TOM TRAN ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN PORTFOLIO BFA ARCH. STUDIES
z
SELECTED WORKS + CV
BEGINNING STUDIO MASSING MODEL // BASED ON CHOSEN OBJECT (CLAW CLIP) // CARDBOARD
BFA ARCHITECTURE STUDIES
CONTACT +1 (209) 938-9124 trantomu@gmail.com Stockton, CA linkedin.com/archtrantom While design has always been a passion, my love for architecture began when I was old enough to leave the house and experience the built environment both at home and abroad. A dense, walkable urban fabric allows for everybody to experience great architecture without deliberately seeking it out.
LANGUAGES English Vietnamese Japanese SKILLS Revit Rhino Grasshopper AutoCAD Twinmotion Adobe Suite Fusion360 SketchUp ProCreate Model Making Product Development; Prototyping Ecommerce Receptive to new software DIGITAL BUSINESS CARD
EDUCATION CSU Sacramento | December 2026 BFA Architecture Studies Relevant Coursework: Advanced Revit Dean’s Honor List Active in AIA, IIDA, NOMA student chapters San Joaquin Delta College | Jan 2024 - July 2024 Coursework for transfer Orange Coast College | Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 Interior Design Relevant Coursework: Hand-Drafting, Applied Color Theory WORK EXPERIENCE IIDA NorCal MERGE Competition | Student Builder, Event Volunteer | 2026 Student-led team competing with local firms; Circus-Themed for 2026. Designed and constructed a themed runway outfit using only sponsored interior architecture material samples like carpet and tile. Created clothing patterns and conducted mockbuilds in preparation for 6-hour build-day using hand and machine-sewing methods. Assisted with venue setup and raffle ticket distribution to fund scholarships and IIDA chapter. Shirasoni 2 | Lodi, CA | Waitstaff | 2023-2025 Tomu Typing Solutions | Designer | 2019 - 2024 One-man-operation focusing on limited-production mechanical keyboard kits. Corresponded with overseas manufacturers to prototype and fabricate CNC aluminum goods. Organized several pre-orders each involving 30-50 bespoke units; totaling ~300. Collaborated with community members to create custom circuit boards for chassis designs. Freelance: designed one-off units for individuals.
1 // CURRICULUM VITAE
TOM TRAN
CONTENTS // 2
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TOM TRAN
OH DAE-SU’S CELL ARCH 124E // FILM AND DESIGN OLDBOY (2003) // DIR. PARK CHAN-WOOK TECHNICAL PEN ON TRACE
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_ 3 // CONTENTS
STUDIO COURSEWORK J-21ST FURNITURE MUSUEM SPRING 2026 LOCATION: SACRAMENTO, CA TYPEOLOGY: COMMERCIAL
NORTH VILLAGE HOUSING FALL 2025 LOCATION: SACRAMENTO, CA TYPEOLOGY: RESIDENTIAL
EXTRACURRICULAR WORKS IIDA MERGE 2026
CIRCUS-THEMED OUTFIT USING SPONSORED INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE MATERIALS
LIMITED-PRODUCTION MECHANICAL KEYBOARD KIT A LOW-PROFILE TAKE ON THE ALICE-LAYOUT
BFA ARCHITECTURE STUDIES // CSUS
NUNU
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J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM // 4
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J-21ST FURNITURE MUSUEM RHINO // GRASSHOPPER // AUTOCAD // TWINMOTION SQFT // 35,000 IN COLLABORATION WITH FABIAN HERNANDEZ (ALL VISUALIZATION AUTHORED BY TOM TRAN UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
TOM TRAN
Taking the place of an abandoned bridal studio in Mid-Town Sacramento, the musuem focuses on the transition to mass production which shifted furniture design from craftspeople to industrial designers.
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New structure informed by the site. Following modernist principals, massing operations were primarily done in the horizonal axis emphasizing the point of entry to the musuem. Expansive storefront glazing and distinctive burgundy facade reflect that of the structure that stood prior.
SPRING 2026 STUDIO
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J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM // 6
_ PROJECT SITE
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MIDTOWN CONTEXT
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SOUTH FACADE // J STREET
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TOM TRAN
WEST-FACING REAR LOT // 21ST STREET
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The chosen site on the corner of 21st and J is currently occupied by a building that housed a well-known business, House of Fashion, which is now abandoned. Midtown Sacramento is a hotspot of culture, history, and diversity along with being walkable, bike friendly, and mixed-use. The unused lot is high in value with new developments being proposed, this led to an opportunity for design.
SITE IMAGES COURTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS // ILLUSTRATOR
PRELIMINARY SKETCHES
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MASSING EVOLUTION
EXISTING BRIDAL STUDIO TO BE DEMOLISHED.
NEW CONSTRUCTION EXTENDS OVER REAR LOT.
SWEEP CREATES GROUNDLEVEL ACCESS, OVERHANGS TO SOUTH. MOTION INTERRUPTED BY VERTICAL EGRESS VOLUMES.
INSET CREATES TRANSITION BETWEEN BUILDING AND THE PUBLIC REALM. CAFE ACTIVATES EDGE OF A BUSTLING INTERSECTION.
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J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM // 8
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_ 9 // J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM RHINO // GRASSHOPPER // ILLUSTRATOR
FACADE SYSTEM EMPHASIZES SUBTRACTIVE ELEMENTS, PROVIDES THERMAL PERFORMANCE TO THE SOUTH AND WEST.
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J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM // 11
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FACADE ANALYSIS (WITHOUT FACADE) DIRECT SUNIGHT HOURS
15.0 13.5 12.0 10.5 9.0 7.5 6.0 4.5 3.0 1.5 0.0
TOM TRAN
ANALYSIS PERIOD: JUNE 21 0:00-23:59
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11 // J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM
GRASSHOPPER // RHINO
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J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM // 11
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FACADE ANALYSIS (WITH FACADE) DIRECT SUNIGHT HOURS
15.0 13.5 12.0 10.5 9.0 7.5 6.0 4.5 3.0 1.5 0.0
TOM TRAN
ANALYSIS PERIOD: JUNE 21 0:00-23:59
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11 // J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM
GRASSHOPPER // RHINO
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J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM // 11
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UP UP MECH MECH
EMPLOYEE PARKING GARAGE 3694 SQ.FT EMPLOYEE PARKING GARAGE 3694 SQ.FT
MUSUEM STORAGE 1801 SQ.FT
MUSUEM STORAGE 1801 SQ.FT
STORAGE STORAGE 65 SQ.FT
65 SQ.FT
STORAGE STORAGE 65 SQ.FT
65 SQ.FT
RR
121 SQ.FT
CAFE
1559 SQ.FT OL 262
CAFE Acts as a preview to musuem-- customers get to experience premium furniture. Display units for chairs, miniature staged models. Direct access to musuem lobby.
RR
121 RR SQ.FT
CAFE
121 SQ.FT
1559 SQ.FT OL 262
RR
121 SQ.FT
DISPLAY
DISPLAY
DISPLAY
DISPLAY
UP UP
GROUND FLOOR PLAN // 10,313 SQ.FT
TOM TRAN
GROUND FLOOR PLAN // 10,313 SQ.FT
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UP DN UP
ART HANDLING
EMPLOYEE / EMERGENCY STAIRS DN
ART HANDLING
EMPLOYEE / EMERGENCY STAIRS
984 SQ.FT OL 66
546 SQ.FT
984 SQ.FT OL 66
576 SQ.FT OL 115
GALLERY PATIO 576 SQ.FT OL 115
EXHIBIT ENTRY
UP
BREAK/MERCH STORAGE 135 SQFT
EXHIBIT ENTRY
DN
LOBBY
1453 SQ.FT OL 269
LOBBY
1453 SQ.FT OL 269
The temporary gallery is an always-rotating event space. It hosts furniture showcases, local artist markets, exhibitions, etc. Artifact handling faces Improv Alley.
RR
RR
232 SQ.FT
232 SQ.FT
JAN 26 SQ.FT RR 232 SQ.FT 232 SQ.FT
RR
JAN 26 SQ.FT
LOBBY PATIO 1343 SQ.FT OL 269
UP
LOBBY PATIO
DN UP
1343 SQ.FT OL 269
DN
1F FLOOR PLAN // 12,090 SQ.FT 1F FLOOR PLAN // 12,090 SQ.FT
PLANS IN COLLABORATION WITH FABIAN HERNANDEZ // AUTOCAD // ILLUSTRATOR
BREAK/MERCH STORAGE 135 SQFT
EXHIBIT EXIT
HOMAGE TO THE SQUARE JOSEF ALBERS OIL ON MASONITE, 1949-1976
5149 SQ.FT OL 1030
UP EXHIBIT EXIT
TEMPORARY GALLERY INSPIRATION PIECE:
TEMPORARY GALLERY / EVENT SPACE 5149 SQ.FT TEMPORARY OL 1030 GALLERY / EVENT SPACE
GALLERY PATIO
DN
546 SQ.FT
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J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM // 11
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BALCONY 121 SQ.FT
OFFICE
984 SQ.FT OL 66
OFFICE
984 SQ.FT OL 66
BALCONY DN 121 SQ.FT
EMPLOYEE / EMERGENCY STAIRSDN 500 SQ.FT
EMPLOYEE / EMERGENCY STAIRS 500 SQ.FT
PERMANENT EXHIBIT 5149 SQ.FT
OL 1030 PERMANENT EXHIBIT 5149 SQ.FT OL 1030
PERMANENT GALLERY INSPIRATION PIECE: RR
DN
206 SQ.FT
DN
206 SQ.FT
LOUNGE 926 SQ.FT OL 104
LOUNGE 926 SQ.FT OL 104
RR
OPEN TO BELOW OPEN TO BELOW
RR
MA JOLIE PABLO PICASSO OIL ON CANVAS, 1911–1912
Upper lounge space for rest between exhibits. The permanent exhibit is a chronological walkthrough of furniture from the past to contemporary times.
206 SQ.FT
BALCONY / RESTROOM 206RR SQ.FT WAITING AREA BALCONY 1726 SQ.FT / OL 245 RESTROOM WAITING AREA
DN
1726 SQ.FT OL 245
DN
2F FLOOR PLAN // 12,090 SQ.FT
TOM TRAN
2F FLOOR PLAN // 12,090 SQ.FT
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11 // J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM
ELEVAITIONS // TWINMOTION
SOUTH ELEVATION // J STREET
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J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM // 11
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LONGITUDINAL SECTION // IN COLLABORATION WITH FABIAN HERNANDEZ
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TOM TRAN
WEST ELEVATION // 21ST STREET
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11 // J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM
RHINO // ILLUSTRATOR
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J-21ST FURNITURE MUSEUM // 22
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STRUCTURAL MODEL IN COLLABORATION WITH FABIAN HERNANDEZ
STRUCTURAL STEEL
TOM TRAN
LOAD-BEARING REINFORCED ACOUSTIC CMU
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2-HR RATED FIREWALL ADJACENT TO NEIGHBOR INTEGRATED STEEL COLUMNS TRUSS SUPPORTS DOUBLE-HEIGHT LOBBY
IN COLLABORATION WITH FABIAN HERNANDEZ // RHINO // ILLUSTRATOR
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NORTH VILLAGE HOUSING // 22
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NORTH VILLAGE HOUSING
REVIT // AUTOCAD // TWINMOTION SQFT // 37,000 IN COLLABORATION WITH DIANA KIESLEV (ALL VISUALIZATION AUTHORED BY TOM TRAN UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
TOM TRAN
Equitable housing for students with lived fostercare experience using alternative materials. This project is to be constructed using locally-sourced strawbale block.
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_ 22 // NORTH VILLAGE HOUSING FALL 2025 STUDIO
Situated on the northeastern-most corner of CSUS adjacent to J st. and the American River, this project is set to replace just two basketball courts; adding onto the 2100 students already residing at the North Village. Existing pools and related buildings to remain.
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NORTH VILLAGE HOUSING // 22
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WHY STRAWBALE? Carbon Sequestering: captures and stores CO2 during its lifecyle
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Significantly lower embodied carbon than fiberglass or loose fill cellulose insulation.
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Repurposes agricultural by-product
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Compressed bales provide up to 2-hr fire protection while maintaining porousness of wall assembly
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18” Wall thickness provides thermal mass properties
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FACE OF BALE
UNIT WALL SECTION DETAIL
CLERESTORY WINDOW LIGHT SHELF
1” AIR GAP LOOSE FILL CELLULOSE INSULATION
3/4” PLYWOOD
DENSE STRAW/CLAY FILL ALUMINUM ROOF CLADDING 23’ 8”
1X2 DRIP EDGE 2X6 RAFTER WITH LEVEL-CUT FOR SOFFIT 2X6 FASCIA 3/4” PLYWOOD SOFFIT 2X4 TOP PLATE 2X6 NAILER 1/2” PLYWOOD
1” EARTHEN PLASTER OVER WIRE MESH
BATHROOM DOOR TRANSOM
POCKET DOOR
STRAW BALE BLOCK
LINE OF 4X4 POST BEYOND
13’ 8”
12’ 8”
FINISHED FLOOR 2X10 BLOCKING
3/4” PLYWOOD SUBFLOOR LOOSE FILL CELLULOSE INSULATION
3/4” PLYWOOD
2X10 JOIST
PILLASTER BEYOND
OPERABLE TRANSOM
LIGHT SHELF
0’ 8” FINISH GRADE
METAL FLASHING
4x4 PT PLATE GRAVEL
FOOTING
1” RIGID FOAM INSULATION
AUTOCAD // ILLUSTRATOR
FINISHED FLOOR POLYETHYLENE VAPOR BARRIER, 6MM COMPACTED GRAVEL BASE
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NORTH VILLAGE HOUSING // 22
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MASSSING & SITE RESPONSE
TOM TRAN
PRE-MASSING MODEL | 3D PRINTED UNIT MODULES, PLYWOOD BASE IN COLLABORATION WITH DIANA KIESLEV
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Left and center of mass aligned toward largest tree o n site.
Opened toward foot-traffic and connecting road.
Subtractions for prevailing wind passthrough and internal site access
Central extrusion to join b uilding and express bi-lateral symmetry. Obstructs internal s ite view for passers-by.
Copy, scale, mirror.
BIK E T
WS VIE
BUS ROUTE
RY ENT
RAI L
E. POOLS
S TO CAMPU Flip second building across site creating private, o utdoor social space between.
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FEET
SKETHCUP // ILLUSTRATOR
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1F, SITE PLAN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
BUS AND LOADING ZONE COVERED BUS GATHERING AREA CAFE ENTRANCE AND LOBBY BEDROOM FOR TWO OCCUPANTS BICYCLE PARKING SHARED SHOWER MODULE LAUNDRY ROOM OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE COURTYARD KITCHEN/DINING PANTRY LIVING ROOM POOL AREA BUILDING 2 KITCHEN/DINING PANTRY READING NOOK SHARED SHOWER MODULE BUILDING 2 LAUNDRY ROOM E: EXISTING BUILDING
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NORTH VILLAGE HOUSING // 22
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PLANS BY DIANA KIESLEV // REVIT // PHOTOSHOP
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2F PLAN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
BEDROOM FOR FOUR OCCUPANTS BALCONY BATHROOM STUDY/LIVING SPACE BUILDING 2 STUDY/LIVING SPACE O/B: OPEN TO BELOW
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NORTH VILLAGE HOUSING // 33
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PLANS BY DIANA KIESLEV // REVIT // PHOTOSHOP
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NORTH VILLAGE HOUSING // 33
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MAIN BUILDING CENTRAL COURTYARD VIEW RECREATIONAL SPACE ABOVE COMMUNAL KITCHEN BELOW // TWINMOTION
RENDERS // TWINMOTION
NTS
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NORTH VILLAGE HOUSING // 33
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OUTSIDE VIEW POOLS TO LEFT MAIN BUILDING AHEAD // TWINMOTION
RENDERS // TWINMOTION
NTS
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IIDA MERGE 2026 // 33
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IIDA MERGE 2026 STUDENT BUILDER IN COLLABORATION WITH IIDA CSUS STUDENT CENTER
An annual competition hosted by IIDA Norcal Sacramento City Center. 2026 MERGE was circus-themed and constructed during a single-day build session along with several other local firms. As the only student-led team to attend, CSUS was assigned the sub-category Magician / Escape-artist.
RUNWAY NIGHT, AMERICAN AUTOMOTIVE MUSUEM, SACRAMENTO, CA
CONCEPTUAL SKETCH BY SUHKMUN SANGHA
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TOM TRAN
SACRAMENTO ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN FOUNDATION ZINE 01 FEATURE WRITTEN BY TATUM GALLEGOS
_ 33 // IIDA MERGE 2026
CONCEPT AND SPONSOR MATERIAL BOARD IN COLLABORATION WITH EMMALINE RINEHART, MARIA-JOSE BAUTISTA, VANEZA JIMENEZ
FALL 2026
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IIDA MERGE 2026 // 33
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TEST OUTFIT // MATERIALS WERE NOT TO BE USED UNTIL BUILD DAY
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MATERIAL BOARD ASSEMBLY PHASE
FALL 2026
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NUNU // 44
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NUNU
TOMU TYPING SOLUTIONS AUTODESK FUSION Ergonomic CNC aluminum keyboard kit End user to purchase switches, keycaps and assemble Various plate materials available from brass to polycarbonate Sandblasted brass or polished stainless badge Layout based on TGR-Alice Lowest front-profile Alice-layout board at 15.5mm Comfortable 4 degree typing angle Concentric corners and curves Relief cuts on plate throughout to increase flex Spacebars mounted on PCB rather than plate ~300 Units produced including smoked polycarbonate versions Small run of polycarbonate/aluminum matching wrist rests
CUSTOMER UNIT // ANODIZED ALUMINUM, POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL. 2022
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TOM TRAN
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC DRAW AUTODESK FUSION // 2020
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44 // NUNU
WING
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NUNU // 44
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CUSTOMER UNIT TYPING DEMONSTRATION KTHRIZZY VIA YOUTUBE ALUMINUM, POM PLATE, BRASS BADGE
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44 // NUNU
https://youtu.be/TBigPxTR0RA
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NUNU // 44
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INITIAL PROTOTYPE MACHINING // 2020
ANODIZING SAMPLES // 2023
PRODUCTION RUN BADGES // PRE-POLISHING // 2022
TOM TRAN
DYED POLYCARBONATE SAMPLES // 2021
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+1 (209) 928-9124 trantomu@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/archtrantom