DIEU MERCI KAMATE
Achitecture Portfolio
Selected Works
DIEU MERCI KAMATE
I am originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am a recent graduate of Master of Architecture seeking entry level position. I served as a full-voting member of the Architecture Program Curriculum Committee for the academic year 2021-22. Outside of architecture, I find inspiration in photography, fishing, and travel.
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture
2021 - 2025
University of Maryland, College Park
GPA: 3.46
Bachelors of Arts, Architecture
2019 - 2021
Entrepreneurship Minor
University of Maryland, College Park
Magna Cum Laude
WORK EXPERIENCE
University of Maryland, College Park MD
Spring 25 | Graduate Assistant
ARCH425 - History of World Architecture I.
Spring & Summer 23 | Research Assistant
C onducted an lifecycle analysis and literature review on an historic building in Zabrze, Poland.
Graig Gaulden Davis Architects, Baltimore MD
Summer 22 & 24 | Intern Architect
A 12-week summer internship that emphasized on project planning and project development and documentation. Project sectors include designs and renovation of K-12 schools, commercial, and office buildings.
Engineering Consulting Services, Frederick MD
Summer 22 | Field Technician
Main responsibilities were at the site. Daily tasks included observation, materials testing, and documentation of construction techniques and specifications. Final reports were to be forwarded to the city inspector and supervisors of the project.
CONTENT
INTERNSHIP
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND PROJECTS
DESIGN COMPETITION(S)
OTHER WORK
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN ACADEMY - WEST WING
Software: Revit, Lumion, & Photoshop
Located in Greenville, South Carolina, the West Wing of First Presbyterian Academy is a new addition to the school, designed to accommodate grades 2 through 4 as well as several special education classrooms. As an intern architect, I was responsible for producing computer-generated drawings and schematic phase renderings to support the design team. One of the primary challenges of this project involved assisting in detailed study of the programmatic needs and the thoughtful selection and integration of materials to align with the school’s existing architectural language and functional goals.
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
VIEW FROM THE BACK LOOKING AT THE MUSIC ROOM
VIEW FROM THE SIDE LOOKING AT THE MEDIA CENTER
ROOTS TO REEFS:
TRANSFORMING GHOST FORESTS INTO OYSTER PROMENADES IN THE AGE OF SEA LEVEL RISE
Software: Revit, Lumion, Illustrator, & Photoshop
This proposal is located along the shoreline next to the Philip Merrill Environmental Center in Annapolis, Maryland, headquarters of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and recognized as the world’s first LEED Platinum building. In the coming years, the site’s coastal forest is expected to undergo significant transformation . In response, the project envisions an oyster promenade : a series of ecological and architectural interventions designed to adapt to rising seas and the forest’s gradual shift into ghost forest due to saltwater intrusion .
As sea levels rise and the forested land becomes saltlogged, the project proposes a tripartite strategy for adaptation. First, fuzzy rope structures are attached to dead tree trunks, repurposed as vertical armatures for future oyster colonization . Second, artificial reef balls are placed throughout the forest floor in anticipation of submersion , seeding long-term reef development.
Third, a boardwalk and architectural program are threaded through the shifting landscape , creating an inhabitable spine that both responds to and embraces the evolving ecotone between land and sea.
SITE LOCATION ON CHESAPEAKE BAY AERIAL VIEW
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. But it is also crossing ecological thresholds reshaped by flooding and climate change. In 50 years , widespread lowland flooding begins to fragment the shoreline. In 100 years , we see entire tracts of land are submerged The coastline redraws itself, as creeping saltwater replaces freshwater.
WATER SALINITY
HISTORIC OYSTER BOTTOM
50-YEAR SEA LEVEL RISE
HISTORIC OYSTER BOTTOM VS RECOGNIZED OYSTER SANCTUARIES
100-YEAR SEA LEVEL RISE
AREA SUITABLE FOR OYSTER
OYSTER NURSERY BUILDING
OYSTER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH BUILDING
This project uses three main oyster cultivation methods: rackand-bag system that elevate oysters in the water column, reef balls that rest on the seafloor to support long-term reef growth, and fuzzy ropes suspended horizontally to provide a lightweight, high-surface-area structure ideal for juvenile oysters attachment.
OYSTER OUTLOOK BUILDING
OYSTER FUZZY ROPE SYSTEM
ARRIVAL
BOARDWALK THROUGH FUZZY ROPE FOREST
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH BUILDING OYSTER OUTLOOK
Software: Revit, Lumion, SketchUp, & Photoshop
In the heart of Montgomery County, t he Montcrest Center project set tles, drawing inspiration from the village and home soil where it is meticulously designed. The project’s name is a fusion of “Mont, ” a nod to the local surroundings, and “crest,” invoking the peaks of mountains that resonate with the mountainous landscape of Portland, Oregon, where the client is situated. The architecture aims to weave t radition with modernity, c reating a harmonious blend that respects the existing ecology. As the Montcrest Center unfolds, it unveils a design that not only embraces nature but also actively contributes to the urban ecology. The objective is clear: to reknit the urban fabric while introducing a contemporar y architectural form that seamlessly integrates with the surroundings.
The Montcrest Center ’s commitment to openness and nature is at the core of the design philosophy. The courtyard and zen zone serve as focal points, of fering spaces for gathering, relaxation, and activity—a semi-submersion within the embrace of Mother Nature. The architectural masses dance, each leaping higher than the other, engaging in a playful dialogue with the towering trees on the site. The transparent “spine” corridor acts as the main connector, a feature that prevents the masses from drifting apart and stands out as a highlight of the project.
collaboration with Jalon Robinson
DIAGRAMED BY JALON
DIAGRAMED BY JALON
FIRST FLOOR AXON
DIAGRAMED BY JALON
SECOND FLOOR AXON
BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN
3D AXON
LONGITUDINAL SECTIONTHROUGH THE MARKET SPACE EXPLODED AXON
SECTION PERSPECTIVE - TRANSVERSE
BY
VIEW FROM THE LIBRARY
VIEW FROM THE CAFE
VIEW OF THE COURTYARD
DIAGRAMED
JALON
CARVING COMMUNITIES -
PROJECT
Software: Revit, Lumion, & Photoshop
Located in the neighborhood of Eckington, Washington DC the Carving Communities project sits atop a historic brick building where the National Geographic magazine held their subscription offices. Today the over 100 year old building is being used by the District of Columbia Public Library to hold books. North of the four story building is its single story continuation that accounts for half of the building’s footprint. The first urban move was to remove that one story portion of the building and open it up to the community by creating a plaza. This addition of the plaza included an expansion of Alethia Tanner Park that was around the corner of the site. The mass timber apartment complex is flush with the north elevation of the existing building to give a connection to the plaza as well as ample roof terrace space on the south.
In collaboration with Sergio Gomez
SIXTH FLOOR PLAN
FOURTH AND FIFTH FLOOR PLAN
VEGETATION STUDY SUN DIAGRAM PROGRAM
COMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
GREEN SPACE
RESIDENTIAL UNITS
COMMUNITY SPACES
COMMERCIAL OFFICES
PASSAGEWAY GREEN ROOF
SOLAR PANELS
WINTER SUN
RETAIL SPACE NEW PARK
GREEN BUFFER
RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT
SUMMER SUN PLAZA
RETAIL SPACES
BIKE PATH
DIAGRAMS BY SERGIO
SECTION PERSPECTIVE - TRANSVERSE
WILLIAM EDMONDSON SCULPTURE GARDEN
Software: Revit, Lumion, & Photoshop
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the William Edmondson
Sculpture Garden is a garden dedicated to this famous African American sculptor who paved the way for future generations. The garden sits next to the existing art center named after the same sculptor.
Two sculptures dominate the landscape. One is accessible through a terrace garden and the other is surrounded by a reflecting pool. By juxtaposing the two sculptures, we are reminded of the modest nature of Edmondson who sculpted for ordinar y clients while appraising and recognizing the cultural values of these works.
The Pool
The reflecting pool will host one of the two sculptures on site. It spans from the stairs adjacent to the building and passes underneath the plaza.
The Terrace
The terrace garden serves as a place people can tour and learn more about the life of William Edmondson. It will also host a sculpture.
The crucifix: One of the two sculptures selected to be displayed in the garden. William Edmondson was a man of firm beliefs.
The Lion: another sculpture made by Edmondson. He loved animals and made several sculptures of animals such as horses and sheep.
The concept behind this design emerged from Edmondson’s long-lasting impact on his community . The site’s design is intended to provide different forms of entertainment and activities that celebrate the community and pay homage to him in various ways. Different amenities populate the site for different age groups, backgrounds, and preferences. The inclusivity of the site solidifies a sense of unity .
VIEW FROM THE CAFE
VIEW FROM THE ENTRANCE
SECTION - LONGITUDINAL
SECTION - TRANSVERSE
CASE STUDY: STRICKLAND FERRIS RESIDENCE
Software: Revit & Enscape
This is a case study project for the Strickland Ferris Residence by Frank Harmon. The house is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The project asked students to replicate different houses using Revit and Enscape only. The challenge was to recreate compelling visual representations and a 3D panoramic view of the interior space without any post rendering software.
INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
SECTION PERSPECTIVE
This project was displayed on the School Newsletter website. To read more, click here
SOUTH ELEVATION NORTH ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
TINY HOUSE COMPETITION: 2nd Place
Software: ArchiCAD
This project was a collaborative ef for t with four other students aimed to design and produce construction documents for a tiny house. The house was to be transportable on a trailer. Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) were chosen as the primary materials for the building envelope. My primar y tasks included leading the ef for t on the adoption of the design and shape of the roof and building study and final physical models. I was also tasked with providing assistance on research about building code requirements. In addition, I par ticipated in multiple team decision-making on the choice of materials, appliances, furniture, and local manufacturers. Lastly, I assisted the group in designing the custom extendable table/shelves and bed frame.
In collaboration with Marcelino Defngin, Mike Delacruz, Lana Ayirebi, and Eileen Broring
OPTIMAL SPACE SAVING SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
FOLDABLE TABLE SMALL SIZE RANGE
ORGANIC WOODS FOR CABINETRY AND FLOORING
FITTING COUCH
The building envelope is a rain screen system with sustainable wood planking and aluminum panels as the exterior finish.
Two shapes of the roof to reduce congestion in the loft and enhance its visual appeal.
Aluminum panels are darker and placed in private area where as wood panels are light and vivid to reflect the public space inside.
The vertical aluminum panels and horizontal sustainable wood planks create a contrasting effect.
LOFT WINDOW/ROOF DETAIL
LOFT WALL/FLR DETAIL
GABLE ROOF DETAIL
LIVING WINDOW/ROOF DETAIL
LIVING WALL/FLR DETAIL
TRANSVERSE SECTIONS
LONGITUDINAL SECTIONS
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART - EAST WING
This is study of the interior and exterior of East Wing of National Galler y of Art . The top drawing is a view of the site plan.
TINY HOUSE COMPETITION: 2nd Place
Software: ArchiCAD
The goal of this project was to produce analytical maps of the District of Columbia with information about certain contexts. The maps use real data in their creation. The following maps explore the physical, economic, cultural, and design contexts as they relate to different categories of establishments/ facilities in Washington
Physical Context
Complement: This is an illustration of the spatial relationship between Metro Stations and Hotels that are closer. Hotels that have Metro Stations within 1/4 mile are represented in green while red shows hotels outside of the 1/4 miles perimeter.
Economic Context
Compare: Distribution of affordable houses (yellow) to homeless facilities (black).
Cultural Context
Contrast/Ambivalence: This map is a representation of the ratio of nightclubs (black) to churches (blue) within 1 mile.
Design Context
Mixed: Repartition of Metro Stations in relation with nightclubs, affordable houses, and hotels within the range of 2-4 miles.
Thank You