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ABOUT ME
I'm a recent Masters in Architecture graduate currently looking for a position that will help me expand my skills and utilise the knowledge I already have. Passionate about all things architecture, I am especially interested in urban regeneration, retrofit, housing and public buildings.
EDUCATION
2016 - 2022
Welsh School of Architecture
BSc Architecture | RIBA Part I
Second Class Division One Honour s
MArch | RIBA Part II
Second Class Division One Honour s
SKILLS
Proficient:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Landscape Architect at Pegasus Group since July 2022
Returning to the Landscape industry to capitalise on my previous experience, I had an opportunity to help grow a Bristol branch of Pegasus Group landscape from two people to four. This granted me an unique opportunity to run my own projects, including communicating with clients, other subcontractors and suppliers, proposing my own design solutions, surveying the sites and producing a diverse range of documents from a wide range of presentational and technical drawings to reports such as LEMP and DAS, which required me to master and in turn train others in a use of software I was previously unfamiliar with.
Junior Landscape Architect at LT Studio 2020-2021
I produced 3D models and CAD drawings of sites, drew 1:20 and 1:5 details, created visualisations, booklets, design and access statements and held meetings with the clients, architects and developers to determine the direction of the project; I was also in charge of designing some of the project layouts at early stages.
Architectural Assistant at WH Architects Oct 2019
As a self-employed contractor I was tasked with working on several new-built and conservation projects in stages from feasibility to planning, managing CAD drawings, creating visualisations, feasibility reports and design statements.
Writer for students magazine INVOLVED 2019
Writing articles for the magazine taught me how to articulate thoughts and ideas in a clear, attractive and concise manner.
Work experience in Darnton B3 summer 2018
I created and amended Revit models of buildings and the terrain and prepared drawings for a BREEAM assessment.
Work experience in Loyn+Co summer 2018
I took part in the design process of one of the ongoing projects and I created models at various scales; I also led a short research project.
REFERENCES
Sam Clark final year studio tutor clarksd1@cardiff.ac.uk
Marc Dix employer
marc.dix@ltstudio.co.uk
Intern for Polish National Railways design team summer 2017
I sorted and maintained official documentation, created SketchUp models of existing train stations to be used in visualisations and drew technical details for the new station in Oswiecim.
SZYMON SMYK
ssmykarchi@gmail.com Photoshop InDesign AutoCAD Fresco SketchUp Illustrator Rhinoceros English fluent Grasshopper German intermediate Python Spanish learning Dynamo 3dsMax MAXscript Polish native Revit Enscape V-Ray Familiar with: Languages: Vectorworks
6160 8486
SAMPLE PORTFOLIO
Work experience
Working in a small firm as a graduate required me to take on new responsibilites, producing drawings and reports for various RIBA stages and purposes, from presentational drawings to technical specification for contractors and suppliers. As much of the scope of the work produced, including the use of preferred software and, more importantly, the knowledge needed to produce the drawings was new to me, the experience required me to learn new information quickly, manage my time efficiently and be able to respond in any change in circumstances.
example of a planting plan produced for the client (Pegasus, 2022)
Vectorworks | AutoCAD
AutoCAD
example of a setting-out plan produced for the client (LT Studio, 2021)
1. early render Vectorworks | Photoshop
2. rendered masterplan Vectorworks | Photoshop
3. technical detail Vectorworks | AutoCAD
4. planning masterplan Vectorworks
5. and 6. planning sections Vectorworks (all Pegasus 2022/2023)
Work experience
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Work experience
Land North of Redlands Farm, Swindon Play Space Detail Client: Hayfield Homes/ Terra Strategic DRWG No: P21-0975_EN_45 Sheet No: REV: B Revisions: First Issue- 07/07/2022 AMS/ LAB A- (26/07/2022 ASK) Red Line Updated B- (05/04/2023 SSM) sheet name changed; NEAP relocated and redesigned. PB PB PB Timber bench Proposed attenuation basin/ swale Proposed pieces of play equipment with fall zone (blue) Mound Areas of safety surfacing for play equipment Picnic bench Litter bins Information board to communicate to the public the importance of retaining and respecting veteran trees 0.6m high timber knee rail Drainage- refer to engineers' proposal Activity zone of Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP) totals 1119sqm and the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) will be minimum 465sqm, which combined equals an equipped area of play of 1584sqm. This total is in accordance with the New Eastern Village Green Infrastructure SPD stating that 0.3ha of play space is required per 1000 population(220 homes 2.4 people = 528 people). 4 5 6 BY KOMPAN REF. NRO417 OR SIMILAR APPROVED BABY SEAT SWING- SUITABLE FOR 1+ YEARS BY KOMPAN REF. NRO902 OR SIMILAR PLAY PANEL (EMOTION)- SUITABLE FOR 1+ YEARS BY KOMPAN REF. NRO614 OR SIMILAR APPROVED PLAY PANEL 2 (MUSIC)- SUITABLE FOR 1+ YEARS BY KOMPAN REF. NRO613 OR SIMILAR APPROVED PLAY ELEMENTS 11 12 UP AND OVER NET SUITABLE FOR 4+ YEARS BY KOMPAN REF. NRO812 OR SIMILAR 8 9 10 TWO SEAT SWING SUITABLE FOR 2+ YEARS BY KOMPAN REF. NRO904 OR SIMILAR THE WITCHES TOWER ADA- SUITABLE FOR 4+ YEARS BY KOMPAN REF. NRO2008 OR SIMILAR 8 13 14 BX/HMP 350003 OR SIMILAR APPROVED 15 16
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masterplan
1. - 5. architecture/landscape model (Loyn+Co 2018) cardboard | card | acetate
rendered
Vectorworks 7.
play area design and specification Vectorworks (both Pegasus 2023)
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MArch 2: The other street
top to bottom:
rendered floor plans
Revit | V-Ray | Photoshop
rendered sections
Revit | V-Ray | Photoshop
rendered 3D views
Revit | V-Ray | Photoshop
The project was set to explore the potential of using the modern prefabrication methods as an aid to grassroots, small-scale urban regeneration attempts. Through an analysis of a case study of the Welsh town of Ebbw Vale, a strategy has been devised to enable both new-build and revitalisation of the existing properties, with special care given to understanding the ways of portraying the project in a way that can be legible to various people no matter their level of understanding of the conventions of architectural drawing.
above: initial section through an Ebbw Vale back lane drawn to better understand built environment AutoCAD | Illustrator
below: initial sketch of the idea, hand-drawn digitally Adobe Fresco | Photoshop
MArch 2: The other street
MArch 2: The other street example of details showing the construction process progress AutoCAD | Illustrator | Photoshop
above: massing model white and black mountboard, blue foam, cardboard below: possible back lane layout
SketchUp | Photoshop
MArch 2: The other street
left: diagrams showing the construction method Adobe Fresco
MArch 2: The other street
above: elevations Revit | Enscape | Photoshop
below: look through the window Revit | V-Ray | Photoshop
MArch 1: The missing cog
above: elevations
Revit | Enscape | Photoshop
left: bowling green visualisations
Revit | Enscape | Photoshop
The project’s concept is to provide a space that acts as the ‘missing hub’ of a service-based support network. Through intelligently designed, multi-functional spaces, the project integrates different groups and activities and ensures that essential services already provided will be sustained. The core focuses on wellbeing and social interaction with food being something physical that connects them.
top: massing
SketchUp | Photoshop
above: local context Photoshop
MArch 1: The missing cog
MArch 1: The missing cog
top: wide site strategy
AutoCAD | Photoshop
above left: landscape plan
Revit | Photoshop
above right: ground floor plan
Revit | Photoshop
right: first floor plan
Revit | Photoshop
MArch 1: The missing cog
top: technical sections Revit | AutoCAD | Photoshop
left: construction axo Revit | Photoshop
above: construction schedule SketchUp | Photoshop
MArch 1: The missing cog
DETAIL A - ROOF/WALL CONNECTION 01 20mm oak cladding waterproof membrane 60x60mm bearers with foam thermal insulation plywood sheeting 60x120mm timber post-and-rail construction with thermal insulation 20mm larch cladding 02 20mm zinc cladding channel for water collection waterproof membrane plywood sheeting 200x60mm bearers with foam thermal insulation plywood sheeting 300x60mm bearers with thermal insulation 20mm soundproofing timber cladding 03 triple-glazed window with wood and aluminium frame 04 150mm diameter gutter 01 04 DETAIL B - LOW WINDOW 01 20mm oak cladding waterproof membrane 60x60mm bearers with foam thermal insulation plywood sheeting 60x120mm timber post-and-rail construction with thermal insulation 20mm larch cladding 02 50mm timber flooring soundproofing/insulation 370x15mm timber construction with thermal insulation plywood sheeting waterproof membrane 200mm concrete 03 triple-glazed window with wood and aluminium frame 04 concrete haunch 03 04 02 DETAIL C - BOWLING GREEN DECK/ WALL CONNECTION 01 20mm oak cladding waterproof membrane 60x60mm bearers with foam thermal insulation plywood sheeting 60x120mm timber post-and-rail construction with thermal insulation 20mm larch cladding 02 faux turf waterproof membrane plywood sheeting 400x30mm timber rafters with thermal insulation plywood sheeting 175x30mm timber rearers with thermal insulation additional timber reinforcement 20mm soundproofing timber cladding 03 faux turf waterproof membrane plywood sheating 420mm thick glulam truss 01 03 02 DETAIL D - BOWLING GREEN DECK/ WALL CONNECTION 01 20mm oak cladding waterproof membrane 60x60mm bearers with foam thermal insulation plywood sheeting 60x120mm timber post-and-rail construction with thermal insulation plywood sheeting glue 350mm thick glulam column 02 Acrylic balustrade 03 50mm timber flooring waterproof membrane 370x15mm timber construction with thermal insulation plywood sheeting 265x100mm bearers with thermal insulation 420mm thick glulam truss 175x30mm timber rearers with thermal insulation additional timber reinforcement 20mm soundproofing timber cladding 01 02 03 key details Revit | AutoCAD | Illustrator | Photoshop
MArch 1: The
cog renders Revit | Enscape | Photoshop
missing
BSc 3: The scaffold
This project was a year-long exploration of the idea of community-owned modular workshops installed on the scaffolding frame in the economically depleted town of Merthyr Tydfil. The project is partially inspired by the book Collage City by Rowe and Koetter, as-found aesthetic and the idea of continuous drawings.
The main building, which doubles as an entrance to the scheme has to provide entrances on the top and the ground floor. The building houses mostly social functions - a gallery space, a crèche where single parents can leave their kids when they work on their projects, a pub, a coworking space/workshop and a large kitchen accessible to all citizens.
The top of the old limekilns used during the Industrial Revolution is transformed into a playground as a sort of historic justice - as this is the place where in 18th and 19th century the kids from the age of three were made to work in inhumane condition, often ending in their death.
SketchUp | AutoCAD | Photoshop | Illustrator
SketchUp | Photoshop
BSc 3: The scaffold
top: Merthyr Tydfil group site model AutoCAD | laser-cut MDF
above: concept site model plaster | wire mesh | papier-mâché
left: initial collage explorations collage
BSc 3: The scaffold
set of parts construction diagrams
AutoCAD | Photoshop
right: axo and sections
SketchUp | AutoCAD | Photoshop | Illustrator
SketchUp | Photoshop
BSc 3: The scaffold
physical pin-up scaffolding | MDF | zip ties | scaffolding boards
Miscellaneous: Drawing
During my university course I was sometimes dissatisfied with the lack of opportunities to improve on my hand-drawing skills. I decided to use the additional free time during the first months of lockdown to sketch some of the projects from around the world that I find particularly inspiring. The examples presented on this page showcase my attempts to develop diverse language of graphical presentation.
(left to right, top to bottom)
Walt Disney Concert Hall (Frank Gehry), Barbican Estate (Chamberlin, Powell and Bon Architects), Red House (31/44 Architects);
Rode House (Pezo von Ellrichshausen), Aranya Low Cost Housing (B.V. Doshi), Vanna Venturi House (Robert Venturi);
168 Upper Street (Groupwork + Amin Taha), Iberê Camargo Foundation (Alvaro Siza) hand-drawing
“While
Miscellaneous:
Writing
By Szymon Smyk The ASN was funded to fix what the now-defunct RIBA’s student arm, Archeon, got wrong. It gives architecture students the opportunity to voice their concerns about the way architecture is being taught and offer their experiences and ideas for RIBA to consider. So why are we not talking about it? The Architecture Students Network, more commonly referred to as ASN, is the main association of British architecture students. Whereas the RIBA Students membership exists mainly to ease future architects into the profession where networking is key, ASN is a much more proactive body, protecting the interests of architecture students and giving us all a platform to voice our thoughts, concerns and ideas about the ways in which British universities teach architecture. The organisation was founded to replace the now-defunct RIBA-associated Archaos in an attempt to use the previous organisation’s expertise while providing a course correction where Archaos had its shortcomings – mainly in the lack of accountability and putting to much pressure on the students. While the ASN was funded by students for students independently from RIBA, it has already managed to prove its worth, as proved by the success of the 2014 Lines Drawn conference. This major event gathered architectural students, professionals and representatives of RIBA, who discussed the future of architectural education together. While no detailed deadlines have been set, RIBA promised to completely reorganise the way architecture is being taught to make it more adequate to the opportunities and obstacles students face in 21st century – a promise that still needs to be followed by concrete changes in programmes and legislation. Unfortunately, the following conferences were not as successful, but it is hard to deny that there is an incredible amount of potential in the organisation, whose aim is to give the architectural students the means to have their voices heard. The only issue? Up until a month ago had no idea the ASN even exists. Could the lack of promotion be at fault here? Certainly, the lack of a working website does not help; even the organisation’s official Twitter[1] and Facebook[2] accounts come in second and third in Google Search, losing to American Society of Nephrology – an organisation much less interested in helping out British students, especially architecture ones. The lack of media coverage sans two or three old articles in Architects’ Journal and ArchDaily means that even researching the organisation is not an easy task. But let’s be realistic – it is after all a student organisation run by passionate people, who are willing to sacrifice some of their free time and funds to keep it running (and, as we all know, architecture students are not known to possess either one in abundance). They are students just like us and the fact that they put up an effort to do everything they do – from maintaining social media presence (their Facebook profile has almost 6000 likes after all) and making the networking easy for the architecture students to organising conferences, talks and debates is still impressive.
In my third year I became a part of the writing team for the architecture magazine INVOLVED, started by the WSA students. The experience taught me not only to express my ideas and thoughts in an attractive, convincing and concise manner, but it also required my to learn how to manage my time more efficiently, as I had to divide my attention between the demanding degree and writing.
Second Time’s a Charm 9
the ASN
funded by students for students independently from RIBA, it has already managed to prove its worth, as proved by the success of the 2014’s Lines Drawn conference.” And while there is no point in denying the importance of internet presence in 21st century, the whole idea behind the ASN is that it does not need a great website and high Google positioning. What it needs is the link between the local student organisations and ASN. This is something that needs to be initiated on both sides. While ASN can reach out to major architecture schools, there are over fifty universities validated by RIBA, not counting any smaller academies and institutes who cannot grant honours on their own. This means that a lot of groundwork for the student network to start connecting the students in all “ The ASN has an unparalleled potential to be an important tool for all of us, architecture students.” 10 We reached out to the RIBA Student Representative on National Council, Simeon Shtebunaev, for his comment on the current state of the network. He told us that in recent years the organisation has fallen in engagement, but the ASN is now working on a new initiative which, while perhaps not sounding as exciting as famous 2014 conference, might bring real change very soon. The idea? To create a completely new arm of the RIBA – Future Architects Network. If the plan is implemented, FAN would bring together everyone out of ASN’s reach – year-outs, graduates and earlycareer professionals. Hopefully, the new organisation would serve as the missing link between RIBA and the ASN and its members’ input might provide ideas that can be used to finalise the promises made during the Lines Drawn conference. The ASN is one of the few organisations that could successfully represent the students’ interests and its independence gives it a rare opportunity to voice all sorts of ideas, even potentially provocative and divisive ones. However, in order to do so, the organisation can no longer be a ‘network’ in its name only. If it is to be treated as an equal partner in discussions with RIBA, one that can voice even the most confrontational opinion, it must have the numbers to back up its claim of being representative of British architecture students. So what can we, the students, do? The best thing is just to engage with the organisation – whether by attending the ASN events, by getting the local association of architecture students to get in touch with the ASN, or just by spreading word about the organization to fellow architecture students and tutors The ASN has an unparalleled potential to be an important tool for all of us architecture students to have our voices heard and to ensure that the promises made during the conferences like Lines Drawn are being kept. The ASN was there to represent the students’ voice when Archeon had failed, but there is no guarantee that if the network fails, something new and better would emerge. While the saying might be indeed ‘third time’s a charm’, think it’s better to save what we already have.
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