Rona Kong

Email rona.kong18@gmail.com

Phone (587) 839-6339

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rona-kong

Work Experience

05/2408/24

Bousfields | Urban Design Intern

• Prepared visual impact assessments, Block Context Plans, shadow studies, height maps and developed massing models

• Produced massing analysis reports and final report packages for clients

09/2312/23 FABRICations | Architecture & Urbanism Intern

• Created sections and renders resulting in a successful competition entry

• Assisted a booklet with 3D modelling and design iterations

• Worked on a physical model for an exhibition at Dutch Design Week

01/2305/23 Diamond Schmitt Architects | Student Architect

• Designed a playful daycare feature and main lobby seating for a community centre

• Assisted various projects in report writing, contract documents and proposal drawings

• Created presentation graphics and design options resulting in a successful interview

05/2208/22 City of Calgary | Arts & Culture Development Associate

• Researched and analyzed 10 global cities for the Culture Plan Benchmarking Study

• Created a resource with 150+ grants for the community

• Represented the City of Calgary in the national Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Conference

06/2108/22

Musicworks | Teacher

• Taught 20+ students in vocal, piano, guitar

• Developed 35+ musical tricks to help students overcome technical barriers

• Praised by manager and numerous parents for exceeding care and attention

School University of Waterloo Program Undergraduate Architecture Year 3B

Certificates & Awards

01/23

Term Dean’s Honours List

Ranked in the top 4; recognizes exceptional students of the class for the Fall 2022 term.

06/22

Project Feature at the University of Waterloo

First-year studio project printed and featured at Waterloo Architecture

05/22

Term Dean’s Honours List

Ranked in the top 5; recognizes exceptional students of the class for the Winter 2022 term.

08/21 National Gold Medal for Level 8 Voice #1 in Alberta for advanced voice technique.

05/21 University of Waterloo President’s Scholarship of Distinction

Entrance scholarship for a 95%+ admission average.

09/20 11th Place in International Competition

Among 30+ countries in the International Water Cube Cup Singing Competition.

07/20 Provincial Northern Light Award

For unpaid service, leadership, and community contribution.

06/20 Grade 11 Student of the Year

1 of 600+ students; recognizes school citizenship, performance, and involvement.

06/20 Architectural Design Excellence Award

1 of 40+ students in the Architectural Design class; awarded for creative design and class leadership.

Hello! I’m a third year student at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. I’m interested in how architecture can revitalize communities and help people connect to each other, the environment, and themselves. Through my work, I strive for high-quality and thought-provoking design.

Volunteer & Personal Projects

05/2005/22

Giving Music Project | Creator

• Founded the Giving Music Project fundraiser with 20+ original songs and over $500 in donations

• Coordinated a team of 10+ to bring music to homeless shelters during holidays

12/1809/21

From Art to Heart Nonprofit | Co-Founder & Vice President

• Passionate team with 10 branches in 7 countries

• Led Administration & Appreciation teams, dealing with data organization and event coordination

• Oversaw a team of 15+ volunteers for 30+ piano students across North America

• Initiated online communication hub for various interests (songwriting, crafts, etc.) with over 10k youth

04/2009/20 Covid9Teen Tomorrow Youth Group | Music Instructor & Show Host

• Facilitated 10+ weekly youth talent shows in over 8 cities across Canada

• Created online music lessons for songwriting and guitar

06/1903/20 High School Architecture Club | Founder & President

• Founded the first Architecture Club in Calgary

• Facilitated 20+ students with weekly meetings and networking opportunities with 100+ architects

• Coordinated with principal and teachers for initiations such as model making, events and more

October 12, 2022

Dear To Whom it May Concern:

This letter is to confirm that Rona Kong worked as a Cultural Development Associate (summer term) with our Arts & Culture Division May – August 2022. Rona report ed directly to me but worked independently and in team environments for her projects.

Rona adapted well to working in a complex municipal environment. She was able to successfully multi-task and delivered on time the three projects assigned to her; researching and developing a granting guide for corporate and citizen use; assisting with public consultations led by internal partners; analyzing and reporting on data to support a Council requested report.

She worked successfully with cross corporate teams , presented to an independent advisory group and participated in face to face and virtual engagements with residents of Calgary and non -profit organizations. Those who worked directly with her felt she was professional and engaging to work with. We appreciated her enthusiasm to learn and her willingness to ask questions, when necessary. She worked to bring energy, thoughtfulness and a considered approach to all of her projects.

Sincerely,

Lisa

Lisa Hickey-Besserer Team Lead Cultural Development Partnerships, The

City of Calgary

C 403.998.9245

09 May 2023

To whom it may concern:

Re: Employment Reference – Rona Kong

I am pleased to recommend Rona Kong for employment. Rona worked in our Vancouver studio in the winter of 2023, where she contributed to a number of projects. Her roles included designing and preparing presentation graphics, developing and documenting design options, and contributing to contract documents using Revit.

Rona is positive, engaged, and motivated. She is self-aware, and leverages her strengths, but is also keen to learn and grow. She is active in shaping her experience to get the most from her education and work.

Rona has a professional attitude and is very attentive to her work. She is on her way to a promising career in architecture, and I am confident she would positively contribute to any future employer. I can be reached at dnewby@dsai.ca should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Derek Newby, Architect AIBC, MRAIC Principal

August 12, 2024

To Whom It May Concern:

Re: Letter of Recommendation – Rona Kong

It is my pleasure to provide a letter of recommendation for Rona Kong who was employed at Bousfields Inc. as a student intern in the role of Urban Designer from May 2024 to August 2024. During that time, Rona quickly integrated into the team and contributed to several projects of varying scale, working directly with me as well as several other team members, on a variety of tasks.

While working at Bousfields, Rona consistently demonstrated dedication and reliability, approaching her work with enthusiasm and a positive outlook. Rona conducts herself with professionalism, and we were pleased with her ability to work collaboratively within a team setting. She has a diligent work ethic, keen eye for detail, and is thoughtful in her work. Rona is highly motivated and eager to learn, asking questions to ensure she has a clear understanding of the required tasks. Rona extrapolates from previous assignments to apply what she has learned to her next task.

During her term with Bousfields, Rona prepared visual impact assessments, contributed to the production of Block Context Plans, undertook shadow studies, prepared height maps, developed massing models, and was responsible for the production of massing analysis reports, calculating building statistics and producing final report packages for clients. She was also involved in broader firm-wide initiatives, such as our Good Works Committee which plans office-wide events and charitable initiatives.

Based on her creative approach, collaborative nature, and quick learning skills, I believe that Rona would be a welcome addition to any organization and that she will flourish with continued exposure to the urban design discipline. If you have any questions about Rona’s experience while with our team, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at rshiell@bousfields.ca

Sincerely,

Roxy Shiell, MES MCIP RPP Principal

Makers Hub

Date April 2023

Program Mixed-Use

Course 3A Design Studio Collaborators

Chelsea Wu

Cindy He

Gillian Marsh

Instructors

Adrian Blackwell

David Fortin

Marie-Paule Macdonald

Rick Haldenby

Quan Thai

Situated on the historical and industrial lands, Makers Hub aims to improve housing alienation and food scarcity in the Hespeler area by utilizing the core tenets of a gentrification tax to imagine an urban strategy of connectivity; to not only maintain but also support the density of an urban space that accepts the influx of long-term residents brought in by the train station, the project incorporates various collective housing approaches to create intentional communities of greater support amongst residents.

FREE TRAINING STUDYING

PRODUCING AND SELLING

PLANTING AND MAINTAINING

MAINTENANCE

A circular economy of layered networks is created by maximizing both creative outlets to speak to the site’s industrial character, as well as a diverse set of green spaces heavily integrated into the residential fabric. On site, the food network addresses different levels of provisioning such as self-provisioning with allotment and community gardens in residential areas, as well as second-hand provisioning which takes place in the Heart Plaza’s market, community kitchen, and food bank all in – close walking proximities to encourage relationships of sharing.

View of Heart Plaza from Entrance

SELLING WOOD PRODUCTS

FREE TRAINING WORKSHOP

PRODUCT TESTING

WOOD WORK

RESTAURANT GARDENS

The typologies of the NEST are all reimagined to maximize collective living, providing the social benefits of living collectively while creating a sense of safety and privacy. The LOW MIX housing is built with a cooperative housing model, the units surrounding two interior courtyards framed by a partially enclosed balcony. Units are mirrored with flexible walls and doors that will be built in consultation with occupants to provide maximum agency and adaptability. Laundry facilities are provided in a communal space, lighting is diffused with the use of operable shading throughout the building’s facade.

View of Makers Alley from Street

To preserve the industrial characteristic of this site, the Makers’ Alley is dedicated to acting as a creativity hub for employment and inspiration, featuring hands-on trades ranging from bike repair to artisanal craft. These workshops and agricultural practices encourage the idea of a circular economy where residents can take part in maintaining the site and their autonomy within a collective space. While production occurs throughout the site, distribution occurs mainly at the core of this block for gathering the community to participate in a collaborative way of living together. Through an emphasis on sustainable production and distribution in layers, the greater social needs are addressed and the community value that brought about the initial ‘unearned increment’ stays within the area to further strengthen the neighbourhood.

Wood Diagram

Fly Ash Brick Diagram

Metal Diagram

Elevated Extrusions

Date December 2022

Program Mid-Rise Apartment

Course 2A Design Studio

Instructors

Adrian Blackwell Sifei Mo Val Rynnimeri

Extrusions

Elevated Extrusions is a co-operative mid-rise apartment for families and immigrants, focused on engaging ecological and social connections. The special view of the river is a shared common space between all residents, removing the individual privilege of a single unit enjoying the wonderful view. The balcony is a gesture that facilitates community bonding to connect people to the environment, others, and themselves.

Site Plan

Massing Morphology

Massing Axonometric

Diagrammatic Exploded Axonometric

View of River from Corridor and Shared Balcony

Ground Floor Plan

Second Floor Third Floor Fourth Floor

The two unit plans illustrate the evolution of the building over time to respond to the creative agency of its users. Designed for families and immigrants, the spaces are flexible to accommodate for different scenarios. The left arrangement, for six individuals, is a more traditional 3- and 4-bedroom apartment unit. The right arrangement, for a family, has a balcony that acts as a transitional shared space between the two semi-private units. This option to expand is designed towards intergenerational living.

The building hugs a courtyard, forming a U-shape that faces the river and pathway. This vibrant outdoor public space, the corridor and the continuous staircase engage ecological and social connections. As well, the shared balconies provide a sense of security, social opportunities, and user creativity. They become a canvas of opportunity full of meaningful connection and selfdiscovery.

Section Detail

Section East-West

View of Terrace from Shared Laundry

Date May 2020

Program Residential House

Course Personal Project

House

Instructors Bin Chen

House

As a personal project to prepare for university application portfolios, I redesigned my family’s home using our current property in Calgary, Alberta.The sun room, rooftop garden and outdoor space create a lush hybrid environment. The design makes use of the space in the property by linking house and play together. This project includes hand-drawn axonometrics, SketchUp renders, Revit 3D model, and a 1:100 physical model.

Con-nec-ted has a unique design for the first floor; three rooms, having different functions, are separated. Creating privacy as well as interest, the design utilizes space and integrates nature into the structure.

Aerial View First Floor Second

Model Photo 1

Model Photo 2

Axonometric 1

Axonometric 2

Stitching Library

Date April 2022

Program Public Library

Course 1B Design Studio

Instructors

Isabel Ochoa

Rick Andrighetti

At the intersection between King and Queen Street on the East side of Toronto, the two roads merge into a bridge, providing a sloped site at the intersection. In response to the site, the library’s unique split levels open a conversation between the floors and programs. There is much emphasis on a hybrid environment, making the site vivid and lively. The different programs and opportunity for activity enrich the community by providing not only a reading place but also a working studio for urban fabric.

Sectional Perspective

Programmed to include a sewing studio, this community hub holds opportunities of meaningful interaction. Sewing holds the strength of a single thread to connect pieces together. Thus, I aimed to highlight the stitching of the material assembly; the sewing of the building itself. With exposed services such as pipes, beams, HVAC, the library becomes a space of beautiful weaving and connectivity, both of pipes and people.

Ground Floor Plan with Site Context

The library becomes a diverse space for everyone and improves existing site conditions with its mixed use and vibrancy. People gather in this space and connect to the social fabric through what each program has to offer.

Elevation 1

View of Farmer’s Market and Facade from Street

View of Cafe and Clothing Swap

Date November 2023

Firm FABRICations

Software Rhino Enscape

Illustrator

Photoshop Vectorworks QGIS

During my time at FABRICations, I mainly worked on two projects: an idea competition revitalizing the area around Schonefeld Terminal 5, and an area development booklet in Den Bosch, The Netherlands.