STEPHANIEFERNANDEZ
PROJECTMANAGER
DesignManifesto
I believe architecture has the power to elevate the human experience while cultivating a responsible and enduring relationship with the natural world. My vision is grounded in the belief that thoughtful design can be a catalyst for sustainable transformation enhancing communities, protecting ecosystems, andimprovinglives.
Inspired by the past and driven by curiosity, I seek innovative ways to design and build with intention. I value interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of architecture, engineering, and planning to shape resilient, inclusive,andmeaningfulenvironments.
I amcommittedto:
Sustainable Design: Creating buildings and places that prioritize energy performance, reduce carbon footprint, and support long-term environmentalstewardship.
Ecological Intelligence: Designing in harmony with natural systems leveraging daylight, passive strategies, and landscape integration to enrich bothpeopleandplanet.
WellnessandCommunity:Shapingspacesthatpromotehealth,equity,and connectivity where individuals and communities feel supported, inspired, andempowered.
Human-Centered Experience: Focusing on the daily lives of users, designing for comfort, creativity, and social connection across diverse contexts.
My design approach honors heritage while embracing the future balancing aesthetic beauty with measurable performance. Through purposeful design, I aimtocontributetoamoresustainable,just,andinspiringbuiltenvironment
TableofContents
CHILDREN’SMUSEUMOF
HOUSTONEXPANSION
HOUSTONSPCA
THECATALYST
MAYSCLINICALBLDG
RIVERVALLEYRANCH
CLUBHOUSE
VACLINIC
BLDG250
OFFICEADAPTIVEREUSE
KETCHUMARTS+SCIENCEBLDG
CRANMER SUNDIAL
CAMPWOODWARD
UTILITYINTHEMOUNTAINS
TRAVELSKETCHES
PROJECTS
CHILDREN’SMUSEUM OFHOUSTON EXPANSION
Houston,TX
The Children’s Museum of Houston expansion project provides additional exhibition, public support space, educational office space and parking for the existing facility. Designers incorporated a 3 level exhibit building, a separate 3story administrative building and a parking deck for the needed expansion of the program. The addition was carefully designed to extend the original Binz façadeandprovidecontinualityintheexteriordesign.
YearCompleted:2006
ConstructionCost:$26Million
TotalBuildingArea:22,000Sq.Ft.
Jackson&RyanArchitects
Role:Designer
HOUSTONSPCA
Houston,TX
In 1988, Jackson & Ryan Architects began a long-term collaboration with the Houston SPCA to create a state-of-the-art facility that revolutionizes animal care. Over three decades, this partnership has led to the development of the new Houston SPCA campus, a premier, comprehensive animal shelter that serves over 50,000 animals annually,rangingfromdomesticpetslikedogsandcatstohorses,nativewildlife,exotics, reptiles,andothermammals.
Spanning 12 acres, the Houston SPCA is designed to support the rehabilitation and care of all animals. The campus features an Adoption Center with two dog parks and green spaces, a Wildlife Center, an Animal Medical Center, and specialized facilities for equine and farm animals. Each space is carefully designed to provide stress-free environments foranimals,ensuringtheirhealthandhappinesswhileundercare.
The "Urban Ranch" architectural style, inspired by Texas country vernacular, combines modern functionality with rustic materials like limestone, cedar, and metal paneling. This creates a harmonious blend of a rural ranch aesthetic within an urban environment. The campusservesasamodelofinnovativeanimalwelfare,whilealsoprovidingeducational spaces, a veterinary student residence, and dedicated areas for fundraising and communityoutreach.
YearCompleted:2006
ConstructionCost:$9Million
TotalBuildingArea:38,000Sq.Ft.
Jackson&RyanArchitects Role:Designer
THECATALYSTSTUDENTHOUSING
Atlanta, GA
The Catalyst Student Housing project in Atlanta, Georgia, is designed to redefine the student living experience by offering modern, functional, and sustainable housing tailored to the needs of university students. Located near the heart of Atlanta’s academic hubs, the development focuses on creating a vibrant and connected living environment that fosters both academic success andcommunityengagement.
The building’s architecture blends urban modernity with environmental sensitivity, incorporating clean lines and contemporary materials while integrating eco-friendly design features. Large glass facades and expansive common areas provide natural light and create a sense of openness, reducing thefeelingofconfinementoftenassociatedwithtraditionalstudenthousing Inside, Catalyst offers a range of suite-style apartments, complete with private bedrooms, shared kitchens, and living spaces that promote a balance between privacy and communal living. The common areas, including study lounges, fitness centers, and outdoor courtyards, are designed to encourage collaboration and social interaction, reflecting the needs of a diverse student population.
YearCompleted:2021
ConstructionCost:$16Million
TotalBuildingArea:13,000Sq.Ft. Galloway&Co.. Role:TeamLead
M.D. ANDERSONCANCERCENTER MAYSCLINICALBUILDING
Houston,TX
The Mays Clinic Building, an integral part of the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, stands as a symbol of hope, healing, and innovation in the field of healthcare architecture. Designed with a focus on patient well-being and advanced medical care, the building embraces the idea that thoughtful design can play a critical role in the healing process. This facility is more than just a medicalcenter itisaspacethatfostersphysical,emotional,andpsychological healing,whilepromotingcollaborationandcutting-edgeresearch.
The design of the Mays Clinic was envisioned to create a therapeutic environment that minimizes the often stressful experience of navigating a healthcaresetting.Everydesigndecisionwasmadewiththepatient'sjourneyin mind, from the moment they enter the building until they leave, whether for treatment,consultations,orrecovery.Thebuildingfeatureswide,opencorridors filled with natural light, making the spaces feel less clinical and more welcoming. These open areas, filled with daylight, offer moments of calm and clarity,encouragingemotionaleaseforbothpatientsandtheirfamilies.
Thearchitecturealsoincorporatessoothingcolors,organicmaterials,andnaturaltextures,reinforcing a sense of comfort and grounding. The interior design is intended to support both the physical recovery of patients and the emotional comfort of visitors, helping to alleviate the anxiety that often accompaniesmedicaltreatment.
As a leading cancer treatment facility, the Mays Clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology andadaptablespacesthatcanevolvealongsidemedicaladvancements.Thebuildingwasdesigned with future-proofing in mind, with flexible treatment rooms and research labs that can easily accommodatenewequipmentandmethodologiesastheydevelop.
The Mays Clinic Building stands as a model of how architecture can transform the healthcare experience.Byprioritizingpatientcomfort,environmentalsustainability,andadaptability,itservesasa beacon of compassionate care and cutting-edge medical innovation in Houston. It is not just a medicalfacility itisaplaceofhealing,community,andhope.
YearCompleted:2006
ConstructionCost:$240Million
TotalBuildingArea:782,000Sq.Ft.
CannonDesign(FormallyFKPArchitects)
Role:Designer
RIVERVALLEYRANCH-CLUBHOUSE RENOVATIONANDADDITION
Carbondale,CO
The River Valley Ranch House Renovation and Addition project in Carbondale, Colorado, represents a significant enhancement to the community's central amenity
As a Project Manager overseeing the Design Development (DD) and Construction Documentation (CD) phases, I collaborated closely with the design team and the generalcontractortotranslatethecommunity'svisionintoactionableplans.
The renovation focuses on several key areas to improve functionality and accessibility:
Mailroom Expansion: Enlarging the existing mailroom to accommodate new USPS/ADA-compliantmailboxesandadditionalparcelboxes.
East Side Addition: Adding two shower/restroom areas, toilet room, storage and anoffice.
Bar & Pool Food Service Areas: Expanding the bar area, interior design and new furnishings.
Interior Reconfigurations: Converting the entryway restroom into a food preparation and storage space, transforming the existing accounting office into flexiblespace,andrefurbishingbothlockerrooms.
Throughout the DD and CD phases, my responsibilities included refining design, coordinating with stakeholders, ensuring compliance with ADA standards, and integratingsustainabledesignprinciples.
AnticipatedCompletionDate:August2026
ConstructionCost:$4Million
TotalBuildingArea: 14,100Sq.Ft. Land+Shelter
Role:SeniorProjectManager
COMMUNITYBASEDOUTPATIENT VACLINIC
CastleRock CO
The Community-Based Outpatient VA Clinic in Castle Rock, Colorado, is designed to provide veterans with high-quality healthcare in a welcoming, supportive environment. The architecture reflects the clinic’s mission of service, healing, and community, with a focus on comfort, accessibility, and respect for the natural beauty ofthesurroundinglandscape.
The building’s design emphasizes human-centered care. Thoughtful layout and planning ensure a patient-friendly experience, with intuitive wayfinding and easily navigablespaces.Widecorridors,openwaitingareas,andamplenaturallightcreatea calming atmosphere, reducing stress for patients and visitors. The use of warm, natural materials like wood and stone connects the interior spaces to the Colorado landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to the region’s natural beauty.
Sustainability is a key focus in the design, with the clinic incorporating energy-efficient systems, natural ventilation, and eco-friendly materials. Solar panels and water conservation systems help reduce the building’s environmental impact, aligning with Colorado’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, large windows provide daylighting and offer views of the surrounding mountains, creating a healing environmentthatpromoteswell-beingforbothpatientsandstaff.
AnticipatedCompletionDate:February2025
ConstructionCost:$10Million
TotalBuildingArea: 29,000Sq.Ft.
dcbConstructionCompany,Inc.
Role:ProjectManager
BUILDING250-FAMILYRESILENCECENTER
FortBliss,TX
Built in 1913, Building 250 holds a significant place in the history of Fort Bliss. Originally serving as the Fort Bliss Officers' Club, this storied structure was a vibrant social hub for military officers and their guests. Positioned with a commanding view overlooking Armstrong Field, the club was an ideal spot for watching polo games and enjoying the scenic surroundings. The Officers' Club was more than just a venue; it was a place where camaraderie and relaxation flourished, offering dining, socializing, and event spaces tailored to the needs of themilitarycommunity.
As Fort Bliss expanded in the 2000s, the role of the Officers' Club transitioned to the Centennial Club on the east side of the installation, accommodating the growing number of officers. Building 250, with its rich history, found a new purpose as the Family Resilience Center (FRC). This transformation required severalupdatestothehistoricbuildingtobetterserveitsnewfunction.
YearCompleted:2010
ConstructionCost:$3.9Million
TotalBuildingArea:28,135Sq,Ft..
DirectorateofPublicWorks
Role:HistoricPreservationProjectManager
Today, the FRC is a vital part of Army Community Service (ACS) at Fort Bliss, designed to strengthen the readiness, resilience, and well-being of Soldiers and their families. As the administrative hub for Family Resilience Programs, the FRC houses several ACS programs, providing a range of essential services. The facilityfeaturesclassrooms,meetingrooms,alargeconferenceroom,aresource center with ten computer stations, and lounge areas throughout the building. The adaptive reuse of Building 250 ensures that it continues to play a central roleinsupportingtheFortBlisscommunity,preservingitshistoricallegacywhile meetingcontemporaryneeds.
MEGROUPOFFICE ADAPTIVEREUSE
The 3040 Blake Street warehouse, originally constructed in 1932-33, stands as a testament to Denver's industrial heritage. Initially home to the Denver Engineering Works Company, it served as a hub for manufacturing activities, housing essential functions like the boiler shop, steam engine works, and pattern shop within its sturdy masonry walls and distinctive double exposed bowstringtrusses.
Over the decades, the warehouse evolved into a versatile space, offering an open layout that lends itself well to adaptive reuse while retaining its historic charm. This adaptive reuse not only preserves the building's architectural character but also aligns with sustainable principles, making efficient use of existingstructuresratherthannewconstruction.
In a forward-thinking initiative, the M.E. Group pursued WELL Building Certification Silver for the Blake Street warehouse. This certification underscores their commitment to creating a healthy and productive workspace that enhances the well-being of its occupants. By integrating sustainable practices and modern amenities, the warehouse has been transformed into a comfortable office environment that reflects contemporary standards while respectingitshistoricalroots.
Through careful planning and design, the Blake Street warehouse exemplifies howadaptivereusecanblendhistoricalpreservationwithmodernfunctionality, offering a compelling case for revitalizing older industrial buildings into vibrant, sustainablespacesforthefuture.
YearCompleted:2015
ConstructionCost:$8Million
TotalBuildingArea:22,000Sq.Ft.
dcbConstructionCompany,Inc.
Role:ProjectManager
KETCHUMARTSANDSCIENCEBUILDING
UNIVERSITYOFCOLORADO
Boulder,CO
The renovation of the Ketchum Arts and Sciences Building at the University of Colorado Boulder breathes new life into a historic academic facility while enhancing its functionality for modern education. Originally constructed in 1938, the renovation focuses on preserving the building’s classical architectural elements, such as its brick façade and arched windows, while introducing contemporaryfeaturesthatsupporttheevolvingneedsofstudentsandfaculty. The updated design emphasizes sustainability and accessibility, incorporating energy-efficient systems, improved natural lighting, and updated HVAC systems to meet current building standards. Inside, classrooms and collaborative spaces are reconfigured to foster active learning, with flexible layouts and modern technology that enhance interdisciplinary study and interaction.
Respecting its historical significance while advancing academic excellence, the Ketchum Building’s renovation blends the university’s rich legacy with forwardthinking design, ensuring that it remains a dynamic center for education at CU Boulder.
YearCompleted:2021
ConstructionCost:$16Million
TotalBuildingArea:13,000Sq.Ft. HordCoplanMacht Role:TeamLead
CRANMERPARKSUNDIAL REHABILITATION
Denver,Colorado
The Cranmer Park Sundial stands as a timeless symbol atop Denver's Cranmer Park,ahistoriclandmarkthathascaptivatedvisitorsfordecadeswithitsblendof artistry, functionality, and panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains beyond. Originally dedicated in 1941, the sundial was crafted from Colorado Yule Marble, renowned for its luminous white color and durability, making it an enduringcenterpieceofthepark.
Over the years, exposure to Colorado's elements took its toll on the sundial, necessitating a comprehensive rehabilitation effort to restore its grandeur and functionality. The project commenced with meticulous planning and assessment, led by a team of preservation experts, architects, and craftsmen dedicated to honoring the sundial's rich history while ensuring its longevity for futuregenerations.
The rehabilitation process began with careful cleaning and repair of the marble structure, addressing weathering and structural concerns while preserving its intricate carvings and elegant design elements. Each component was painstakingly evaluated and restored to adhere to strict preservation standards, maintainingtheintegrityoftheoriginalcraftsmanship.
Throughout the rehabilitation, community engagement played a pivotal role, with local residents and stakeholders contributing insights and support to ensure the sundial's rehabilitation resonated with its significance in Denver's cultural landscape. Educational programs and public outreach initiatives were also integral, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sundial's historical and scientificimportanceamongvisitorsofallages.
Upon completion, the Cranmer Park Sundial emerged revitalized, standing proudly as a testament to the intersection of art, history, and scientific ingenuity. Its restored beauty and enhanced functionality continue to inspire awe and wonder, inviting visitors to connect with Denver's past while embracing the promiseofitsfuture abeaconoftimekeepingandculturalheritagesetagainst thebackdropofthemajesticRockyMountains.
YearCompleted:2018
ConstructionCost:$2Million HordCoplanMacht|SlaterPaullArchitects Role: HistoricPreservationSpecialist
CAMPWOODWARD-WINTERSPORTS TRAININGFACILITY
CopperMountain,CO
This barn-like facility located in the picturesque ski town of Copper Mountain Resort provides a versatile and adaptive space that caters to a wide range of wintersports,includingsnowboarding,skiing,andfreestyleactivities.
The training camp includes 19,000 square foot of terrain park and pipe progression with design features such as foam pits, trampolines, and air bags to facilitatesafepracticeofaerialmanuvers andreducestheriskofinjury.
Interiors include spaces for rest, recover, and social interaction to foster a communityamongathletes
The project is Green Globes certified and integrates efficient systems and the use of eco-friendly materials. The Camp Woodward Winter Sports Training Facility aims to be a premier destination for winter sports training, offering athletestheresourcesandenvironmentneededtoexcelintheirdisciplines.
YearCompleted:2019
ConstructionCost:$8Million
TotalBuildingArea:22,000Sq.Ft.
dcbConstructionCompany,Inc.
Role:ProjectManager
The Idarado Telluride Storage Project involves the development of a strategic storage facility in Telluride, Colorado, designed to address local storage needs. This project aims to maximize storagecapacitywithintheconstraintsofTelluride'sgeographicalandenvironmentalconditions, optimizing the layout for easy access and organization. Incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, the facility minimizes environmental impact and aligns with local sustainability goals and regulations. The design concept includes forms and materials inspired by the local mining history, ensuring the facility blends seamlessly with the aesthetic and cultural characterofTelluride.
YearCompleted:2022
ConstructionCost:$6Million
TotalBuildingArea:56,000Sq.Ft.
dcbConstructionCompany,Inc
Role:ProjectManager
Careful site planning ensures optimal positioning of the building to capture breathtaking mountain views, while the integration of solar panels reflects a commitment to sustainable practices. Noteworthy design elements address Telluride's mountain climate, encompassing considerations for snow loads and the incorporation of energy-efficient wall assemblies, ensuring durability and resilience. Advanced security measures and convenient accessibility enhance the user experience, and the design allows for future adaptability to meet evolving storage needsandtechnologicaladvancements.
TRAVELSKETCHES
TRAVELSKETCHES
