It is with great pleasure I write this letter of recommendation for Vy Le, who was a student of mine at Virginia Tech during her first year of architecture studies from 2022-2023. Vy is an exceptional student, proving outstanding ability to think critically, experiment with model making, and develop sophisticated design sensibilities.
From the beginning, Vy exhibited a remarkable dedication to exploring the tasks at hand. Early projects in design school are often done by hand and she quickly developed a strong sense of detailed making within her models and hand drawings. As we progressed through the course, we introduced digital modeling tools, computer drafting, and with adobe suite all of which she was able learn quickly and integrate seamlessly into her work. She is continually pushing beyond expectations to refine her skills and produce highly developed designs. Her ability to embrace new ideas and experimentation sets her apart, and she consistently displayed an exceptional eye for composition, spatial understanding, details, and fabrication techniques.
Vy is also a strong leader who inspires and supports those around her. During my class she took time to help her peers, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are shared and developed. Furthermore, I continued to invite Vy back to my classes to give feedback to my students once she was an upper year student. She is always helpful and supportive, giving helpful feedback to others. Her leadership skills, combined with her drive and talent, make her stand out as a leader.
Beyond her academic performance, Vy has also been actively engaged in the broader architectural community, participating in clubs and organizations on campus that enriched her perspective and deepened her understanding of the field. Her involvement demonstrates not only her enthusiasm for architecture but also her ability to collaborate and contribute meaningfully to discussions on design and its broader implications.
Since her time in my course, I have followed Vy’s educational path, and it has been amazing to see her continued growth. She has developed into a thoughtful and articulate designer, with a clear vision for her work and an impressive level of critical engagement with architectural discourse. She possesses many technical skills and the intellectual curiosity necessary to excel in the profession. I have no doubt she will continue to make meaningful contributions to the architectural field.
I fully recommend Vy Le for any professional opportunities. She is a fast learner, driven, talented, and ambitious individual, and I am confident she will thrive in any setting. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Virginia Melnyk
vemelnyk@iastate.edu Assistant Professor, Architecture Iowa State University
VY LE
OBJECTIVE
NASHVILLE, TN
BLACKSBURG, VA
615-828-1141 VYLE@VT.EDU
AS A THIRD-YEAR ARCHITECTURE STUDENT WITH A STRONG FOCUS ON DIGITAL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES, I BRING A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE TO THE FIELD. MY ACADEMIC JOURNEY HAS CRAFTED MY SKILLS IN COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN, 3D MODELLING, AND DIGITAL VISUALIZATION, ALLOWING AN INNOVATIVE AND PRECISE APPROACH TO ARCHITECTURAL CHALLENGES. I AM EAGER TO APPLY MY TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS IN A DYNAMIC INTERNSHIP SETTING WHERE I CAN CONTINUE MY KNOWLEDGE OF DIGITAL ARCHITECTURE WHILE ALSO CONTRIBUTING TO EXPANSIVE PROJECTS.
EDUCATION
B. ARCH IN ARCHITECTURE
MAY 2027 (EXPECTED GRADUATION) || VIRGINIA TECH, BLACKSBURG, VA GPA: 3.44
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA MAY 2022 || CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL, FRANKLIN, TN
EXPERIENCE
RESEARCH ASSISTANT || HERITAGE X WITH PROFESSOR JESSICA HERNANDEZ || JANUARY 2025 - CURRENT
ARCHITECTURE INTERN || WPA – NORFOLK, VA || JANUARY 2025
SERVER/BARTENDER || OCEAN SAMURAI – BLACKSBURG, VA || FEBRUARY 2024 - CURRENT
3D SCANNING, MODEL MAKING, MANUAL DRAFTING, 3D PRINTING, RENDERING
LANGUAGES: VIETNAMESE (FLUENT) AND FRENCH (E)
MEMBERSHIPS AND LEADERSHIPS
PRESIDENT (CURRENT), EVENTS COORDINATOR (2023-2024), AND MEMBER (2022-2023) OF STUDIO COLLECTIVE STUDIO COLLECTIVE IS THE OFFICIAL DESIGN JOURNAL OF VIRGINIA TECH. STUDIO COLLECTIVE, HOUSED IN THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, OFFERS A SENSITIVE UNDERSTANDING OF TIME AND PLACE THROUGH THE COALESCENCE OF DISCIPLINES AND PERSPECTIVES.
CO-FOUNDER, TREASURER, AND ARCHITECTURE CHAIR OF WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE (CURRENT) WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN IS NOT JUST A GROUP BUT A REVOLUTIONARY FORCE WITHIN ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN DISCIPLINES. IT THUS FOLLOWS THAT IT IS HAVING AN IMPACT ON THIS PROFESSION THROUGH ITS COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERMENT, COMMUNITY BUILDING, ADVOCACY, AND INNOVATION WHILE SETTING DOWN SOME FOUNDATION FOR AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE.
AWARDS
DEAN’S LIST - VIRGINIA TECH: F22, SP23, F23
FIRST-YEAR STUDENT WORK AWARD (WALTER BURKE SCHOLARSHIP)VIRGINIA TECH: SP2023
EXHIBITIONS
STUDIO COLLECTIVE BEYOND ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION || COWGILL LOBBY
DRAPER X JACKSON
BELVEDERE
MEMORIAL GARDEN
SILVER LAKE BOUTIQUE
BEYOND ARCHITECTURE
ILBW07979 STUDY 025 029 031
DRAPER RD. X JACKSON ST. CORNER
This was a semester long project in the fall of my third year that was led by Professor Hunter Pittman.
The intersection of Draper Road and Jackson Street in downtown Blacksburg, Virginia, has undergone significant transformations over the years. This area, historically connected to the Virginia Tech community, has transitioned from its early development into a center for student life and local businesses. Over time, the condition of the area has deteriorated.
Renovations to the area will introduce an art gallery, outdoor seating, a bookstore, a renovated Benny’s, yoga studios, and upgraded residential spaces. These additions
aim to enhance the area’s function as a community hub, providing spaces for student and local engagement while preserving its historical character.
Dennis. 2020. “Books Strings and Things.” Blogspot.com. 2020. https://that70sblacksburg.blogspot.com/2011/12/booksstrings-and-things.html.
https://www.facebook.com/marnick.s. 2023. “Café Apartment Building in Saigon - an Insider Guide 2024.” Local Vietnam. June 14, 2023. https://localvietnam.com/blog/cafe-apartment-building/.
“Raohe Street Tourist Night Market.” 2025. Taipei Travel. 2025. https://www.travel.taipei/en/attraction/details/1691.
Rin, Tran Thanh. 2023. “To Urgently Complete the Regulations Amending QCVN 06:2022/BXD and Individual Housing Standards before September 30, 2023 in Vietnam.” Tin Tức Pháp Lu t. lawnet.vn. September 19, 2023. https://lawnet.vn/thong-tinphap-luat/en/chinh-sach-moi/to-urgently-complete-the-regulations-amending-qcvn-06-2022-bxd-and-individual-housing-standardsbefore-september-30-2023-in-vietnam-125066.html.
MOTEL_CLOSED_01
ILLEGIBLE_BENNYS_CLOSEUP
MIKE_01?
MOTEL_CLOSEUP
THE_BOARDWALK_CLOSEUP
THE_BOARDWALK_01
Site Scan Analysis
Site Scan Graphic Analysis
ISAIAH_01?
BENNYS_OG
South Facing Elevation
Precedents: Various Work-House Mixes in East and Southeast Asia
SOUTH ELEVATION
North and west sides of 1906 Christiansburg Station, ca. 1920s
Cambria, Christiansburg, VirginiaIntersection of Cambria St. NE and Depot St.
NEW RIVER VALLEY RAIL STATION (IN PROGRESS)
This was a 3 week long continuation of the third-year competition in the spring of my third year that was led by Professor Hunter Pittman.
This focuses on designing a train station and canopy for the New River Valley’s upcoming Christiansburg train station site. The design aims to create a functional and welcoming transit hub that enhances connectivity while reflecting the region’s character.
unknown, “Christiansburg, Virginia, Train Station,” VT Special Collections and University Archives Online, accessed February 10, 2025, https://digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/Ms1988_039_/ht027.
Yakubu, Paul. “The Architectural Language of Scaffoldings in Cityscapes: Exploring the Impact of These Temporary Structures.” ArchDaily, June 30, 2023. https://www.archdaily.com/1003231/the-architectural-language-of-scaffoldings-in-cityscapes-exploring-the-impact-of-these-temporary-structures.
Station Axonometric
BELVEDERE MEMORIAL GARDEN
This was a semester long project in the fall of my second year that was led by Professor Henri de Hanh.
Located in Salem, Virginia, Belvedere Memorial Garden was originally established as Sherwood Memorial Park in 1928. It serves as a dedicated space for reflection and remembrance.
A recent addition to the garden includes five architectural elements: a Guard Tower, an interactive wall, a chapel, a tombstone, and a yet-to-be-unveiled component. These features, integrated with the garden’s layout, provide a structured experience for visitors to engage with both historical and natural surroundings. The design emphasizes the
garden’s role as a space where memory and landscape intersect.
Super User. 2025. “Belvedere Gardens.” Sherwoodmemorialpark.com. 2025. https://sherwoodmemorialpark.com/index. php/belvedere-gardens.
Belvedere Memorial Garden
Topographic Sketch Sketches
Chapel Concept
Chapel Axonometric
Guard Tower Concept
SILVER LAKE BOUTIQUE HOTEL
This was a semester long project in the spring of my second year that was led by Professor Ben Pennell.
Located in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, the hotel is part of a larger mixed-use complex that includes residential units, amenity spaces, and a parking garage. The development is designed to foster a sense of community, with walking paths and garden walkways connecting the various spaces, encouraging both residents and visitors to explore the area.
The architectural design integrates seamlessly with the neighborhood, offering a contemporary contrast while maintaining Silver
Lake’s distinct character. The development prioritizes walkability and a blend of housing and leisure spaces, creating an engaging and accessible urban environment.
*Conceptulization was a collaborative effort with Natalie Krentz and Javier Maca. Drawings, photographs, and renders shown are personal works.
“A Tale of Two ’Hoods: A Rap on Silver Lake | Los Angeles Review of Books.” 2014. Los Angeles Review of Books. October 25, 2014. https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/tale-twohoods-rap-silver-lake/.
Silver. 2020. “Silver Lake Reservoirs Conservancy.” Silver Lake Reservoirs Conservancy. 2020. https://www.silverlakereservoirs.org/silver-lake-meadow.
Silver Lake Meadows and Silver Lake in Context
Perspective Section
HOTEL: SILVER LAKE, LOS ANGELES
Interior Bridge Render
Class Model
ILBW07979 STUDY
Roll: Fujifilm - Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White
Negative Film 35mm Roll Film
Camera: Pentax ME SE
BEYOND ARCHITECTURE
“Beyond Architecture” Exhibition
“‘How did your education allow you to get where you are today?’
We all had our beginnings: a spark of curiosity, a pull toward design, a path that led us to architecture. At Virginia Tech, we are shaped by the rigor and intensity of a program that builds architects, but more than that, it builds thinkers, makers, and problem solvers. We immerse ourselves in the culture of studio, pushing through sleepless nights, impossible deadlines, and the ever-present pursuit of something greater. We refine our craft, our perspectives, and our ability to see. And then, we step beyond.
What happens when architecture isn’t the end goal? When the designer leaves the studio and finds themselves in unfamiliar territory? Some of us remain close to the field, shaping the built environment, designing the spaces we once imagined on trace paper; others take a different route, branching into industries of
varying architectural adjacency and new ways of creating. Yet no matter how far we go, architecture lingers. It bleeds into the way we learn, the way we work, and the way we move through the world.
This journal explores the intersection of design and life and how architecture shapes the teachers, the entrepreneurs, the fighters, the artists, the strategists, and the visionaries. We carry it forward, building not just structures but ideas and possibilities that reach far outside the world of architecture and beyond.”
*”Beyond Architecture” was a collabrative effort within the Studio Collective Team. Journal Layout is done by Collin Caywood. “Beyond Architecture” exhibition is a collaboration within the Studio Collective Advisory Board: Alyssa Rinaldo, Vy Le, Isaiah Eneliko, Nick Erdman, and Logan Safranek.
