Sokaina Asar
Brooklyn, NY 11221 | so.asar@gmail.com | (860) 819-5273 | www.sokainaasar.com
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Reddymade Architecture and Design
Junior Architect & Designer
New York, NY
June 2023 - February 2024
• Developed architectural plans/models for residential buildings and interiors, produced client presentations, sourced materials.
• Modeled and rendered architectural projects and design concepts, from concept development to design development.
• Integrated neuroaesthetic research into design proposals, competitions, neurodiversity design guidelines, and papers.
• Managed 5+ projects simultaneously including installations, furniture and textile design, marketing, book layout, print production, graphic design, and RFP submissions.
• Conducted site visits, coordinated with contractors and vendors, and reviewed construction documents to ensure design intent was maintained throughout project execution.
Center for Active Design
Standard Development Fellow
New York, NY
October 2022 - May 2023
• Synthesized industry reports and building standards into updating the Fitwel Certification System.
• Edited and updated building certification content on the Fitwel Portal and Fitwel Products daily.
• Researched and compiled building occupant wellness studies for developing guidance used for internal research team, standard development team, architects, and open source Fitwel building efficiency guidelines.
Gensler
Design Research Fellow
New York, NY
Summer 2022
• Analyzed current healthcare systems in the U.S. and created community-centered design solutions for potential healthcare clients.
• Conducted research on emerging healthcare trends and technologies to inform design strategies enhancing patient experience and operational efficiency.
• Developed 4 presentations with a team of 6 fellows/associates in presenting inclusive and resilient design solutions for the future of healthcare to Gensler senior leadership.
DesegregateCT Connecticut
Creative Contributor
July 2021 - May 2022
• Collaborated with 5+ advocacy teams to develop compelling visual content that communicated complex zoning policies and urban planning concepts to a broader audience.
• Designed graphic visualization of zoning research for social media, weekly newsletter, events, issue briefs, and annual reports.
EDUCATION
Pratt Institute
Brooklyn, NY
Master of Architecture May 2023
GPA: 3.78 | GAUD Diversity Equity & Inclusion Council Member. Resident Advisor. Project Publications: Bionic Ecology (FX Collaborative Exhibition, Pratt SoA Instagram, Architecture Dotstudio Instagram, Pratt Sustainability Research Website), Epithelia (GAUD InProcess Book, Seoul Biennale and Book)
University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience | Minor, Fine Art
Storrs, CT
May 2019
GPA: 3.65 | Honors Program, Dean’s List, Sustainability Committee, Undergraduate Student Government, Resident Assistant
Thesis: The role of Interleukin 1-beta in motivation and effort-related behaviors in a rat model: reversal by CT-5404, an atypical dopamine transport inhibitor.
SOFTWARE SKILLS
Rhino 3D
V-Ray for Rhino
Enscape
Grasshopper
Revit / AutoCAD
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Indesign
Premiere Pro & Video Editing
3D Printing
Laser Cutting
CNC Milling
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
UConn Health
Musculoskeletal Institute
Medical ScribeOrthopedics
June 2019 - July 2020
University of Connecticut
Research AssistantNeuropharmacology
Sept 2018 - May 2019
Yale University
Research AssistantEmotion Psychology
Sept 2016 - May 2017
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2022 | CAF Scholarship through Connecticut Architecture Foundation
2021 | Taconic Fellowship
The Green Stitch: Pratt student team project
2020 | Publication Neuropharmacology Journal
2019 | Honors Scholar
University of Connecticut Honors
2019 | UConn Health Disparities
Institute - 2nd Place Illustration
2015 | Scholastic Art & Writing
Awards - Gold Key Award for Fine Arts Portfolio