The front cover image features an axonometric drawing of my IARC Comprehensive Project, the R&R Wellness Center, showcased on page 5. This design reflects my passion for combining my interests in architecture with my dedication to promoting fitness and holistic wellness, creating spaces that prioritize well-being and self-care.
3D Printed Lamp
Copper Vessel
Dining Room Table
Pyramid Lamp
PERSONAL STATEMENT
In this portfolio, you will find a collection of projects from my time at the University of Oregon, construction experience and personal projects
This sample aims to show my working knowledge and continued education in building principles and software experience. I hope to convey my interest and exploration of sustainable systems and my deep desire to learn how they are built.
Sarah Knenlein
Gradient testing using Grasshopper parametric scripts printed with Prusa 3D printer and powder printed
Developed decarbonization pathways for multi-building portfolios collaborating with owners, project managers, associates, and directors.
AVFI Architectural Intern
Port of Seattle ARUP
June-Sept 2023
June-Oct 2022
Woodshop Lead
Design Assistant Bineham Design University of Oregon
Oct-June 2022
VISION
Coordinated with project managers, contractors, permitters, architects, and material representatives to design children’s area in Annex D of SeaTac Airport
Developed construction documents in Vectorworks of existing residential/commercial buildings for renovation. Collaborated with clients on conceptual floor plan and elevation design and programmatic developments
Instructed small groups of undergraduate students in interpreting AutoCAD design plans and problem-solving techniques to construct theatrical sets
Master of Architecture and Master of Interior Architecture student focused on designing and researching regenerative design and the inclusion of non-toxic, cradle-cradle materials to create healthy spaces that promote mental and physical wellbeing.
CENTER
RELAXATION RESPONSE
R&R Wellness Center focuses on repairing, restoring, and building relationships within the Eugene, OR community. The name ‘R&R’ represents the relaxation response, a calming practice that can influence genetic expression.
BLURRING BOUNDARIES
Bringing plants indoors and incorporating a greenhouse that everyone can engage with establishes a gentle boundary between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
PENSIVE CORRIDOR
The Pensive Corridor offers a space to gather your intentions and adjust your mindset, preparing you to embrace the core principles of repair and restoration. The greenhouse and outdoor path create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.
PROGRAMMING
The first floor integrates all the main concepts: physical therapy services to repair the body, a spa to restore the soul, and a greenhouse café to foster relationships.
Repair | Restore | Relationship
Circulation
CONCEPTS
All materials are focused on being Red List Free with sustainable systems integrated.
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
PNW EARLY DEVELOPMENT CENTER
This project, located in Eugene, OR, addresses the growing demand for childcare services for University of Oregon students and faculty.
STRAW BALE STRUCTURE
I chose straw bale construction for its non-toxic properties, minimal thermal bridging, and high R-value, making it ideal for a children’s space. The details were developed in Revit.
HIDE AND SEEK
The building’s design was inspired by the game ‘Hide and Seek.’ Revit and Enscape were utilized to render and analyze daylight within the space.
EDUCATION | IARC STUDIO | WINTER 2023 WORKING DRAWINGS | DOG BAR
This project focused on using Revit to create a construction drawing set for a client planning to open a dog bar. The set includes floor plans, reflected ceiling plans (RCP), a lighting plan, casework details, FF&E schedules, and more.
CASEWORK DETAIL
This studio focused on detailing a piece of casework unique to each student’s interior. It was the first experience in learning how casework is assembled.
MATERIALS
I selected Shou Sugi Ban wood for both the exterior and interior, complemented by copper accents, to highlight the materiality of the Pacific Northwest. The copper adds warmth and color to the typically gray, rainy climate.
ARCH 562 | Project 3
MEETING HALL ROOF PROJECT 3 | ARCH 562
MEETING HALL TRUSS
The final project of this course involved designing a unique truss for a market hall and using KARAMBA in Rhino and Grasshopper to understand the stresses.
Displacement
Shear Force
CONNECTIONS
Connections were analyzed using provided spreadsheets, which helped translate theoretical concepts into practical applications.
FURNITURE DESIGN CH(AI)RS
AI INSPIRATION
This studio utilized AI (MIDJOURNEY) to generate conceptual prompts, which served as inspiration for designing and constructing a wooden chair based on our unique interpretations.
LAP CHAIR
The chair, made from cherry wood, was designed in Rhino to match my preferred dimensions for sitting cross-legged.
DIGITAL FABRICATION
3D PRINTING
This course focused on the principles of 3D printing. For the final project, I designed a unique piece that incorporated interlocking components to form a larger assembly.
CONNECTIONS
The lamp has female and male connection pieces as well as offset cap pieces of .15mm to assemble the structure.
CONSTRUCTION | VOLUNTEER | WINTER 2023
EVERYONE VILLAGE KITCHEN
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
Everyone Village offers transitional housing for unhoused individuals awaiting permanent housing assignments. I contributed to constructing the frame, roof, metal siding, conduit, and electrical systems for the kitchen. I also contributed building the trusses and structures of the tiny transitional homes.
GE WOOD SHOP LEAD
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
This production involved welding steel railings, constructing a trap door in the floor, and building a track for Broadway flats to slide in and out of scenes. The most challenging part was cutting the trusses cleanly with a jigsaw.
CONSTRUCTION
GE WOOD SHOP LEAD
HAYFEVER
This production involved constructing platforms, Broadway flats, stairs, door frames, and molding using plywood, MDF, and 2x4s. The most challenging aspect of the project was configuring the molding and installing the door frames.
PERSONAL | FALL 2024 HEXAGON SHADE
INTERLOCKING DESIGN
The original prototype was made of white chipboard and trace paper to experiment with different designs that can be disassembled. The structure covers a globe table lamp that is too bright and needed a diffused layer.
3D PRINTED LIGHT SHADE
After learning 3D printing techniques, I decided to experiment with an adaptable interlocking system that could replace the prototype. The design was created in Rhino and the 3D printing was done using Prusa printers.
PERSONAL | 2019 COPPER VESSEL
MONSTERA
Inspired by my favorite houseplant, the Monstera, this copper vessel was crafted using coppersmithing techniques such as sinking, planishing, hand-raising, hammering, annealing, and finishing with a peanut oil patina.
PERSONAL | 2020 DINING ROOM TABLE
WELDED STEEL
This project was designed to replace an older wooden table that had warped. The frame was constructed using MIG-welded rectangular tube steel. Fasteners attached from below allow the wood to be easily disassembled for transport and repairs.
PERSONAL | 2020 PYRAMID LAMP
MATERIALITY
Inspired by the contrast between heavy and light materials, this luminaire features a TIG-welded steel frame with rice paper adhered to the sides of the pyramid for a diffused effect. Various LED lamps were tested to achieve a soft, warm light.
