Travis Hodges
312.315.2122 travis.a.hodges@gmail.com
URBAN DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST International experience in grass-roots community development and capacity-building; Proficient in sustainable place-specific approaches to local issues; Effective project manager with exceptional design and presentation capabilities; Passionate interest in social, political, and economic dynamics resulting from global rapid urbanization.
Education 2011
The Bartlett School of Architecture University College London Master of Architecture in Urban Design
2005
College of Architecture + Urban Planning Bachelor of Science in Architecture
University of Michigan
Professional Experience 2007 - 2009
Peace Corps El Salvador Municipal Development Specialist Empowered local government and municipal institutions in a town of 5,000 inhabitants; Modernized organizational procedures and provided technical support within City Hall; Educated citizens to become active in democratic processes; Formed local development associations in rural communities. Planned and promoted all community cultural events; Designed a strategic tourism development plan and created an urban improvement plan of city beautification projects. Developed curriculum for environmental education in local schools; preparedness workshops; Taught creative expression classes for youth.
Presented natural disaster
Created graphic design for brochures, presentations and promotional materials; Provided architectural design services for local institutions and Peace Corps volunteers throughout El Salvador.
2006 - 2007
Crate & Barrel Chicago Architect Designed retail stores of 40,000 sq. ft. for furniture and housewares merchandise; Created architectural models, renderings, and presentation drawings. Developed construction documents and details. Engaged in project planning and coordination; Provided interior design and space planning; Delivered design presentations for corporate executives.
ACADEMIC WORK & RESEARCH
2011
Designing for Informality Research Publication
University College London
Masters dissertation on the complex urban dynamics of informal and illegal settlements, especially in megacities of the Global South. Investigation of self-organizing community solutions in the absence of formal government and planning systems. Program Director: Professor Colin Fournier
2011
Avoiding Eviction in Armutlu Urban Design Proposal
University College London
Design project for a squatter settlement in Istanbul under threat of demolition. Features incremental physical and social interventions, empowering the community to develop a collective identity as a means of fostering stewardship for the built environment. Tutors: Jason Coleman & Robert Dye, RIBA
2005
Retail Reincarnated University of Michigan Undergraduate Thesis Exploration of vacant shopping malls as icons of economic failure. This project employs the Situationist strategy of dÊtournement  to transform an unsustainable suburban mall near Detroit into a diverse forum for public engagement. Advisor: Professor Mireille Roddier
AWARDS & HONORS 2005
Raoul Wallenberg Architecture Competition
Finalist
2004 - 2005
Architecture Representative Committee
2003 - 2005
American Institute of Architecture Students
2002 - 2005
Alpha Rho Chi Professional Architecture Fraternity
Student Representative Member Treasurer
SPECIALIZED SKILLS Computer
Adobe Creative Suite; AutoCAD; 3D Studio Max; Rhino3D; SketchUp; ArcGIS; Microsoft Office.
Language
Spanish - Advanced High (ACTFL certified)
312.315.2122 travis.a.hodges@gmail.com