SAMUEL LEE
phone | +1 (469) 435-3281
email | stylee.tx@gmail.com
https://issuu.com/stylee_portfolio/docs/_
FABRICATION
• 3D Printing
Laser Cutting CNC Routing
• Model Construction
Woodworking
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY
• San Luis Obispo, CA
Bachelor of Architecture
Dean’s List + President’s Honor List 2020-2025
• Published Work | 21 Years of Vellum - Furniture Competition
• People’s Choice Award Winner | 2024 Odo Design Competition
• Study abroad | Japan - Kyoto + Tokyo
DIGITAL
Rhinoceros Revit
SketchUp
• AutoCAD
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Enscape
• Lumion
Twin Motion
Bluebeam Revu
• Microsoft Suite
DESIGN INTERN | MVE + PARTNERS
• Laid out masterplans for various projects in conceptual design phase.
• Prepared entitlement documentation.
• Drafted construction documentation.
• Organized apartment unit plans for conceptual/schematic design phase.
• Produced yield studies for unit mix/count.
Introduced SketchUp Layout to firm and created a standard procedure. Documented written tutorial on software use.
• Participated in extensive research and design for firm’s research project. Built detailed mass timber three-dimensional digital model.
DESIGN INTERN | RRM DESIGN GROUP
• Prepared entitlement documentation. Answered plan check/review comments. Drafted construction documentation.
• Modeled three-dimensionally in various software for graphic renderings.
• Developed comprehensive cost-budgeting package for school district. Ensured that bugeting was in alignment with state funding guidelines.
Tim Beuchat
Senior Associate Partner MVE + Partners, Inc. (805) 302-5275
Dr. Don Choi
Professor of Architecture
Cal Poly SLO (919) 259-0848
Dr. Umut Toker
Professor of Architecture
Cal Poly SLO (805) 756-5990
Ryan Blackburn
Professional Craftsman
CEO | Pacific Millworks (805) 540-1812
DESIGN INTERN | PEDRO MCCRACKEN DESIGN
• Assigned to McDonald’s and Raising Canes project teams to assist in CAD drafting, editing, redlining, plan check comments, etc.
DESIGN CONSULTANT | SEQUEL TEA
Created preliminary layout, floorplans, interior/exterior design solutions for first physical location.
• Provided detailed plans and renderings for the company, which was submitted to local architecture firm as reference.
CRAFTSMAN | PACIFIC MILLWORKS
• Operated general mill shop machinery for custom funiture and casework.
• Trained in: 3-axis CNC, jointer, planer, rip saw, miter saw, router, etc.
DESIGN INTERN | RANDALL SCOTT ARCHITECTS, INC.
• Designed means of egress evacuation plans for college dormitory projects. Marketed to stations, mayor offices, and state commissioners.
PENCIL
STUDIO
Trevi Fountain
Petit Palais
Dichotomy
Rooted
OC Vibe
WOOD
Design Build
Vellum
Abstract
Personal Work
J2C Art Studio
Summer 2024
Duration: In-progress
Type
18” x 24”
Program
Petit Palais
Medium
Graphite P E T I T P A
GRAPHITE COMPOSITION
To attempt a freehand, graphite drawing of the Petit Palais, located in Paris, designed by Charles Girault. I have come to appreciate the artistry and enjoyed drawing the intricate depth and detail in pencil
Personal Work
J2C Art Studio
Summer 2021
Duration: 1 month
Type
18” x 24”
Program
Trevi Fountain
Medium
Graphite
GRAPHITE COMPOSITION
To create a graphite composition of the iconic Trevi Fountain in Rome—a masterpiece of Baroque architecture designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. My goal with this drawing is to capture that same dynamicism in two dimensions on paper through the medium of pencil.
Cal Poly, SLO
Humberto Norman Fall 2022
Duration: 2 Weeks
Type
Design Charette
Method
Hand Drawings
Physical Modeling
Instructor Contact Humberto Norman hnorman@calpoly.edu
+1 (805) 756-1793
D I C H O T O M Y
SPATIAL DESIGN EXERCISE
To piece together simple geometries to create dynamic movement in a hand-drawn abstraction in two dimensions. Using that abstraction, create physical study models to find a new interpretation. Through iterative studies, I found that rotating a triangle inside of a larger triangle creating a subtle motion. Repetition of this step began to form a depth into the paper. I began using different mediums in an attempt to reimagine this new dimension. After multiple study iterations, I settled on a bristol paper material and constructed my final model.
METHOD
Using digital modeling, I explored how triangular elements could fold, extrude, and intersect to preserve the movement from my drawings. Instead of a direct 2D extrusion, I introduced variation in scale and rotation, creating a more dynamic and organic form.
LIGHTING DESIGN
Lighting was essential in highlighting spatial qualities. Through studies of shadows on folded surfaces, I adjusted light direction and intensity to enhance depth and movement. Experimenting with natural and artificial lighting, I explored how different angles softened or sharpened geometric forms.
Cal Poly, SLO
Jeff Ponitz
Winter + Spring 2023
Duration: 16 Weeks
Type Public Food Center
Program Table Market Kitchen
Instructor Contact Jeff Ponitz
jponitz@calpoly.edu
+1 (805) 756-2830
R O O T E D
PORTLAND, OREGON
To bridge the gap between Portland’s unhoused community and the broader city by fostering connection and opportunity. Through skill development courses and educational spaces, it empowers individuals with practical tools for growth. By welcoming the general public with a farmers’ market and shared food spaces, the architecture becomes a hub of interaction—bringing together people from all walks of life. As the city continues to recover from the challenges of the pandemic, this space serves as a catalyst for inclusivity, resilience, and community.
EXTERIOR WALL ASSEMBLY
A mass timber core provided structure and insulation, minimizing extra layers. Translucent polycarbonate panels enhanced daylight diffusion while ensuring durability and privacy. Layered wood battens served as a rain screen, adding depth and texture to the façade.
DESIGNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Our design prioritized sustainability with composting for waste, hydroponics for on-site food, and rainwater catchment to reduce municipal reliance. These systems created a self-sustaining space, setting a model for resilient urban design.
WATER CATCHMENT
In Portland, it rains 7 months out of the year. To take advantage of this natural resource of our site, we decided to design portions of our building as a water catchment system. This system takes rain water from the roof, filters/cleans it, and is recycled back into the veritcal community garden in the atrium as well as our hydroponic farm. The water is stored in a tank located at the base of our atrium.
SOLAR + HYDROPONIC PINK LIGHT
In our project, a large portion of farming is done through hydroponics. This method uses pink light (plants respond to pink light the same way they react to the sun) to accelerate growth of the plants in every season. To power these hydroponic system, solar panels located on our roof are utilized. We tilted our roof 4 degrees towards to south in response to the sun path chart in Portland, Oregon.
COMPOSTING
Food waste from the kitchen and restaurant is discarded into a composting room. from there, the waste broken down and transported downwards to be composted into soil. The renewed soil ends at the underground level and is redistributed towards the farming areas to be used as fertilizer to grow more vegetation.
MVE + Partners
Intern Research Project
Summer 2024
Duration: 8 Weeks
Type
Blended-Use Tower
Program
Restaurant
Gallery
Residential Office
Group Members
Erin Chen
Sarah Zureiqat
Yeji Kwon
Zach Kuderna
Mentor Contact
Kap Malik
kmalik@mve-architects.com
+1 (949) 923-5008
O C V I B E ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
To research and design a mass timber, blended use high-rise for the OC Vibe project in Anaheim, California. Research entailed exploring the vertical capability of mass timber and finding new/innovative mass timber construction strategies compiled into a book. My personal roles in the project included the following: model a fully detailed digital model, create interior and exterior graphic renderings, and perform structural research and analysis.
HEAT TREATED GLULAM FIN OPERABLE ROOF
STEEL FRAME SUBSTRUCTURE
CLT WALKWAY
PV GLASS
GLULAM BRACING
ATRIUM ASSEMBLY
A steel frame ensured structural support with open spans, while glulam bracing added lateral stability and highlighted timber’s warmth. Cross-laminated timber walkways provided lightweight yet strong circulation. The façade featured photovoltaic glass for energy generation and daylighting, with ETFE cushions enhancing insulation and solar control.
ATRIUM DESIGN
Our design prioritized sustainability, efficiency, and comfort through mass timber construction. A central atrium enabled natural ventilation, drawing cool air in summer and trapping heat in winter via an adjustable roof. This passive strategy, combined with timber’s thermal properties, created an energy efficient high-rise attuned to its climate and context.
Cal Poly SLO
JoAnn Moore
Spring 2022
Duration: 2 Weeks
Type
Design Build
Group Members
Dante Luri
Henry Soria
Anthony Nyugen
Instructor Contact
L. JoAnn Moore
lmoore14@calpoly.edu
+1 (805) 756-1483
D E S I G N B U I L D
POLY CANYON VILLAGE
Design Village is a design-build event hosted by Cal Poly’s architecture program. Competitors design, build, and inhabit their respective structures throughout the entirety of the weekend. Transporation of these projects are each team’s responsibility. We designed adjustable “wings” that envelop the main frame to shield from wind and sun. We compiled comprehensive construction drawings, including detailed plans and precise specifications for every cut/angle.
PROCEDURE
modeling and planning ordering material dimensioning and milling lumber trial assembly off-site assembling pre-fabricated parts transporting all pieces on-site building final structure on site deconstruction transportation and reuse
UNIT & FINAL ISOMETRIC DESIGN CHALLENGES
Our main challenge was designing smooth, stable adjustable “wings.” Early hinge and pivot tests were too fragile or complex. Through prototyping and material testing, we refined lightweight, sturdy connections for seamless movement.
Cal Poly SLO Ansgar Killing Fall 2025
Duration: 3 Weeks
Type
Casework
Program Korean Room Divider
Material
Sugar Maple
Baltic Birch Basswood Mulberry Paper
Instructor Contact Ansgar Killing akilling@calpoly.edu +1 (805) 756-1254
H O U S E D I V I D E D |
VELLUM FURNITURE COMPETITION
Vellum is a design competition and exhibition that encourages participants to create furniture and casework designs that pertain to the respective student’s thesis topic, ideas, and concepts. This gallery takes place at the end of a three week period, where over two hundred pieces are displayed in an art gallery. Because my thesis addresses the separation of the two Koreas, I wanted to represent that in my piece and chose to name it house divided as a metaphor. My submission was published in the competition’s 21 years of Vellum book.
PROCEDURE
modeling and planning ordering material dimensioning and milling lumber guiding jig for hand router routing all members chiseling corners laminating veneers/build hinges glueing/sanding
DESIGN PROCESS
I decided to make this piece using only wood, without metal. Through an iterative process, I decided on a duarotational hinge that sat perfectly in a routered housing. Due to the excessive force applied on the hinges, I designed to personally create a layered materal using 24 layers of laminated birch veneer, instead of using generic plywood or solid wood.
Cal Poly SLO
Ansgar Killing Fall 2025
Duration: In-progress (1/6)
Type
Hypothetical Future Space
Program
Library
Military
Sauna Food Church Ampitheater
Instructor Contact Ansgar Killing akilling@calpoly.edu
+1 (805) 756-1254
ARCHITECTURE THESIS
This thesis investigates the spatial and programmatic consequences of Korea’s division through an architectural collaboration between North and South Korea. Two distinct sites—one in the North and one in the South—host architectural interventions that juxtapose moments of functionality and dysfunctionality. Some spaces serve their intended purpose, while others are left unresolved—staircases leading nowhere, walls without doors—manifesting the present condition of separation.
CONCEPT
This is my library program showing my present ‘working’ library contrasting with my future ‘unworking’ library. In total, there are six different programmatic spaces that will interact with each other in this hypothetical future.
CONTENT
These fragmented spaces exist as independent entities, reflecting the reality of a divided nation. However, in a hypothetical future, whether that be 5 or 500 years into the future, these structures would be deconstructed and reassembled along the border, forming a new architectural composition. The working and unworking spaces would remain unchanged, but they would now be contextualized within a larger framework—one that acknowledges the past yet allows for new possibilities of connection.
