SAMUEL CARTER
selected works
“good architecture lets nature in.” - mario pei
EDUCATION
spring ‘25
spring ‘20
SAMUEL CARTER
|773| 999-3211
src183@miami.edu
Chicago, IL | Miami, Fl | New York, NY www.samuelrcarter.com
University of Miami - School of Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture | Presidential Scholar | Provost’s Honor Roll & Dean’s List Minor in Psychology | Certificate in Historic Preservation| 2024 Rome Study Abroad Program
Whitney M. Young Magnet
Chicago Architecture Center Fellowship
ACE Mentors |Perkins + Will, Stantec|
Chicago Youth Alliance for Climate Action
EXPERIENCE
PROFICIENCY
summer ‘19
City of Chicago Rising Star Award
Cornell University - College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
summer ‘24
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey | Architectural Intern
summer ‘23
summer ‘22
spring ‘22
‘21 - present awards
• Executed predesign, schematic design, and design development for multimillion-dollar capital projects, including at the World Trade Center and George Washington Bridge.
• Performed cost-estimating for capital projects, ensuring budget alignment with project goals.
• Created presentations, including renderings and diagrams, to effectively communicate design concepts to stakeholders.
Illinois Housing Development Authority | Architectural Intern
• Performed architectural reviews on a variety of residential projects, analyzing drawings for compliance and implementing strategies to reduce change orders and costs.
• Executed Section 106 HUD environmental reviews for multifamily projects, ensuring compliance with noise, air quality, and other standards while coordinating with Native American Tribes and Historic Preservation agencies.
• Assisted with construction administration, gaining exposure to diverse residential projects at various stages of construction.
Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture | Design-Build Teaching Assistant
• Co-led design and construction of an elevated water tote and wash & pack station for Chicago’s Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO).
• Managed project elements, including schedule coordination and design milestones.
• Mentored students, leading and organizing design activities.
Sahugan Siles Partners Architects | Architectural Designer
• Produced construction drawings for various small-scale residential projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Filed permit applications, coordinating with local officials to facilitate approval.
• Conducted in-depth research on zoning, building codes, and standards, delivering comprehensive reports to inform decision-making.
University of Miami Housing | Resident Assistant
• Provided guidance and counseling to 160 first-year students, addressing both academic and personal concerns.
• Conceived, executed, and led engagement programs, achieving peak attendance of 500 building-wide residents.
• Managed various administrative responsibilities, including budgeting, overseeing maintenance requests, and handling incident reports.
Newhouse Competition Award for Participatory Design Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite (ai, ps, id), Rhino, Sketchup, Lumion, Microsoft Office, Lasercutter, Woodshop, 3D Printer
Cornell Future Architect Award
1
ALTITUDE
soaring eco-hostel
2
ELEVATE
realm to skate and create
3
EUONIA
urban island re-imagined
4
APEX
density as tool for affordability
5
LVEJO
design as a tool for environmental justice
6
CERAMICS
transforming earth with touch and fire
ALTITUDE
soaring eco-hostel
envisioned within the context of miami’s vibrant tourism industry, altitude challenges the dominance of conventional fully enclosed glass towers that currently define the skyline, yet fail to respond to the unique subtropical environment.
at ground level, native mangrove restoration and flood mitigation transform the site into a thriving ecosystem. above, advanced water treatment systems and open-air gardens in the sky reimagine towers as living structures that harmonize with nature.
altitude envisions a future where architecture not only adapts to environmental change but also actively enhances and protects ecological vibrancy and sustainability.
mangrove restoration (conocarpus erectus rhizophora mangle avicennia germinans) native ecological restoration (sabal palmetto coccothrinax argentata serenoa repens)
panorama observation amenity L44
thicker floorplates for tree roots break up the facade and add depth
prevailing winds from east to cross ventilate
open-air floorplates allow rooms within a garden
longer axis oriented perpendicular to prevailing winds to optimize airflow
guest floors recede ‘nesting’ into amenity levels in response to southern exposure
5 guest levels
1 unique amenity level
guest floors ‘nest’ above amenity levels in response to southern exposure, facilitating connection and porosity within each module
building module diagram
garden level lounge
ELEVATE
realm to skate and create collaboratoration with danielle natale
inspired by the enamoring presence of a pre-existing old-growth tree at the heart of the site, elevate features a c-shaped building form, enveloping a lushly landscaped courtyard. this courtyard design also pays homage to the mid-century architectural legacy of the site, located in north miami beach, fl.
the building boasts a strong outwardly legible structural system, constructed with heavy timber and accentuated by dramatic trusses. this facilitates a column-free, porous, and shaded tree-canopied space at ground level for a skate park and other physical activities; simultaneously, providing an expansive and uninterrupted gymnasium space above.
counterbalancing the solidity of the outward-facing facades, inner terraces on the second and third floors playfully dance, creating a dynamic connection with the lush courtyard and offering unobstructed ocean views.
Service Backbone
- Primary Circulation
- Utility
Grand Entry Lobby Gymnasium
Event Space
Classrooms
Table Tennis + Smoothie Shop
Pre-existing OldGrowth Tree
Skate Park + Skate Shop
Structure
Expressed timber structure
Truss structure utlized for column free gym + skate park
Post + beam for north wing
Terraces Building Form
Playful courtyard facing terraces
Rigid form to complement the free-form terraces
Existing Banyan Tree
Building and landscaping designed around existing old-growth tree
program diagram concept diagram
south wing section
north wing section
exploded structure diagram
Post + Beam Structure
Truss Structure Roof System
entry courtyard
gymnasium
terrace
EUONIA
urban island reimagined collaboratoration with danielle natale
euonia village balances the need for density coupled with an intimate pedestrian-centered experience. identity and sense of place are birthed with the central plaza park, featuring retail, marina, pier, and myriad recreational moments to facilitate community engagement.
the realities of parking requirements are thoughtfully concealed behind “liner” townhomes and apartment buildings. towers, that provide much needed density, rise up elegantly from the background as opposed to crashing right into the street as they currently do. an emerald necklace of anchoring parks & abundant greenspace tie the entire island together while celebrating the unique tropical landscape.
plaza park view
boulevard view
euonia village transforms a confusing, unwalkable urban landscape into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community. the town plaza park anchors the island, establishing a clear sense of place. liner townhomes and apartments conceal parking plinths, creating a human-sensitive streetscape while addressing the demands and market realities of the area. diverse housing options replace the current tower-centric model, fostering a more inclusive and socially connected community.
8 Residential Towers
1 Feature Hotel
Concealed Parking Plinths
Mixed-Use Retail
Liner Townhomes + Apartments
Tower Lobby Entrances
Hotel Park & Native Garden
Town Plaza Park
Greenbelt Trail & Gardens
Recreational Park & Sporting Facilities
program diagram
APEX
density as tool for affordability
an exploration in using density as an avenue for affordability. from 1 double lot - which would otherwise hold a mere 2 units - is birthed an expansive 32 embedded within a garden
with an interlocking organization that maximizes the number of units in accordance with code, apex rises as a model for denser and more affordable low-rise infill development in miami.
despite it’s density, the proposal centers upon shared community green spaces: acting as a catalyst for reintegration with the natural world.
double-lot site in historic west grove.
zoning volume allotment & setbacks.
utilizing code loophole to add level with internal unit staircase.
carving away to allow for circulation, plantings, water management, and ventilation.
neighborhood context view
Basis
Rudiment Shrewd Solutions Carving Away
citrus tree garden (optimized south facing)
butterfly garden (coontie, coneflower)
private patios w/ flower beds historic “shotgun” house ventilation scheme
light + air wells for diffused light, ventilation, and shade-tolerant plantings (spathiphyllum wallisii)
units centered around planted courtyard
early concept sketches showing interlocking unit distribution
section A
section B
LVEJO
design as a tool for environmental justice
chicago’s little village environmental justice organization (LVEJO) stands as a powerful grassroots force for environmental justice, campaigning against polluting factories and spearheading the effort to remediate their superfund site, transforming it into a park and community garden.
as a teaching assistant in the ACE design-build program, I had the privilege of co-leading the initiative resulting in the construction of an elevated water tote and a covered wash & pack station.
returning to volunteer multiple times since, I’ve witnessed the lasting impact of our interventions; the experience has underscored for me the impact a few engaged citizens can have in effecting significant change, as well as the transformative power of design in turning their dreams into reality.
modular storage stool
water tote
hand-laid table tile roof detail
modular seating with integrated storage
local artists were invited to contribute artwork
CERAMICS
transforming earth with touch and fire
an exploration in the intersection of form, texture, and functionality. each piece a testament to the tactile beauty of clay. whether its a jar for my german shepherd’s treats or a plant pot in the shape of a face where excess water drains from the mouth, each piece is conceived by a practical need tackled in a creative way. each piece embodies the transformative possibilities of this versatile medium.
earth + touch + fire = joy
entwine | trinket dish
open arms | jewelry dish
elaborate | paper weight
hudson | dog treat jar
growth | plant pot with drainage