Anna Simpson Portfolio

port folio ANNASIMPSON

ANNA SIMPSON

Los Angeles, CA

・(667) 240-9607・annasimp@usc edu

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Master of Architecture +2

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

Bachelor of Arts - Architectural Studies

Minors: History; Environmental Systems and Society

EXPERIENCE

Los Angeles, CA

Aug. 2023 - May 2025

Los Angeles, CA

Sept. 2018 - June 2022

RH MODERN West Hollywood, CA

Technical Interior Design Assistant

June 2022 - Dec. 2022

・Partnered with a senior designer to provide support through all phases of the design process Including consultations, site visits, design development, and space planning in AutoCAD, communicating design concepts through presentations in InDesign, and installations Additionally, worked on smaller-scale projects with personal clients, bolstering revenue by over $350K/month

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

Frederick Eklund’s Junior Assistant

Beverly Hills, CA

Dec. 2021 - June 2022

・Provided administrative support to Frederick and his team Executed a high-volume mailing initiative to distribute correspondence to clients. Retouched marketing images and renderings in Photoshop. Previewed homes for clients, and assisted at events.

BROUGHAN CONSTRUCTION LTD

Internship

Dublin, Ireland

June 2021 - Aug. 2021

・Contributed to a dynamic construction environment focusing on stadium construction and renovation. Gained valuable experience in project planning, site management, and quality control to ensure successful outcomes Collaborated within a diverse team, receiving personalized mentorship from owner Patrick Clinton.

TRANSAMERICA

Investment Management Internship

Baltimore, MD

May 2019 - Aug. 2019

・Shadowed the head of strategic portfolio management in the planning and executing investment decisions Performed econometric analyses of historic returns, macroeconomic research, and analyzed large sets of transaction data to improve trade execution

EXTRACURRICULAR

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS

President (elected)

Jan. 2020 - Jan. 2021

・Led UCLA’s AIAS board in organizing dozens of events, including guest lecturers, site visits, and alumni networking. Earned experience in social media marketing, outreach, organizational skills, and leadership Currently a member of the AIA California

BRUIN REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION

Society Member (appointed)

・Gained knowledge in Real Estate Financial Modeling and built a network with industry professionals

ALPHA DELTA PI, SORORITY

Philanthropy Chair (elected)

Sept. 2020 - June 2022

Dec. 2019 - Dec. 2020

・Collaborated with the Ronald McDonald House to raise thousands of dollars for their organization and went to their locations bi-monthly to cook meals for patients and their families.

U.S. FIGURE SKATING

4X US Gold Medalist 2003 - 2018

・Professional Ice Dancer who competed on the international Grand Prix circuit at the senior level. Olympic qualifier in 2018.

ADDITIONAL

RYT 200 Certified Yoga Instructor: Trained in Costa Rica; Vinyasa; Applied Yoga Anatomy and Muscle Activation (AYAMA)

Software: Rhino3D, AutoCAD, Revit, V-Ray, Lumion, Enscape, Grasshopper, Maya, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Google Work Space, Microsoft Office, Salesforce

01

URBAN FOREST

- CO-DIVIDUAL HOUSINGLOS ANGELES

URBAN FOREST

University of Southern California

Graduate Housing Studio - ARCH605A

Fall 2023

Designer: Anna Simpson

Collaborator: Nayla Alejandre

Professor: Brian De Luna

Urban Forest redefines urban living by seamlessly blending co-dividual housing with a thriving urban park. This project is designed to cultivate a sense of community, sustainability, and a seamless integration with nature. Within Urban Forest, the co-dividual residences present a unique living concept where individual dwelling units are interwoven with communal areas to promote social interaction, shared resources, and a genuine sense of community. The site surrounding Urban Forest serves as a green haven amidst the urban landscape.

This central park is meticulously crafted to offer residents a tranquil retreat featuring curated landscapes, walking paths, and communal spaces for recreational and cultural activities.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Urban Forest, with a commitment to eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and green building practices. The integration of sustainable features, such as green roofs and renewable energy sources, reflects a dedication to environmental responsibility and a harmonious coexistence with the natural surroundings.

URBAN FOREST

GROUND PLAN

URBAN FOREST

THIRD FLOOR PLAN

URBAN FOREST

SECTION PERSPECTIVE | PHYSICAL MODEL

URBAN FOREST

CHUNK MODEL

RENDERING (left)

PHYSICAL (right)

02

EPHEMERAL GIANT

- A VISUAL TALE OF ICE AND SUSTAINABILITY -

EPHEMERAL GIANT

University of California Los Angeles

Designer: Anna Simpson

Professor: Regina Teng

The geometry of icebergs is a mesmerizing dance of natural forms, showcasing the sublime beauty of geometric precision in frozen landscapes. Their structures, molded by time and elements, often exhibit sharp angles, intricate facets, and smooth curves. Beneath the water’s surface, unseen symmetries unfold, creating a balance between what is visible and concealed. The crystalline purity of ice contrasts with the dynamic forces that shape these floating giants, embodying the delicate equilibrium of nature. The geometry of icebergs becomes a poetic expression of resilience, as these glacial sculptures navigate the fluidity of oceans while silently echoing the intricate patterns of environmental interconnectedness.

Sustainability intertwines with the majestic world of icebergs, echoing a delicate harmony between frozen landscapes and environmental equilibrium. Icebergs, symbols of Earth’s climatic balance, demand a sustainable perspective. Melting ice underscores the urgency to preserve these polar wonders, pivotal in regulating global climate. Sustainable practices become a lifeline for these colossal sentinels, guarding against irreversible thawing. Balancing human activities with nature is paramount to safeguard these pristine realms, ensuring future generations witness the awe-inspiring beauty of icebergs. The intersection of sustainability and icebergs is a call to preserve, a testament to humanity’s responsibility in fostering a world where frozen giants persist amidst a changing climate.

EPHEMERAL GIANT ELEVATIONS

EPHEMERAL GIANT

EGG CRATE MODEL FROM SERIAL SECTIONS

03 PIXEL HUB

- MULTIGENERATIONAL HOUSING -

PIXEL HUB

University of California Los Angeles

Designer: Anna Simpson

Collaborators: Estabon Balikian, Senna Hanner-Zhang, Angie Zheng

Professor: Max Kuo

Innovative and dynamic, this housing project transcends traditional concepts. Nestled within modular pixilated cubes, the residences exhibit a unique blend of contemporary design and sustainability. These cubes, arranged in a bar-shaped building, house a vibrant public space hosting farmers markets and community events. As residents enjoy their modular living, the cubes gracefully crumble from the core, giving way to an undulating park. This transformation symbolizes the synergy between urban living and nature, offering a seamless transition from structured living spaces to an organic, communal landscape. The project stands as a testament to harmonizing modernity, community engagement, and ecological consciousness within an architecturally striking framework.

Multigenerational housing redefines living spaces as inclusive sanctuaries where different generations coexist harmoniously. Fostering interconnectedness, these homes celebrate diversity, uniting grandparents, parents, and children under one roof. Offering shared experiences and mutual support, they break down generational silos, nurturing family bonds. Multigenerational housing emphasizes communal living, where wisdom meets youthful exuberance, creating an enriching environment for all. These dwellings are versatile, adapting to changing family dynamics, ensuring a seamless blend of traditions and contemporary lifestyles. Beyond convenience, they reflect a societal shift towards shared responsibilities, embodying the timeless essence of familial unity within the evolving tapestry of modern life.

PIXEL HUB

UNIT TYPOLOGIES

PIXEL HUB

PIXEL HUB

TOPOGRAPHY MODEL | UNIT RENDER

PIXEL HUB

OPTIC IMAGE

04

DRIVE-IN DWELLING

- THE AUTOMOTIVE ERA -

DRIVE-IN DWELLING

University of California Los Angeles

Designer: Anna Simpson

Professor: Katy Barkan

Step into a residence tailored for the Automotive Era, where design and sustainability converge. Ascending a custom parking ramp to the second floor, your electric vehicle is not merely housed; it’s showcased as a symbol of innovation and environmental consciousness. Charging stations seamlessly integrate into this automotive artistry, highlighting the transformative impact of electric vehicles on transportation. Large windows flood the space with natural light, creating a dynamic interplay between sleek architecture and cutting-edge technology. This residence serves as a testament to the paradigm shift in transportation, where electric vehicles

redefine the way we move, and explores how we integrate them into our living spaces. In addition, the house has a clear separation of living and working spaces. There are two zones, and living spaces are shown with black poche. This visual and spacial division establishes a clear division between work and home which is crucial for maintaining mental well-being, reducing burnout, and fostering a healthy balance between professional and personal life. The connection between worklife balance and electric vehicles lies in the shared commitment to sustainability and a forward-thinking lifestyle. Electric vehicles have the potential to enhance work-life balance.

DRIVE-IN DWELLING

CHUNK MODEL (left)

PHYSICAL MODEL (right)

05 DUBLIN

- FORMAL, SPATIAL & ANATOMICAL ELEMENTS OF THE URBAN LANDSCAPE -

DUBLIN

University of Souther California

Designer: Anna Simpson

Professor: Vinayak Bharne

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, boasts a rich history that spans over a thousand years. The city’s origin can be traced back to the Vikings when settlers founded “Dubh Linn,” where the River Poddle meets the River Liffey. This strategic trading hub grew over time into a significant center for commerce and culture. In 1170, the Normans invaded Ireland, and the English claimed the island. Under British rule, the architecture and institutions of the nation began to reflect its rulers, and Dublin became the administrative and political capital it remains today. Over the centuries, there were several challenges, from the Black Death in the 14th century to repeated invasions and uprisings. However, the city also became an intellectual center with the establishment of Trinity College in 1592.

In an attempt to escape famine and economic hardship, there was a surge of Irish immigration to the United States. The 20th century ushered in a new era of independence for Dublin. Ireland won independence from Great Britain in 1922, and Dublin played a pivotal role in the struggle for self-determination. Since the establishment of the Irish Free State, Dublin has served as the capital of the republic. In recent decades, Dublin experienced significant economic growth and urban development. The Temple Bar District was thus revitalized into a cultural quarter filled with pubs, theaters, and restaurants. In other districts, Dublin underwent significant urban renewal. The Docklands were at the heart of this modernization effort as former industrial zones were transformed into a thriving commercial hub for international technology and financial institutions.

Dublin’s urban planning reflects a dynamic blend of historical preservation and modern development. The River Liffey, which bisects the city, has been a focal point for historical and contemporary planning. The medieval core is characterized by narrow streets and historic landmarks such as Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. During the Georgian era, the streets were widened into boulevards, and elegant squares were introduced. Later in the 19th century, the concept of suburbs as we understand them today began to take root in Dublin. The expansion of the railway network allowed people to live farther from the city center and commute to work. This accessibility, alongside the demand for more housing, spurred the rapid development of suburban communities. Suburban expansion continued throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, becoming integral to the metropolitan area.

DUBLIN

EVOLUTION OF A MEDIEVAL CITY

EVOLUTION OF A

This series of maps depicting Dublin’s evolution presents tive growth. Beginning with the medieval city walls, the city in grey, overlayed with that year’s city boundary. The search in “The City Walls: Dublin through the Ages” and

Medieval Dublin City Walls

1840

1930 1950

1840

EVOLUTION OF A MEDIEVAL CITY

1900 1950

presents a compelling visual narrative of the city’s transformacity expanded greatly. Each map shows the medieval The data to create this graphic comes from the original reand the Irish government’s mapping tool, www.geohive.ie.

1985 - Present

This series of maps depicting Dublin’s evolution presents a compelling visual narrative of the city’s transformative growth. Beginning with the medieval city walls, the city expanded greatly. Each map shows the medieval city in grey, overlayed with that year’s city boundary. The data to create this graphic comes from the original research in “The City Walls: Dublin through the Ages” and the Irish government’s mapping tool, www.geohive.ie.

DUBLIN

SUBURBAN BLOCK STRUCTURE

SUBURBAN BLOCK

These Nolli style maps explore the block structure of Dublin’s the first railway in Ireland in 1834, suburban growth in Dublin of World War 2. Architect Herbert Simms was responsible and the construction of thousands of new homes during built in the second half of the 20th century shaped the urban homes with private gardens lining streets with plenty of can play. These images employ data from the original plans satellite images.

SUBURBAN BLOCK STRUCTURE

Dublin’s suburbs. Initially sparked by the construction of Dublin dramatically increased following the conclusion responsible for overseeing Dublin’s slum clearance in the 1940s during his career. The enormous suburban housing estates urban form that we see today, attached single-family trees leading to circular grass patches where children plans for housing estates, such as Crumlin, and current

These Nolli style maps explore the block structure of Dublin’s suburbs. Initially sparked by the construction of the first railway in Ireland in 1834, suburban growth in Dublin dramatically increased following the conclusion of World War 2. Architect Herbert Simms was responsible for overseeing Dublin’s slum clearance in the 1940s and the construction of thousands of new homes during his career. The enormous suburban housing estates built in the second half of the 20th century shaped the urban form that we see today, attached single-family homes with private gardens lining streets with plenty of trees leading to circular grass patches where children can play. These images employ data from the original plans for housing estates, such as Crumlin, and current satellite images.

DUBLIN

The neighborhood near the Grand Canal symbolizes a new, prosperous economic age in Ireland. Using maps from the Dublin city council, I created a 3-dimensional representation of the area showing how the new development soars above the historic buildings in the surrounding areas. This area is a prime example of the cycle of creative destruction and urban regeneration in old cities over time, as well as a contemporary expression of global homogenization.

REINVENTED

06

GEOMETRY GAMES

- DESCRIPTIVE AND COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL GEOMETRY -

GEOMETRY GAMES

University of Souther California

Designer: Anna Simpson

Collaborators: Lauren Brown, Gregor Tillman, Jackson Hamilton

Professor: Matt Conway

Due to the ability of digital modeling to generate complex forms without knowledge of the underlying mathmatical and geometric concepts, the digital medium has created an imbalance between design and the means and methods of construction. To bridge this divide, it was necessary to develop a geometric lexicon that navigates between curved forms and the industrial constraints of building assemblies. By developing technical skills in visual scripting, an investigation was conducted into the underlying geometry of complex forms.

Using the pawn from a traditional chess set, a new form was abstracted using macro geometry and panelization techniques. The resulting form incorporates surfacing techniques such as developable surfaces, quad panelization, and complex panelization, merging them into an architectural assembly. The physical model serves as a tactile means to engage with the process of physical assembly and assess the effects produced by its modulation.

GEOMETRY GAMES

PHYSICAL MODEL