BEAM
LED STRIP LIGHTS IN BETWEEN ACOUSTIC CEILING
INTERMEDIATE WOOD CONNECTOR FOR COLUMN AND INTERIOR MULLIONS
GYM
HANGING ACOUSTIC WOOD CEILING TILES
INTERIOR SOUTH CORRIDOR
15’
5-PLY CLT PANEL (INTERIOR WALL)
EXTERIOR ALUMINUM MULLIONS
INTERIOR WOOD MULLIONS EXTERIOR ALUMINUM STOREFRONT
10” X 10” PROTECTED EXTERIOR GLULAM COLUMN
WINDOW
SILL 3/4” HARDWOOD FLOORING 3/4” PLYWOOD SUBFLOORING
ANCHOR BOLTS HOLLOW STRUCTURAL STEEL STEEL BASE PLATE 1/4” SLOPED CONCRETE SLAB
/HYHO
COMPACTED GRAVEL 6” CONCRETE CURB WALL 2” RIGID INSULATION VAPOR BARRIER 6” SLAB ON GRADE
FILTER FABRIC 4” PERIMETER DRAIN WASHED GRAVEL KEYWAY CONCRETE FOOTER REBAR
1’
2’
3’
SCALE : 1” = 1’
ROOF + CURTAIN WALL + FOOTING SECTION
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NORTH WALL SECTION
SOUTH WALL SECTION
LOBBY RENDER
MULTIPURPOSE ROOM RENDER
EXTERIOR RENDER
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
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Project 04 I Multifarious Community Center
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 05 I T6 Chair
T6 CHAIR
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Atlanta Streets Alive 2023 Tactile Urbanism Atlanta, Georgia T6 Chair placed as a former installation in Atlanta Streets Alive. T6 takes after the name of the most curvy area of the spine in the human anatomy. The concept of the chair originated from the creation of a fetus and the relationship with their mother’s womb. The purpose of the T6 Chair design was to replicate the level of comfort and relaxation a child encounters in their mother’s womb. The second concept originated from a spinal form due to the bodies natural support. By bringing these two concepts together and merged them to create the final design T6.
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025 CONCEPT STUDY MODEL 1 -INITIAL FORM
CONCEPT STUDY MODEL 3 - INTITIAL FORM + SPINE CHAIR
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Project 05 I T6 Chair CONCEPT STUDY MODEL 2 - SPINE CHAIR
CONCEPT STUDY MODEL 4 - FINAL MODEL + LEG EXTENSIONS
CONCEPT STUDY
CUTTING AND SANDING CNC TO START ASSEMBLING
CNC FILES FOR DESIGN
ASSEMBLING FOR WATERPROOFING AND PAINT APPLICATION
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Architectural Portfolio I 2025
Project 05 I T6 Chair ATLANTA STREETS ALIVE 2023
ATLANTA STREETS ALIVE 2023
CHILD SIZE CHAIR
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UNIVERSAL SIZE CHAIR
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Mayra B. Mendez Kennesaw State University B.Arch 2025 mbmendez018@gmail.com +1 (678) 830-7742
Thank you for taking the time to explore my portfolio. Each project is a reflection of my journey in architecture. It is something more than just buildings but about people, the environment, and the feelings we generate through design to encompass thoughtful design.
THANK
YOU