PORTFOLIO
Architecture
Natalia Chavira
NATALIA CHAVIRA
Architectural Designer
nataliachavira2295@gmail.com
San Diego, CA
(619) 850-3690
www.linkedin.com/in/ nataliachavira
EDUCATION
M.ARCH
Pratt Institute
2021| Brooklyn, NY
BFA Interior Design
San Diego State University 2017 | San Diego, CA
EXPERIENCE
JWDA Architects, Architectural Designer, San Diego, CA, Nov.-May | 2021-2024
Worked in conceptual and schematic phases of multi family and student housing projects
Created preliminary drawings packages to submit to the city of San Diego
Set up presentations for client and consultant meetings
Created 3-D visualization in order to help team make facade selection
Ryan Young Interiors, Design Intern, San Diego, CA | Sept. - Jan. | 2017-2018
Assisted in project material verification
Completed project specification tear sheets
Assisted in organizing resource library
Contributed in material selection
Rutledge Haro Design, Design Intern, San Diego, CA | Feb. - May | 2017
Assisted designers in material selection
Called sales reps for pricing
Filed P.Os
Organized material library
Provided space planning alternatives
Freelance Project for San Ysidro Middle School, San Ysidro, CA | 2016
Lead designer in computer room renovation
Provided space planning services
Developed floor plans
Provided furniture specs
TECHNICAL SKILLS
PROJECTS
PROFESSIONAL WORK SAMPLES
01 STUDENT HOUSING
Micro off campus student housing study
02
3D VISUALIZATION
Mixed-Use 8 Story building
ACADEMIC WORK SAMPLES
03 ENTRE CAMINOS
Reimagining the borderwall located in Tijuana/San Diego
04 APERTURE
Double facade development and analysis
STUDENT HOUSING
OFF CAMPUS STUDENT HOUSING
LOCATION: SAN DIEGO, CA
DATE:2024
DESCRIPTION
This preliminary study focuses on an eight-story building that will be located in the College Area neighborhood of San Diego, just a few blocks from the SDSU campus. Given the growing demand for student housing in this area, I collaborated closely with my project manager and developer to create a concept for a micro-unit development.
The developer’s primary goal was to maximize the number of beds in each unit. As a result, individual living spaces were somewhat limited. To compensate for this, we incorporated public spaces into the design. Each floor features a small study room at its center, providing students with additional amenity space. Furthermore, the eighth floor includes a larger amenity area with a balcony that offers a view of the campus.
1 STORY RESIDENTIAL
1 STORY RESIDENTIAL STORY RESIDENTIAL PROPOSED 8 STORY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
3D VISUALIZATION
MIXED-USE 8 STORY BUILDING
LOCATION: SAN DIEGO, CA
DATE: 2022-2024
DESCRIPTION
A significant part of my work during the conceptual and schematic stages involves creating visuals for clients. These visuals are crucial because they often raise questions about the design or help clarify various aspects. The 3D visualizations I produce can vary in complexity; some are simple block massing models created quickly for internal use, while others are more detailed and intended for client presentations.
The project featured in the following pages is an eight-story mixed-use podium building located in San Diego, CA. The first floor includes visitor parking accessed from the main street and tenant parking accessible through the alley. Additionally, this level contains the main lobby, some amenity spaces, and commercial areas facing the intersection. The building consists of over 100 residential units, including studios, onebedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. There are further amenity spaces located on the second floor, which include a pool and spa, as well as a rooftop barbecue area on the seventh floor.
ENTRE CAMINOS
CRITIC: PETER MACAPIA
LOCATION: TIJUANA-SAN DIEGO
PRATT INSTITUTE
DESCRIPTION
This project addresses the challenges posed by the border wall for people living in San Diego and Tijuana. It prompted my exploration of the relationship between the two cities, the physical space they occupy, and the individuals who inhabit it. Thousands of people cross the border daily for various reasons such as education, work, or seeking asylum. The movement and interaction between these two spaces are significant. In an ideal scenario, the border would be less defined, allowing people to move freely between the cities.
My proposal is to create a more direct pathway for travelers, with stops along the way to support travel and foster curiosity between the two places. This network of pathways extends beyond the border and into each city, with stops including cultural centers and courthouses to assist individuals with legal matters.
APERTURE
CRITIC: BRIAN RINGLEY
LOCATION: N/A
PRATT INSTITUTE
SPRING 2020
DESCRIPTION
Aperture was an exploration of facade development and analysis that resulted in the creation of a double facade system. This system consists of a window wall and sunlight analysis, which led to the development of the GFRC panel facade. The GFRC panels are supported by the substructure, which is connected to the balconies that wrap around the buildings. The double facade system allowed for the addition of balconies, serving as both circulation spaces and areas for fresh air and outdoor enjoyment. The size of the GFRC panel apertures helps direct sunlight into the areas of the building where it is most needed. The largest apertures are located in areas that receive the least sunlight, making it necessary to bring sunlight into those spaces.
Although speculative, the project delves into the construction of a facade system and the required structural elements. The project successfully provides a realistic understanding of how a double facade system functions and how interstitial spaces are created through this process.
Attractor Point
