Thy Truc Ho's 2024 Student Portfolio

D E S I GN FO R T H O U GH T STUDENT ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO THY TRUC HO

thy truc ho

BEFORE WE BEGIN...

“Design for Thought” is a play on the phrase “food for thought,” suggesting that design can stimulate deep thinking and reflection, much like thoughtprovoking ideas. The title conveys the idea that your architectural work is more than just visual—it is meant to inspire, challenge, and engage the viewer’s mind. It implies that the designs presented in your portfolio are not only practical and functional but also intellectually enriching, inviting others to think critically about the spaces and structures you create.

SPECIAL THANKS TO...

CHRISTINA,

I’m forever grateful for your guidance and kindness. Thank you for teaching me to love architecture and to be kind to myself.

GONZALO, My confidence in architectural design came from your studio. Thank you for always pushing me to be a better human and designer.

MY FRIENDS,

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I would not be here without you. Thank you for your unwavering support during my many late nights.

thy truc ho

Hello!

ALL ABOUT ME Design for Thought encapsulates my journey as a designer and a third-year architecture student at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a minor in City and Regional Planning. Although I didn’t initially see myself pursuing architecture, my first studio class revealed the immense potential of thoughtful design to shape meaningful human experiences. This portfolio showcases projects that reflect my evolving passion for dramatic, unconventional approaches to design, balanced by a commitment to sustainability inspired by my love for the ocean. I am fascinated by how many parts can come together into a unified whole, and this mindset informs not only my architectural work but also my graphic design projects. Outside of the studio, I lead the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter, representing the architecture student body at conventions and conferences, and serve as the graphic designer for the Hearst Lecture Series Committee. Design for Thought represents a synthesis of my academic exploration, leadership experiences, and creative pursuits, emphasizing the power of intentional, sustainable design to inspire reflection and elevate the spaces we inhabit.

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T H Y T R U C H O, A I A S CONTACT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE thytruc.ho@gmail.com (865) 548 - 8265 San Jose, CA & Knoxville, TN

EDUCATION Bachelor of Architecture Minor in City & Regional Planning Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Expected Gradudation: June 2027 GPA: 3.608 Senior Standing President’s Honors List Dean’s List

SKILLS Rhinocerous & Plug-ins Adobe Creative Suite Digital Photography Twin Motion Graphic Design Microsoft Office Leadership Public Speaking

RELEVANT COURSEWORK Architectural Design Studio Architecture Systems Integration Intro to Structural Design Cities: Form Culture Evolution

SCAN View my current work

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) Chapter President June 2024 - Present

San Luis Obispo, CA

Serve as Executive Head and official Spokesperson of Cal Poly SLO’s AIAS Chapter Increased official membership count by over 200% since in office

Establish first Cal Poly Architecture Professional and Student Mixer in collaboration with NOMAS Serve as representative for the architecture student body

Organize and execute events in coordination with board members and other Cal Poly Clubs to create a sense of community among the architecture student body and beyond

Social Event Coordinator June 2023 - June 2024

Organized social events in coordination with board members

San Luis Obispo, CA

Prepared annual Mentor-Mentee event, pairing over 100 students together Led outreach efforts to improve student engagement with the club

Coordinated with faculty and student clubs for joint events to promote interdisplinary relationships

Hearst Lecture Series Graphic Designer

September 2024 - Present

San Luis Obispo, CA

Collaborate with Faculty to generate concepts for a cohesive graphic language Design graphic language and maintain graphic image Manage social media and marketing

Connect students to professionals in an engaging interdisciplinary setting

Presbyterian Early Learning Center Assistant Preschool Teacher

Sunnyvale, CA

July 2023 - September 2024

Collaborate with teachers to create and organize engaging educational activities for ages 2 to 5 Lead learning activities in classroom environments with various teaching styles Provide assistance for students with special needs

Promote an inclusive and positive learning environment to build character and social skills

PROJECTS Design Village: BIOPHILIA - Poppy Pods Team Member April 2023

Designed a livable structure with a group of 7 with a limited budget

San Luis Obispo, CA

Prepared and presented project brief to professors for a mock building permit

Constructed the structure through various dvifferent techniques including: welding, metal working, sewing, fabric dying Collaborated with Architectural Engineering students to promote interdisciplinary studies and build a positive community

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References provided upon request

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I’ll be your tour guide today.

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THE RIF T Fall Quarter 2024 PAGE 6

POPPY PODS

Spring Quarter 2023 PAGE 12

AQUATIC DISRUPTION Winter Quarter 2024 PAGE 14

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PHOTO ALBUM Ongoing PAGE 20

GRAPHIC DESIGN Ongoing PAGE 24

Let’s get started on our adventure!

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O u r f i r s t s to p i s . . .

THE RIF T “EDUCATION IS DIVIDED”

BATTLE FOR CONTROL (INTERSECTION)

PROJECT DETAILS

RATIONALIZING AN ONGOING BATTLE

REFLECTION

YEAR: Fall Quarter 2024 LOCATION: Culver City, Los Angeles, CA “EDUCATION PROGRAM: Architecture, Film, and Graphic Arts IS A SPINE”

High School / Community Art Gallery

NARRATIVE: Aims to blur the longstanding division

Through constant iterations of the same idea, I gained valuable insight into my creative process, discovering the depth that emerges when refining rather than reinventing. My final presentation shifted TRAVELING ALONG my perspective, opening doors to exploreTRAVELING “design as”ALONG THE SPINE A CORRIDOR an active, experiential concept rather than merely “designing to represent” static ideas, pushing the boundaries of intention and impact in my work.

between STEM and Art disciplines.

SINGLE LOADED CORRIDOR (OLD)

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“EDUCATION IS DIVIDED”

“EDUCATION IS A SPINE”

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DOUBLE LOADED CORRIDOR (OLD)

EFFICIENT CLASSROOM BARS NO AREA FOR ACTIVITY

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EFFICIENT UNENGAGING SIGHTLINES NO AREA FOR ACTIVITY

DOUBLE LOADED CORRIDOR (NEW)

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ENGAGING SIGHTLINES CLASSROOM BARS AREA FOR ACTIVITY

BATTLE FOR CONTROL (INTERSECTION)

RATIONALIZING AN ONGOING BATTLE

TRAVELING ALONG THE SPINE

TRAVELING ALONG A CORRIDOR

Process exploring “Education As...” and the history of School Design

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1/8” = 1’ 3D Printed Structural Model

Interior Rendering in Central Atrium Space

Exterior Rendering viewing Main Entrance on Culver Boulevard

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FLOOR 4

FLOOR 3

FLOOR 2

A

B

C’ C

FLOOR 1

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A’ ‘The Rift’ Floor Plans 01 - 04

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0’

10’

20’

30’

50’

80’

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LEGEND A

ARCHITECTURE STUDIO

B

FILM & SOUND STUDIO

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GRAPHIC ARTS STUDIO

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INTERSECTION SPACES

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LIBRARY

F

STUDENT WORK GALLERY

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PERFORMANCE & SCREENING

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FITNESS

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MAKER’S WORKSHOP

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COMPUTER LAB

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ADMIN

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KITCHEN

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BATHROOM

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MEP & STORAGE

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GEOTHERMAL WELL & RADIANT FLOORING

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WATER CATCHMENT & CISTERN

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VENTILATION FAN

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DOAS VENTILATION SYSTEM

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PHOTO-VOLTAIC LOUVER

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OPERABLE WINDOW

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WEEP VENT

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56’ - 0”

3

L

42’ - 0”

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28’ - 0”

D

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14’ - 0”

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1

2

SECTION A - A’

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56’ - 0”

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L

G 42’ - 0”

7 C

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J 28’ - 0”

A

C 14’ - 0”

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F

1

SECTION B - B’

2

0’

‘The Rift’ Integrated Sections A-A’ + B-B’

15’

30’

90’

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LEGEND A

ARCHITECTURE STUDIO

B

FILM & SOUND STUDIO

C

GRAPHIC ARTS STUDIO

D

INTERSECTION SPACES

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LIBRARY

F

STUDENT WORK GALLERY

G

PERFORMANCE & SCREENING

H

FITNESS

I

MAKER’S WORKSHOP

J

COMPUTER LAB

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ADMIN

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KITCHEN

M

BATHROOM

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MEP & STORAGE

1

GEOTHERMAL WELL & RADIANT FLOORING

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WATER CATCHMENT & CISTERN

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VENTILATION FAN

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DOAS VENTILATION SYSTEM

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PHOTO-VOLTAIC LOUVER

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OPERABLE WINDOW

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WEEP VENT

SUMMER SUN ANGLE 78°

WINTER SUN ANGLE 31°

56’ - 0”

L 42’ - 0”

C

B

28’ - 0”

A 14’ - 0”

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2

1

SECTION C - C’

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‘The Rift’ Longitudinal I

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F

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A

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Integrated Section C-C’

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30’

90’

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O u r n e x t s to p i s . . .

POPPY PODS PROJECT DETAILS YEAR: Spring Quarter 2023 LOCATION: Poly Canyon, San Luis Obispo, CA PROGRAM: In collaboration with ARCE Students,

design a transportable and livable project to using the theme “Biophilia”

NARRATIVE: Represents the Super Blooms of Poppies during Spring / “We’re Stronger Together”

TEAM MEMBERS: Cali Carson, Meg McLaughlin, Matthues Johnson, Jordan Smith, Sofia Berg, Jake Lima

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REFLECTION This project provided me with a valuable glimpse into real-world practice through the mock permitting presentation, offering insight into the complexities of navigating regulations and stakeholder expectations. It also pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to work hands-on with steel and sewing—materials and techniques I had never explored before. Beyond gaining practical building skills, I learned the importance of teamwork and clear communication in successfully completing a project. Collaborating with others taught me how different perspectives and shared effort can elevate a design far beyond individual contributions.

Mock Permitting Diagrams and Site Model

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Picture of myself Welding Frames

Welded Steel Frames

Completed Structure in Poly Canyon

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O u r n e x t s to p i s . . .

AQUATIC DISRUPTION PROJECT DETAILS YEAR: Winter Quarter 2024 LOCATION: Morro Bay, CA [Morro Rock] PROGRAM: Interpretive Research and Education Center [Marine Research and Aquarium]

NARRATIVE: Aims to repair the relationship between Humans and Marine Animals of Morro Bay

Concept Plan and Section Exploring Relationship to Ground

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REFLECTION This project allowed me to dive deeply into my own interests, blending my passion for marine life advocacy with architectural design. As I worked to create a space for the residents and tourists of Morro Bay, I gained a better understanding of my creative process— how I approach challenges, refine ideas, and balance functionality with storytelling. This exploration helped me trust my instincts and become more confident in my design choices, knowing they could convey meaningful messages and contribute to real-world solutions.

Concept Sketches exploring Solid and Void

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Final Model Catwalk Through Aquarium Sphere

Final Model Top View

Final Section Model Elevation

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1

PLANE

SPHERES

2

SPHERES

1+2

1+2

1+2

1+3

A L

A IM AN D N N O N A CTI MA ERA U H T IN

WRAPS VOLUMES

PIERCES SPHERES PIERCED BY PLANE

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PIERCED BY PLANE

A

TO MS

R FO E NS AM RA FR

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ON

I AT S UL AN M U H

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2.1

OR RAM S F OG RE PR E H AL SP IM N EA RIN MA

PIERCED BY PLANE

R FO AM B.2 ES R M G O LU VO N PR MA HU

1+3

R FO N O I AT NS UL RC UMA CI H

R FO M ES RA M G O LU VO N PR MA HU

RA T FO ION AL RP RO IZED GR AM 3

MS OR SF AME N RA FR

RA T FO ION AL RP RO IZED GR AM

TO

T

2+3

2+3

OOLEAN DIFFERENCED WITH SPHERES

BOOLEAN DIFFERENCED WITH SPHERES

3 RECTANGULAR VOLUMES

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CONSTRUCTION “IKEA” ASSEMBLY THY TRUC HO | STUDIO LOPEZ GARRIDO | ARCH 252 | WINTER 2024

‘AQUATIC DISRUPTION’ IKEA Assembly Diagram exploring Tectonic Relationships between Solid and Void

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2+3

BOOLEAN DIFFERENCED WITH VOLUMES

B.1

T

2+3

BOOLEAN DIFFERENCED WITH VOLUMES

OR RAM S F OG RE PR E H AL SP IM N EA RIN MA

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MS OR SF AME N RA FR

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A IM AN D N N O N A CTI MA ERA U H T IN

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FO

C IR

2.1

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INTERIOR ENVELOPE

STURCTURAL GRID

EXTERIOR CLADDING “SCALES”

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TRANSPARENT GLASS

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STURCTURAL STEEL

TRANSLUCENT GLASS

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PERSPECTIVE SECTION 0’

5’

10’

20 ’

40’

INTERIOR ENVELOPE

STURCTURAL GRID

INTERIOR ENVELOPE EXTERIOR CLADDING “SCALES”

STURCTURAL GRID

EXTERIOR CLADDING “SCALES”

TRANSPARENT GLASS

STURCTURAL STEEL

TRANSPARENT GLASS TRANSLUCENT GLASS

STURCTURAL STEEL

TRANSLUCENT GLASS

OUTSIDE CLADDING DETAIL AND ASSEMBLY THY TRUC HO | STUDIO LOPEZ GARRIDO | ARCH 252 | WINTER 2024

Top: ‘AQUATIC DISRUPTION’ Perspective Section at 1/8” = 1’ depicting Aquarium Occupancy Bottom: ‘AQUATIC DISRUPTION’ Exterior Cladding Assembly Diagram

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TIC AQUATIC AQUATIC thy truc ho

KELP FOREST

PIER

PIER

PIER

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEHUMANS STORY OF REPAIRING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMANS HUMAN DEVELOPMENT RO BAY. AND MARINE ANIMALS OF MORRO BAY.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

THE STORY OF REPAIRING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMANS AND MARINE ANIMALS OF MORRO BAY.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

EELGRASSBEDS

AGRICULTURAL RUN-OFF

BOATING & FISHING

ROCKS & TIDE POOLS

PLAN 3 EELGRASSBEDS

EELGRASSBEDS

BOATING & FISHING

BOATING & FISHING

PLAN 2

PUBLIC CIRCULATION

PUBLIC CIRCULATION

PUBLIC CIRCULATION

PRIVATE CIRCULATION

PLAN 1

PRIVATE CIRCULATION

PRIVATE CIRCULATION 1

2

1

1

AQUARIUM CIRCULATION

AQUARIUM CIRCULATION

AQUARIUM CIRCULATION

THY TRUC HO STUDIO LOPEZ GARRIDO | ARCH 252 | WINTER 2024 THY TRUC HO

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STUDIO LOPEZ GARRIDO | ARCH 252 | WINTER 2024

‘AQUATIC DISRUPTION’ “Hybrid” Drawing exploring me

PIER

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KELP FOREST

PIER AGRICULTURAL RUN-OFF KELP FOREST

LP FOREST KE

AGRICULTURAL RUN-OFF ROCKS & TIDE POOLS

LP FOREST KE

ROCKS & TIDE POOLS

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AGRICULTURAL RUN-OFF

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

AGRICULTURAL RUN-OFF

BOATING & FISHING

EE

LG

RASS BED

RASS BE

S O

BOATING & FISHING

CK

R

EE

LG

DS

CK

S&

TID E P

S&

TID E P

R

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PLAN 2

L

S

PLAN 3

OO

L

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PLAN 3

PLAN 2

OO

1

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PLAN 1

PLAN 1

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ethods of 2 Dimensional Representation

0’

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30’

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80’

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20’

30’

50’

80’

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O u r n e x t s to p i s t h e . . .

PHOTO ALBUM CAMERAS Canon Rebel EOS T6 FujiFilm X-M5

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REFLECTION Architecture has rekindled my love for photography, inspiring me to see the world through new perspectives.

It’s taught me to train my eye to notice patterns, meaningful compositions, and the interplay of color and light. This rediscovery has deepened my appreciation for the details in both design and the everyday, reminding me how interconnected these creative pursuits are.

Porsche 356 at the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles

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Blanton Art Museum

‘Descend’ shot at the Blanton Art Museum

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“Island Universe” by Josiah Mcelheny at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

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Academy Museum’s Sphere Building

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Charles and Ray Eames House (Case Study House No. 8)

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O u r n e x t s to p i s . . .

GRAPHIC DESIGN

WHO IS SHE? YEAR: 2024 [Ongoing] CONCEPT: Design a cartoon version of myself to serve as a Tour Guide through my portfolio

REASON: I have been fascinated with animation and character design.

REFLECTION Designing this character made me reflect deeply on who I want to be and how I present myself to the world. It reminded me that a characterization can be anything— fluid, evolving, and multifaceted. I asked myself: what traits do I most want others to recognize in me? How can I express those qualities through something as simple as lines on a page? These are the same questions I often ask when refining my drawings, exploring how the smallest details can convey emotion, intent, or identity. This process has helped me better understand myself and the power of design in storytelling.

Sketches Exploring Body Proportions and Clothing

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Initial Design Sketches

Final Digital iteration

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POSTERS CLIENT: Cal Poly CAED’s Hearst Lecture Series NARRATIVE: Focusing on the theme “Urgencies

in the Built Environment,” create a cohesive design language across multiple posters, each reflecting the series’ focus on pressing global issues.

HEARST LECTURE SERIES FALL ‘24

CAL POLY CAED

MATERIAL MATERIAL

NOVEMBER MATERIAL

MATERIAL

1ST

3:10 PM FROST CENTER (181 - 0103)

HEARST LECTURE SERIES FALL ‘24

CAL POLY CAED

SOCIAL SOCIAL

NOVEMBER SOCIAL 1ST 5:10 PM BUSINESS ROTUNDA (03 - 213)

SOCIAL

HEARST LECTURE SERIES FALL ‘24

CAL POLY CAED

ECOLOGICAL ECOLOGICAL

NOVEMBER

ECOLOGICAL

BOTANIST, HARVARD UNIVERSITY

LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

REFLECTION

Designing the posters for the Hearst Lecture Series has been an incredible learning experience, teaching me valuable lessons in communication and visual representation. Translating complex themes like “Urgencies” into compelling graphics pushed me to think critically about how design can convey meaning and engage an audience. This project also highlighted the importance of being involved in oncampus activities—it’s not just about contributing to the community, but also about growing as a designer, collaborator, and advocate for meaningful dialogue.

PETER DEL TREDICI

YEAR: 2024-2025 [Ongoing]

ECOLOGICAL

15TH

5:10 PM BUSINESS ROTUNDA (03 - 213)

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END Thank you for joining me on this wonderful adventure.

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