Architecture | Arch. Engineering
PORTFOLIO | 2025
Priscilla Siswanto
URBAN NESTING
ADVANCED DESIGN III :: FALL 2024
Instructor: Danelle Briscoe
Group Members: Eliana Parkerton, Libbie Ansell, Rohun Rajaram
This project reimagines residential density in response to Austin’s Home 2 amendment, prioritizing community, adaptability, and environmental sensitivity. Located on a 60’ x 240’ lot in East Austin, the development is organized around a heritage pecan tree, which anchors three family homes and flexible ADUs along a pedestrian-oriented axis leading to a shared park space. A modular 20’ x 20’ unit system allows for adaptable living arrangements, supporting home offices, rentals, or multi-generational housing while maintaining affordability.
A biophilic approach preserves the site’s ecology by elevating structures to protect the pecan tree’s root zone and maximizing permeable surfaces. Integrated pollinator habitats, passive design strategies, and a glazed, open-air staircase enhance environmental performance while blurring indoor and outdoor spaces. Texturally rich materials, green roofs, and off-grid ADU capabilities further reduce impact. By balancing density, flexibility, and ecological integration, the project serves as a model for sustainable urban growth under Austin’s evolving zoning policies.
DESIGN LOGIC DIAGRAM
SITE ORGANIZATION
TREE AS A GENERATOR
UNIT SUBDIVISION & PROGRAM
3 LIGHT STRUCTURE & GROUND PLANE PERMEABILITY
4 PRIVACY THROUGH ANGLED VIEWS
LANDSCAPE PERSPECTIVE
LANDSCAPE PERSPECTIVE
SHORT ELEVATION
LEVEL 1 - ADU 1 ONSEN 2 KITCHENETTE 3 BATHROOM
LEVEL 1 - EXTERIOR
4 POOL DECK 5 POOL 6 CRICKET WALL 7 POLLINATOR POND
LEVEL 1 - INTERIOR
8 KITCHEN 9 DINING ROOM 10 BREAKFAST NOOK
FLEX SPACE / OFFICE
BATHROOM
LEVEL 2
13 FAMILY ROOM 14 PRIMARY BEDROOM 15 PRIMARY BATHROOM 16 BEDROOM 17 BATHROOM 18 LAUNDRY
LEVEL 3
19 HALF BATHROOM 20 KITCHENETTE 21 READING NOOK 22 TERRACE
4 6” CONCRETE SLAB
5 1 1/2” RIGID FOAM INSULATION
6 3/4” FINISH FLOOR
7 3/4” PLYWOOD SUB-FLOOR
8 1 1/2” X 3 1/2” WOODEN FLOOR SLEEPERS (16” O.C.)
9 SELF-TAPING METAL SCREWS
10 3/4” GYPSUM BOARD (INTERIOR-RATED DRYWALL)
11 3/4” GYPSUM SHEATHING (EXTERIOR-RATED)
12 1” GALVANIZED STEEL HAT CHANNEL 13 1” GALVANIZED STEEL SIDING (CORRUGATED) 14 3 3/4” BATT
This investigation explores human-nonhuman coexistence through a 1x1 modular habitat that transforms crickets— often seen as pests—into a sensory and ecological asset. Designed to attract crickets with artificial light and encourage chirping through vibrating metal panels, the module creates an organic soundscape by amplifying and directing their chirps toward living spaces, offering a comforting white noise effect. A terracotta core absorbs rainwater to maintain an optimal microclimate, while perforated metal screens allow sound to travel while containing the insects. Detached from the home, the module prevents indoor invasion while fostering controlled cohabitation, with potential adaptation for future cricket harvesting. By reinterpreting crickets as active participants in the built environment, the design challenges perceptions of insects, integrating them into ecological and acoustic balance.
KITCHEN PERSPECTIVE
2XFOREST
ADVANCED DESIGN II :: SPRING 2024
Instructor: Tyler Swingle
Group Members: Braeden Byrd, Haya Albustamy, Melanie Guerrero, Ruth Zuniga, Ximena Calderon, Xin Wei Liang, Xiomara Andrade
This architectural design studio focused on reimagining the use of wood in construction by leveraging its unique, responsive properties to design a National Forest information center in Lufkin, Texas, in collaboration with the National Grasslands and Forests of Texas and the Softwood Lumber Board. To develop this project, we explored innovative design and assembly methods that highlight wood’s material characteristics—including a “live edge” approach that repurposes irregular, typically discarded pieces—moving beyond traditional construction techniques.
The design process centered on the concept of “FRAMING,” both as a structural tool and as a way to convey the forest’s stories and relationships as we investigated the balance between timber’s role as a living material and its use in construction, addressing challenges like climate change, monoculture plantations, and forest management. Through physical prototypes and computational models, our studio group developed a design that reflects both the ecological impact and the structural potential of timber, built entirely with 2X4 timber members, aiming for a responsible and aesthetically pleasing information center.
PHYSICAL MODEL
FULL SCALE MODEL
MODULAR MOSAIC
ADVANCED DESIGN I :: FALL 2023
Instructor: Michael Garrison
Group Members: Kenneth Gossett
This project explores net-zero VMU2 housing as a response to climate change and Austin’s affordable housing crisis, balancing density, sustainability, and livability. Inspired by Onion Flat’s g g y y y y Thin F Flats in Philadelphia, the design breaks down scale through massing and facade strategies that create a more approachable urban presence The 47,000 sq. ft. development integrates the existing Salty Sow restaurant, preserving its structure while expanding the mixed-use ground floor to include a café, retail, and office sp s ace. Abobove, five residential levels contain 69 prefabricated modular units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments A 15’ x 15’ reinforced concrete grid supports wood-frame modular units, connected by exterior circulation pathways, an internal courty t ard, and facade screens. Balconies and setback commercial spaces further reduce scale, creating a more inviviting street-level experience A steel-framed facade screen of wooden slats and panels softens the building’s presence, integrating it into the urban fabric.
By p preserving and building upon the existing restaurant while incorporating prefabrication, modular flexibility, and p passive desig i n strategies, the proj o ect offe f rs a scalable, net-zero housing model that aligns with Ausustin’s push for density, affo f rdability, and environmental responsibility.
PHYSICAL MODEL
ONE BEDROOM
ONE BEDROOM
EFFICIENCY TWO BEDROOM
EFFICIENCY TWO BEDROOMM
MODULE ASSEMBLY
UNIT TYPE A (13) EFFICIENCY - WITH
UNIT TYPE A (13) EFFICIENCY - WITH BALCONY 329 SQFT
(12)
UNIT TYPE B (12) EFFICIENCY 362 SQFT
UNIT
(22)
UNIT TYPE C (22) 1 BED / 1 BATH - WITH BALCONY 571 SQFT
UNIT TYPE D (15) 2 BED / 1 BATH - WITH BALCONY 714 SQFT
UNIT TYPE E (7) 2 BED/1 BATH 782 SQFT 3/16”=1’-0”
UNIT TYPE E (15) 2 BED / 1 BATH 782 SQFT
PHYSICAL MODEL ELEVATION
RENDERED ELEVATION
1 PV PANELS W/ MICROINVERTERS
2 STEEL MOUNTING FRAME
3 1” COVER BOARD + TPO MEMBRANE
4 FLASHING
5 VAPOR BARRIER
6 HOLLOW STEEL FRAME
7 RIGID INSULATION
8 PLYWOOD OPEN WEB TRUSS
9 5/8” GYPSUM BOARD
10 2X6 WOOD STUDS W/ BATT INSULATION
11 2 7/16” ZIP BOARD
12 1X4 FURRING STRIPS
13 1” FIBER CEMENT BOARD
14 WOOD SLATS
15 ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOOR
16 3/4” PLYWOOD
17 9 1/4” WOOD I-BEAM TRUSSES
18 2X4 SLEEPERS
19 BATT INSULATION
20 ALUMINUM HANDRAIL
21 GLASS PANEL
22 5X4 WOOD DECKING
23 REVERSE TAPERED WOOD STRIPS
24 WATERPROOF MEMBRANE
25 TAPERED WOOD STRIPS
26 REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN
27 1” STUCCO W/ REINFORCING MESH
28 1 1/2” STEEL DECK W/ 2 1/2” CONCRETE COVER
29 24” OPEN WEB STEEL JOIST
30 STRUCTURAL STEEL BEAM
31 STRUCTURAL STEEL COLUMN W/ BATT INSULATION
32 5/8” GYPSUM BOARD (X2)
33 STEEL MULLION
34 TRIPLE PANE LOW-E GLASS
35 SLOPED CONCRETE TOPPING SLAB
36 PERMEABLE STONE PAVERS
37 REINFORCED CONCRETE TEE
38 24” REINFORCED CONCRETE WALL
39 1” BENTONITE WATERPROOFING
40 6” REINFORCED CONCRETE SLAB W/ EDGE
41 GRAVEL FILL
42 SAND FILL
43 CONCRETE FRICTION PILE
HEALING THREADS
DESIGN V :: FALL 2022
Instructor: Juana Salcedo
This project explores health-focused urban intervention in Montopolis, Austin, by expanding the role of the existing Montopolis Recreation and Community Center. Framing health through four categories—nutritional, clinical, physical, and mental—the design builds on the center’s existing programs to create a more comprehensive community resource.
The intervention introduces a clinic, which includes a walk-in clinic, urgent care, and wellness center, alongside a path that connects the site’s pre-existing zones. While the clinic strengthens access to clinical and mental health services, the path supports all four health categories, integrating outdoor workout spaces, garden landscapes, and areas for mental retreat while improving neighborhood connectivity. By extending and enhancing existing infrastructure, the project reinforces Montopolis as a hub for holistic well-being, fostering greater accessibility and community engagement.
Nutritional Health
NUTRITIONAL HEALTH
Physical Health
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Clinical Health
CLINICAL HEALTH
1 EXTENSION LINES THROUGH SITE
SITE DESIGN LOGIC DIAGRAM
2 PROPOSED PATH AROUND EXISTING PROGRAMS
1 INITIAL AREA
PROGRAM DESIGN LOGIC DIAGRAM
Nurse Station
NURSE STATION
URGENT CARE
Urgent Care
WALK-IN CLINIC
WELLNESS SPACE
Walk-in Clinic
Wellness Space
2 PROGRAM DESIGNATION
ELEVATED PATH
ELEVATED TOPOGRAPHY
ENHANCING PROGRAM THROUGH SHIFTING
FINAL CLINIC CONFIGURATION
LIGHTFALL
DESIGN VI :: SPRING 2023
Instructor: Kyriakos Kyriakou Group Members: Zoe Choate
This project explores the intersection of dance and architecture, translating themes of spontaneity, discipline, and rhythm into spatial design. Focusing on light as a defining element, the project creates a dynamic environment that enhances movement and interaction within the space while reinforcing a sense of fluidity and connection.
The 25,000-square-foot contemporary dance center, located on the outskirts of downtown Austin, is organized into three primary zones: the dance school, public areas, and support spaces. Designed to serve a diverse community, it includes practice studios for an inhouse company, dance classes for all ages, and a performance hall seamlessly connected to the upcoming Waller Creek Park. A clear structural system enhances circulation and spatial integration, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic coherence. The design also prioritizes flexibility, allowing spaces to adapt to different performance styles and community programming. By merging movement, light, and structure, the project offers an immersive and inspiring space that fosters artistic expression and engagement.
DESIGN LOGIC DIGRAM
INTERACTION WITH CREEK
CONTROLLING VIEWS
VERTICAL ORGANIZATION
SOLAR MANIPULATION
- 2’ 6” THICK REINFORCED CONCRETE SLOPED ROOF - 1’ X 1’ REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS
THIRD FLOOR WALLS
- 1’ THICK REINFORCED CONCRETE SHEAR WALLS
THIRD FLOOR SLAB - 1’ DEEP REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOOR SLAB - 1’ X 1’ REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS
SECOND FLOOR WALLS - 1’ THICK REINFORCED CONCRETE SHEAR WALLS
SECOND FLOOR SLAB
- 1’ DEEP REINFORCED CONCRETE SLAB - 1’ 6” X 1’ 6” REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS
BASEMENT & PERFORMANCE HALL
- 1’ 6” X 2’ THICK REINFORCED CONCRETE SHEAR WALLS - 2’ X 3’ I-BEAMS
FOUNDATION SLAB - 2’ DEEP REINFORCED CONCRETE SLAB
- 2’ X 2’ REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS
EXCAVATED SITE
E4THST SABINE ST
E5THST
E6THST
E3RDST
S I-35 FRONTAGE RD
ROOF PLAN
FLOOR
FLOOR
ROOF FINISH
INSULATION
VAPOR BARRIER
DRAINAGE
CONCRETE
VAPOR BARRIER
INSULATION
VINYL FLOORING INTERIOR FINISH
SEMI-FLEXIBLE PANELS
PLYWOOD
SHOCK DAMPENERS
AIR GAP CEILING FINISH
METAL CONNECTORS
ACCOUSTIC PANELS
VINYL FLOORING
TIER SEATING SUPPORTS
CONCRETE
INSULATION
VAPOR BARRIER
GRAVEL
WALL SECTION
BAY MODEL
RECEPTION & FOYER PERSPECTIVE
PERFORMANCE HALL PERSPECTIVE
RESUME ::
Architecture and Architectural Engineering double major with a strong work ethic seeking to learn new skills and gain real-world experience in the design studio environment. My commitment to design excellence and attention to detail make me an ideal candidate for an internship position at an Architecture firm.
:: 832.269.2577
:: plsiswanto@utexas.edu
SKILLS ::
EDUCATION ::
EXTRA CURRICULARS ::
NOMINATIONS ::
•Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign; Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, and Enscape
•Experience in V-Ray, Processing, MATLab, Coolvent, eQUEST, and Power BI
•Microsoft Excel/PPT/Project
•Fluent in Mandarin
•Understanding of Indonesian
University of Texas at Austin
•Bachelor of Architecture
•Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering
St. Agnes Academy
Class of 2025
Class of 2020
•Secretary of Undergraduate Architecture Student Council (UASC), 2021-2022
•Secretary of Society of Engineering and Architecture Students (SEAS), 2021-2022
•Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI)
•Women in STEM (WiSTEM)
•Fall 2022 Design Excellence
•Fall 2024 Design Excellence
•Spring 2022 Academic Portfolio Distinction
EXPERIENCE
:: Architectural Intern
W Partnership, 2023-current
•Acquired comprehensive experience across all stages of architectural projects, with a primary focus on enhancing construction documents and providing valuable input to schematic design.
•Collaborated closely with project managers to gain insight into project planning, execution, and management processes.
•Participated in client meetings and site visits, contributing to discussions on project requirements and updates, design concepts, and feasibility assessments.
Summer Architectural Engineering Intern
Bechtel Corporation, 2022
•Provided multi-faceted support to the Bechtel CSA team, including proficiently creating Revit models, editing and formatting technical reports, consolidating data, and conducting site visits.
•Utilized strong communication skills and flexibility to effectively contribute to a range of local and international projects.
Material Exchange Facilitator
University of Texas at Austin, 2021-2024
•Facilitate and organize the collection of recyclable materials within the School of Architecture, expanding opportunities for sustainability and accessibility throughout the University.
Summer Camp Counselor/Daycare Assistant
Westside Tennis Club, 2020-2022
•Demonstrated strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills while coordinating and supervising daily activities for groups of children aged 5-12, resulting in successful implementation of programs.
Wonderworks Summer Program
University of Houston, 2018
•Awarded for creativity and execution in projects.
•Acquired a comprehensive understanding of architecture through immersive hands-on studio work, field trips, and portfolio workshops.
