Architecture Portfolio - Nina Buddrius

NINA BUDDRIUS ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

NINA BUDDRIUS SUMMARY

AWARDS

EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE

Master of Architecture graduate with strong conceptual design, technical, and presentation skills. Co-authored a thesis project awarded Best in Section by unanimous jury vote, receiving faculty recognition and competing for Best Project of the Year. Experienced in freelance architectural design with proficiency in advanced software and multilingual communication.

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY (FIU) Master of Architecture Graduated: May 2025 | CARTA DEAN’S LIST Study Abroad Genoa, Italy | Fall 2024 - Conducted on-site analysis of Genoa’s architectural history and urban fabric, focusing on port redevelopment and the integration of contemporary design.

- Studied Italian language and architectural history to enhance design perspective.

- Produced cultural and design research that informed academic projects.

SKILLS

Technical: AutoCAD | Rhino | Grasshopper | Revit | SketchUp | Lumion | Adobe Photoshop | Adobe InDesign | Adobe Illustrator | Microsoft Office Languages: English | Portuguese | Spanish

ninabuddrius@gmail.com +1 (858) 519-2839 Miami, FL

Master Project Award Agricoltura Urbana - Awarded Best Master Thesis Project in section by unanimous jury vote - Represented section in school-wide Best Project of the Year competition - Received faculty letter of recognition and certificate for design excellence

Freelance Architectural Designer Miami, FL | 2024–Present - Provided residential and small-scale design concepts, including drawings, renderings, and 3D models.

- Collaborated with clients to develop proposals aligned with needs, budgets, and site conditions.

- Delivered presentations and visualizations to support project approval.

Math Tutor San Diego, CA | 2020 - Tutored middle school students in mathematics and algebra; all achieved top grades.

Urban Girl San Diego, CA | 2019 Shop Assistant - Supported sales through client service and adaptability in a fast-paced retail environment.

INDEX 1 AGRICOLTURA URBANA 2 SAVANNAH INFILL APARTMENTS 3 NYC HVAC FACILITY & JAZZ CENTER 4 NAVIGANTI 5 BIOSYNC TOWER 6 URBAN RE:CONNECT 7 TEXTILE TENSION

4 18 26 36 44 50 56

4

1

AGRICOLTURA URBANA Genoa, Italy

FIU 2025 MASTER PROJECT AWARD

Done in collaboration with Henry Bordon It is a known fact that flourishing cities tend to grow over time. Whether they grow organically or through urban planning, this expansion often comes at the expense of their surroundings, replacing nature with built environments. This transformation not only shapes the city’s urban fabric but also impacts how it sources essential resources, especially food. What was once locally produced and consumed is now pushed further away from its final destination.

In Genoa, Italy, this pattern is no different. With its ancient and storied history, Genoa has long been a significant city, evolving and expanding along the Ligurian coast. This growth has created an extensive and dense urban fabric, where stone, stucco, and slate dominate. While this expansion has served the city’s needs, it has also displaced nature, fundamentally altering how Genoese people experience food and green spaces. What was once eaten fresh is now burdened by long distances and complicated supply chains. Similarly, what was once lush and green has been replaced by grey, hardscaped environments.

In response to Genoa’s dense urbanization and the pressing need for green areas, our project aims to redefine the urban food cycle by integrating food production, consumption, and distribution directly into the heart of the city. Situated within a historic palazzo garden, this design incorporates a closed-loop system where food is grown, harvested, prepared, and consumed—all within the same space. By introducing a greenhouse connected to the restaurant itself, the project offers a sustainable solution to reconnect people with both their food sources and nature.

This project is more than a response to the challenges of urban density; it is a call to action for cities to integrate sustainability into their core. By bringing agriculture into Genoa’s urban fabric, we aim to provide fresh, locally sourced food while offering an educational experience and a green sanctuary for its residents. Ultimately, this project envisions a future where the built environment and natural systems coexist harmoniously, fostering a deeper connection between people, their food, and the land.

5

FOOD CYCLE FARMING + HARVESTING

PROCESSING + WAREHOUSE

POST-HARVESTING HANDLING

WASTE

PLANTING STRATEGIES Herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano, and rosemary are foundational to Ligurian cuisine and play an essential role in Mediterranean dishes. Basil, in particular, is indispensable for creating pesto Genovese, a signature regional specialty. These herbs are not only fast-growing and easy to cultivate in controlled environments but also highly marketable, ensuring a steady supply for the restaurant. Rosemary, as a perennial herb, adds both culinary value and environmental benefits by naturally repelling pests.

BASIL

TOMATOES

RETAILERS + DISTRIBUTORS

CONSUMERS

FARMING + HARVESTING

CONSUMERS

COMPOST

Key vegetables, including tomatoes and peppers, are selected for their versatility and significance in Italian cuisine. Tomatoes are central to sauces, soups, and salads, while sweet peppers are popular for roasting, stuffing, and fresh dishes. These vegetables grow efficiently in vertical farming systems and offer high yields, supporting both the restaurant's needs and potential surplus sales.

SPINACH

LETTUCE

Leafy greens like lettuce, arugula, and spinach are vital components of salads and sides, making them indispensable for the restaurant menu. These greens grow quickly and thrive in vertical and hydroponic farming systems, ensuring a consistent and sustainable yield. Their high nutritional value appeals to health-conscious consumers and reinforces the project’s commitment to promoting wellness.

OREGANO

ARUGULA

Lemons and oranges further enhance the project’s alignment with Mediterranean culinary traditions. Lemons and oranges are widely used in dressings, marinades, beverages, and desserts, making them a valuable addition to the restaurant’s offerings.

Compact lemon and orange trees can thrive in greenhouses, allowing for efficient use of space while maintaining the region's citrus heritage.

LEMON TREE

ORANGE TREE

7

STRUCTURE

DESIGN CONCEPT DIAGRAM

LOCATING ACCESSES TO SITE

RESTAURANT 4TH FLOOR

RESTAURANT 3RD FLOOR

LOBBY AREA MODIFYING SITE CONTOUR LINES

GREENHOUSE MASSING

REFINING SHAPE

DETERMINING PLANTING AREAS

GREENHOUSE SECOND FLOOR

KITCHEN GREENHOUSE GOUND FLOOR

RESTAURANT

CIRCULATION DIAGRAM

8

GREENHOUSE STORAGE AND HANDLING

9

SITE PLAN

10

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

11

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

THIRD AND FOURTH TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

12

LONGITUDINAL SECTION C

13

CROSS SECTION A

14

CROSS SECTION B

15

FIRST FLOOR GREENHOUSE

SECOND FLOOR GREENHOUSE

FIRST FLOOR GREENHOUSE

FIRST FLOOR GREENHOUSE

16

17

18

2

SAVANNAH INFILL APARTMENTS Savannah, Georgia

Located in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, this multifamily residential project merges tradition and innovation, balancing the city’s rich architectural heritage with contemporary design. The project incorporates a mix of residential units and ground-floor commercial space on a challenging corner lot, where considerations of natural light, spatial organization, and urban context were critical.

Inspired by Savannah's historical charm and the layered forms of its iconic Candler Oak Trees, the design utilizes shifting rectangular volumes to create a dynamic and engaging architectural composition. These shifting forms define the facades and interior spaces, allowing for a variety of layouts that emphasize openness, connectivity, and flexibility. The resulting design fosters a balance between private, intimate corners and communal, shared areas that encourage interaction among residents.

19

Brick, a material deeply rooted in Savannah's architectural legacy, was employed in a contemporary way to enhance visual interest through intricate patterns and textures. This reinterpretation allows the facade to interact with light and shadow, creating a sense of movement and vibrancy. Expansive windows were carefully positioned to optimize natural light and frame views of the surrounding city, establishing a dialogue between the building and its urban context.

This project not only celebrates Savannah’s architectural identity but also emphasizes functionality and adaptability in urban living. The design integrates traditional materials with modern forms, providing spaces that reflect the evolving lifestyles of its residents while staying rooted in the city’s unique cultural and historical narrative.

20

BACK ELEVATION

CROSS SECTION

21

22

23

FRONT ELEVATION

SIDE ELEVATION

24

CROSS SECTION

(2) PARTIAL ELEVATION PARTIAL ELEVATION 3/4" = 1'-0"

(1) SECTION WALL SECTION 3/4" = 1'-0"

(3) PARTIAL PLAN PARTIAL PLAN 3/4" = 1'-0"

WALL SECTION ISO WALL SECTION ISO 3/4" = 1'-0"

25

26

3

NYC HVAC FACILITY & JAZZ CENTER 656 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027

The Campus HVAC and Jazz Facility at 656 W 125th St in New York integrates the cultural legacy of the historic Cotton Club with modern functionality. The design features a distinctive perforated metal facade inspired by theater curtains, which wraps around the building and continues inside to highlight the main circulation via processional stairs.

This facade not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also allows light and visibility, maintaining a connection between interior activities and the exterior environment.

The facility hosts music-related activities, including performances in a state-of-theart auditorium, while also providing HVAC services to an adjacent building, thereby blending tradition with innovation in the vibrant Harlem and Manhattanville community.

27

28

15' - 6 1/2"

5

22' - 10 7/8"

6

14' - 0 1/2"

7

9' - 0"

8

15' - 1 1/8"

9

19' - 2 1/8"

10

17' - 7 13/16"

11

12

11' - 1 11/16"

13' - 2 1/4"

9' - 4 15/16"

4

A B C

STORAGE

DN

PERFORMANCE SPACE JAZZ GEAR SHOP

24' - 5 1/16"

129 SF

1200 SF

384 SF

13' - 0"

D FIRE PUMP

69 SF

871 SF STORAGE

62 SF

FIRE COMMAND

128 SF

15' - 0"

DN UP DN

AHU

100 SF

GIFT SHOP / TICKETS

26' - 6"

COFFEE SHOP

UP

241 SF

E

F

GROUND LEVEL

29

1

2

3 52' - 4"

4 20' - 11 7/16"

5 15' - 6 1/2"

6 22' - 10 7/8"

7 14' - 0 1/2"

8 9' - 0"

9 15' - 1 1/8"

10 19' - 2 1/8"

11 17' - 7 13/16"

12

11' - 1 11/16"

UP

ELECTRICAL SWITCHGEAR ROOM

ELECTRICAL METER ROOM

123 SF

13' - 2 1/4"

9' - 4 15/16"

338 SF

SEWER METER ROOM

54 SF

B C

GAS METER ROOM

24' - 5 1/16"

80 SF JANITOR'S CLOSET DIGITAL ARCHIVES (PRIVATE)

63 SF

A

839 SF

BASEMENT

30

188 SF UP

REPAIR SHOP

JANITOR'S OFFICE + STORAGE

224 SF

604 SF

AHU

100 SF

UP

26' - 6"

105 SF

111 SF

106 SF

107 SF

STAFF BATHROOM

STAFF OFFICE 1 STAFF OFFICE 2

STAFF BATHROOM

D WATER ROOM

F E

22' - 10 7/8"

6 14' - 0 1/2" 7 9' - 0" 8 15' - 1 1/8" 9

19' - 2 1/8"

4

10 17' - 7 13/16" 1111' - 1 11/16" 12

5 15' - 6 1/2"

13' - 2 1/4"

6

7

22' - 10 7/8"

14' - 0 1/2"

8 9' - 0"

9 15' - 1 1/8"

10 19' - 2 1/8"

11 17' - 7 13/16"

12

11' - 1 11/16"

A

9' - 4 15/16"

5

9' - 4 15/16"

15' - 6 1/2"

B

13' - 2 1/4"

4

L

RO

88

NT

CO

SF

D

GALLERY

DN

26' - 6"

26' - 6"

UP DN UP

F E

AHU

100 SF

F E

AHU

UP

100 SF

LEVEL THREE

LEVEL TWO

14' - 0 1/2"

8 9' - 0"

9 15' - 1 1/8"

10 19' - 2 1/8"

11 17' - 7 13/16"

4

12

535 SF

6 22' - 10 7/8"

7 14' - 0 1/2"

9 24' - 1 1/8"

11' - 1 11/16"

13' - 2 1/4"

CLASSROOM 1

5 15' - 6 1/2"

9' - 4 15/16"

22' - 10 7/8"

7

10 19' - 2 1/8"

11 17' - 7 13/16"

12

11' - 1 11/16" 9' - 4 15/16"

6

A B

13' - 2 1/4"

5 15' - 6 1/2"

OTB

DN UP

4

24' - 5 1/16"

24' - 5 1/16"

AV

D

GALLERY / RECEPTION

503 SF

644 SF

D

D CLASSROOM 3

481 SF

DN UP AHU

100 SF

LEVEL FOUR

DN

26' - 6"

1161 SF

26' - 6"

LOUNGE MUSICIAN IN RESIDENCE 2

DN UP

B

24' - 5 1/16"

24' - 5 1/16"

CLASSROOM 2 MUSICIAN IN RESIDENCE 1

A

C

C

781 SF

B C

C

UP

A

DN

F E

F E ROOF

31

A

B

C

9' - 4 15/16"

D

13' - 2 1/4"

E

24' - 5 1/16"

26' - 6"

L6 60' - 0"

L5 47' - 0"

L4 37' - 0"

L3 27' - 0"

L2 15' - 0"

L1 0' - 0"

BASEMENT -20' - 0"

CROSS SECTION 2

4

3 52' - 4"

20' - 11 7/16"

5

6 38' - 5 3/8"

7 14' - 0 1/2"

8 9' - 0"

9 15' - 1 1/8"

10 19' - 2 1/8"

11 17' - 7 13/16"

12 11' - 1 11/16"

L7 80' - 0"

L6 60' - 0"

L5 47' - 0"

L4 37' - 0"

L3 27' - 0"

L2 15' - 0"

L1 0' - 0"

BASEMENT -20' - 0"

WALL SECTION AXONOMETRIC

32

WALL SECTION

CROSS SECTION

L6 60' - 0"

L5 47' - 0"

L4 37' - 0"

L3 27' - 0"

L2 15' - 0"

L1 0' - 0"

BASEMENT -20' - 0"

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

33

34

STRUCTURAL AXONOMETRIC

HVAC TYPICAL PLAN

AUDITORIUM AXONOMETRIC

HVAC AUDITORIUM PLAN

35

36

4

NAVIGANTI

Cultural Center at Genoa’s Edge Done in collaboration with Henry Bordon

Located at the historic port of Genoa, Naviganti is a cultural center that celebrates the city’s rich maritime heritage and its role as a gateway for migration and cultural exchange. Inspired by the movement of ships and the stories of those who have passed through the port, the design incorporates sweeping ship hull canopies, positioned as if sailing, evoking a sense of perpetual journey. The structure, formed by dynamic, flowing lines, reflects the ebb and flow of the sea, while materials such as steel, wood, and glass create a modern yet timeless connection to naval craftsmanship.

Naviganti offers flexible spaces, including exhibition halls, a waterfront amphitheater, and interactive installations, all designed to foster connection and cultural dialogue. Situated at the edge where the city meets the water, it invites visitors to explore the relationship between past and present, movement and stasis, land and sea.

37

38

EARLY SKETCHES AND INSPIRATION

39

40

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

41

CROSS SECTION

42

43

44

5

BIOSYNC TOWER

Done in collaboration with Henry Bordon BioSync Tower is a modular, biophilic architectural project designed to adapt to any location in the world. Composed of three interlocking hexagonal structures, the tower can be stacked vertically or arranged horizontally, offering flexibility in form and function. A central "pocket of life" pierces through the design, integrating planters, natural textures, and stairways that promote greenery, circulation, and community interaction.

Constructed using an innovative 3D-printed material made from wood waste and bioresins, the project is entirely sustainable and recyclable. Each module features rooftop solar panels and water collection systems, enabling self-sufficiency while supporting plant growth and even food production.

With its seamless assembly process and focus on connecting people to nature, BioSync Tower is a forward-thinking model for adaptable, eco-conscious living.

45

FORM DEVELOPMENT

PLAN 1

TOWER ISOMETRICS

ARRANGEMENTS ISOMETRICS

PLAN 3 ARRANGEMENTS TOP VIEW

46

PLAN 2

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

47

48

49

50

6

URBAN RE:CONNECT

444 SW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33130 Urban Re:Connect transforms the City of Miami Building Department and its surrounding park into a vibrant, sustainable hub that bridges community, nature, and architecture. The building retrofit revitalizes underutilized areas with a public rooftop, and offering commercial spaces, an educational pavilion, an open-air gym, and scenic viewing points. A dynamic façade design integrates greenery to enhance cooling, diffuse sunlight, and foster social interaction.

The redesigned park addresses Miami’s dual challenges of flooding and pollution with forward-thinking ecological strategies, including a "live double seawall," bioretention systems, constructed wetlands, and native vegetation. Additional features such as solar panels, a green roof, and pervious paving improve energy efficiency and mitigate the urban heat island effect. Together, the building and park establish a resilient, interconnected environment that exemplifies the potential of adaptive retrofitting in coastal cities.

51

CONSTRUCTED PATH

ORIGINAL SITE CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

CIRCULATION DIAGRAM BIORENTENTION SYSTEMS

CONNECTION BETWEEN ENTRY POINTS

ORIGINAL SITE

52

SUGGESTED CIRCULATION

FINAL PATH

PERVIOUS PAVING

DOUBLE SEAWALL

ROOFTOP

EDUCATIONAL PAVILION

53

ENVIRONMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS

54

NATIVE PLANTS

55

56

7

TEXTILE TENSION

The form resulting from the enlogation of an elastic body.

The state of being stretched or strained, typically resulting from pulling or stretching force applied to an object or substance; tension can shape and define fabric.

57

58

59

60

61

NINABUDDRIUS@GMAIL.COM +1 (858) 519-2839 MIAMI, FL