Design Portfolio

Seth McQuery DESIGN PORTFOLIO

In the field of architecture, portfolios serve as dynamic narratives, showing an architect’s growth, ingenuity, and professional journey. They stand as testaments to an ability to innovate, problem-solve, and envision transformative spaces. Crafting a compelling portfolio is not merely an act of self-promotion but a strategic endeavor to underscore one’s potential for diverse career opportunities.

At this point in my career, I am pursuing an internship role with an architecture firm renowned for its commitment to sustainable design and urban revitalization. My ambition is to evolve into a versatile architect. Acknowledging the pivotal role of the portfolio in shaping perceptions of my capabilities, I am dedicated to creating a portfolio that resonates with discerning internship coordinators and hiring managers within the architecture field.

The primary audience for my portfolio will be internship coordinators and hiring managers within architecture firms. Given the competitive landscape of the industry, I am aware of the necessity to craft a portfolio that not only showcases my technical skills but also shows my passion.

To effectively propel myself towards my career aspirations, I can see the creation of a select number of printed portfolios meticulously tailored to targeted internship opportunities. Each printed portfolio will feature a curated assortment of projects showcasing my work. Complementing these printed versions, I will ensure the availability of digital renditions, thereby facilitating accessibility and convenience for prospective employers.

Drawing insights from extensive research and interviews, I am committed to avoiding common pitfalls in portfolio design, such as information overload, narrative dissonance, and poor presentation quality. My focus lies on clarity, coherence, and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that each project is accompanied by a statement of intent. In terms of project selection, my portfolio will show a diverse array of projects, ranging from completed architectural studies to ongoing design explorations. Technical drawings, renderings, and documentation will be included in an overview of each project. Furthermore, I aim to infuse personal reflections and insights gained from my time in school, underscoring my commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsibility.

Seth McQuery

Architectural Design Student

| EDUCATION

• Master’s in Architecture (In Progress) | Kansas State University

August 2020-Present (Expected Graduation: May 2025)

• Associates in General Studies | Independence Community College

August 2017-May 2019

| INVOLVEMENT

• AIAS Member - K-State Chapter

• APDesign Digital Fabrication Club - Representative

| EXPERIENCE

• KSU Vetenary Diagnostics Labratory - Student Worker

January 2022 - Present

Work with team to accession all samples to various labs, filing paperwork, loading and unloading packages, sorting through packages

• AirBnB - Owner/Property Manager

January 2022 - Present

Managing tenants, cleaning, yard care, general maintenance, taxes, financing

• Borton Industries Upholstry Stitching - Assistant

January 2017 - January 2019

Loading and unloading material onto upholstry machines, sorting through finished products for quality control and fixing blemishes, machine care (oiling, cleaning, fixing when necessary)

Email: smcquery@ksu.edu

Phone: (785)-473-3495

Address: 1330 N. 11th Manhattan, KS 66502

| PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

4+ Years of Experience

Hand Drafting

Physical Model Making

Laser Cutting

Site Analysis

3+ Years of Experience

Rhino 7

Abobe Illustrator

Abode InDesign

Vray Renderer

2+ Years of Experience

Autodesk Revit

Adobe Photoshop

Twinmotion Renderer

1+ Years of Experience

3DS Max

Adobe After Effects

Adobe Premiere Pro

Corona Renderer

| INTERESTS

Painting

Drawing

Reading

Guitar

Podcasts

Music

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NYC Microhousing

Douglas Theater

ECOWAS Cultural Center

18th & Vine Apartments

NYC MICROHOUSING

Tiny unit apartment complex in the heart of NoHo, NYC

Spring 2023

The intent of this design was to connect the public to more greenspace throughout the NoHo district of Manhattan, New York. This is achieved by evaluating what little plant life there was in the area, and adding more to the exterior portion of the building. Giving back to the community by “chopping” the building away is a good way to add more exterior space, allowing for more nature to replace it. The form of this design came about by allowing the floorplates to extrude the maximum distance on each floor (regulated by zoning laws in the district), creating terraces as well as occupiable exterior space, meant for all residents of the building.

Fourth Floor

Fifth Floor

Sixth Floor

Floor Plates

Balconies

Foiliage

West Elevation

Unit Render

Model

Black box theater in downtown Wichita, KS

Spring 2023

The Intention of this design was to encourage maximum engagement to the hybrid black box theater. This is executed by opening the wall to the west end of the theater. This allows for better communication with the park directly to the west of the site. Adding bench seating that extrudes into a portion of the park’s site ties the theater to the park, in turn, ties the theater to the general public. The theater itself can be altered to fit the needs of the performance being held. Seating shifts around on platforms to allow flexibility of space while the stage itself has no boundaries. When the box opens, seating drops to the ground to allow sightlines for the bench seating in the park. The awning, made from the same material as the bench feature, follows along an overhead balcony to insinuate movement directly into the theater.

Centralization

Mezzanine Render

Section A-A

Section B-B

Exterior Render

Physical Model

ECOWAS CULTURAL CENTER

Cultural center focused on the West African Culture in and around Topeka, KS

Fall 2022

The intention of this design was to establish a clear difference between private and public program. Therefore, the woven facade not only acts as a tie into West African culture, but also allows for privacy in more formal spaces. On the contrary, a glass facade lets in direct sunlight to more vulnerable spaces and allows views from several angles in and out. Exposed trussing almost demands attention and gives the public spaces even more exposure. As one circulates, aspects of formality and creativity alternate by a central staircase, weaving through culture.

Exploded Building Section B-B

Arial

Render

Physical Model

Interior Render

West Elevation

Multi-use Apartment Complex in the heart of Kansas City’s Jazz District

Fall 2023

18TH & VINE APARTMENTS

The intention of this design was to invite both the neighborhood and those that visit the 18th and Vine district to experience the lively street life that embodies this area onto my site. This was done in part by providing a rather generous plaza at the corner of the intersection for the social and cultural aspects of the neighborhood. As well as modulating different sized units to create an almost artistic form, directly across from Kansas City’s own Blue Room Jazz Hall. Different amenity spaces and balconies allow tenets to view the street life below.

Site Boundary

Cut Boundary

Podium Form

Fourth Floor

Fifth Floor

Sixth Floor

Plaza Seating

Plaza Planters

Plaza Foiliage

Site Plan