Fall 2017 . Maria Aiolova
Group Project
PioneerHears grafts onto PioneerWorks an existing avant-garde arts, science and cultural campus in Redhook, BK, and supplements their existing facilities by providing much needed space for a new flexible performing arts space, recording studios, youth hostel, and interior courtyard. The project hinges around a light-filled 'spine' which reaches from new to old and creates a common shared space at ground level. Taking cues from the existing structure, we decided to use a concrete structural system which flexes, changes, and creates pockets of space that adapt to the evolving needs of PioneerWorks.
Fall 2017 . Freelance Installation
Collaboration, Nathalie Mansueti
This freelance installation was a collaboration with boutique umbrella brand, BLUNT. We created this retail installation for the social launch of a collaboration between the retailer ONS in Soho, Manhattan. Using a simple system of laser cut pieces and nylon string, we created 'pools' where visitors could explore and experience the coverage of 3 different models of BLUNT umbrellas. This project was an opportunity for us to use the design and making skills we have been honing in school while also having to keep in mind the constraints of timeline, budget, and the buildability.
Summer 2017, Intern Project
Collaboration, Indhu Solayappan
One of the most exciting professional opportunities I have had to date was working for Nike, Inc this past summer in the Global Retail Design studio as a Store Design intern. Being surrounded by so many incredible designers at the World Headquarters in Oregon was amazing to say the least. During my time at Nike, I was working to conceptualize and design new store experiences around the world. During the course of the internship, another fellow GRD Intern and I were given the task of reimagining the footwear shopping experience. Through an exhaustive sketching and diagramming process, we arrived at an immersive footwear shopping experience that challenged the notion of footwear displayed on a flat wall and created a structure that exhibited the shoes from all sides. This structure allowed for shoppers to enter an entirely new architectural and shopping experience different from any store being used currently.
At the end of our time at Nike, we were given the opportunity to present our project to the entirety of Nike Design for which we created mood boards, drawings, collages, 3D printed models, and a VR space where users could explore our concept in real time.
Spring 2017 . Astrid Lipka
Solo Project
The Library of Taste is a project devoted to exploring the relationship of structure and space and how they influence one another. When asked to design a 'library +' in lower Manhattan I decided to frame my architecture around a library that incorporates food into the program. The project was developed through an in depth structural study based on creating a radial structure which originates from a single point. This approach creates programmable, flexible spaces which house functions related to food. These include book storage, cafe, instructional cooking spaces, lounge spaces, a roof greenhouse, a chefs table style restaurant, and a seed vault. Because all of the structure originates from one point, I chose to house the most important piece of program at that point: the seed vault. By creating such a systematized structural system, The building was able to become porous as double-height spaces on the Southeast Corner allow for daylight to enter and naturally light spaces.
In addition to developing a strong architectural and conceptual narrative, we were tasked with developing a set of detailed construction drawings. Working alongside structural and environmental consultants gave the project a level of feasibility and ultimately a stronger understanding of the project as a whole.
Summer 2017 . Personal Design Work
Solo Project
The concept of this kitchen renovation project was simple: Remove the darkness of the old and replace it with a light, open and airy new space. By removing dark finishes and upper cabinets that were blocking the kitchen from the living room, the project took on an entirely new spatial quality. The new open kitchen gained 11 linear feet of countertop as well as new finishes, cabinets, hardware, and lights all around. Special consideration was given to keep the counters and the backsplash clear of clutter so power and lights are located under the upper cabinets while small appliances have been moved under the countertop to keep the counters free for working.
Fall 2016 . Kim Ackert
Solo Project
This is the first studio that I have ever taken that challenged us to use daylighting as a point of departure for an architectural concept. The sun is a complex and ever changing entity which made designing a building for it one of the most complex undertakings I have ever done.
The program for the building was left fairly open so that the study of daylight remained in the foreground. It was to be a sacred space that contained a main gathering space, secondary gathering space, cloister, library, art gallery, residence rooms, and the accompanying support spaces.
Early in the project I began experimenting with the idea of using shifting and overlapping planes to manipulate daylight. This idea grew into a system of panels that move and undulate across the project to diffuse, reflect, and filter daylight.
Spring 2016 . Andrew Bernheimer, David Leven.
Group Project
In this group project we were encouraged to develop housing schemes that undertook the logistical issues of zoning and program while maintaining a clear architectural concept and tackling socioeconomic opportunities afforded by public housing.
The site is an existing park that is located in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of New York on St. Nicholas Ave between 155th and 157th streets. In our research about the area, we found that there was sintering crucial missing to the area: entrepreneurial opportunity. From there, we set out to create a piece of architecture that not only creates spaces to live, but a place where entrepreneurs can have access to resources they need to start their own businesses. In this way, our architecture reinvests in the local economy and becomes a catalyst for positive social and economic activity.
The ground floor contains a entrepreneurial incubator, cafe, and daycare for the public program. Above that, we created a public green roof that serves as a point of relaxation for the residents of the building and the residents of adjacent buildings. Since we were occupying the space of an existing park, we decided that instead of removing the park, we would just lift it. The living units aggregate in single loaded corridors that hug the south and east edges of the site. There is a mix of studio, 1 BR, and 2 BR arrangements in the floors above. Each floor was two smaller work areas that echo the incubator space on the ground floor and give residents a place to work on the floor they live on. Accompanying each work space is an indoor winter garden to bring the landscape inside the project.
Fall 2015 . Annie Barrett .
Solo Project
Decelerate is a project about using architecture to slow people down. Positioned where the Queensboro bridge bike path meets queens, the project uses a repetitive rain screen system to encourage cyclists coming off the bridge to slow down, take a break, and relax. The site is very complex because of the intersection of so many modes of transportation. Because of dangerous and heavy car traffic, the project evolved into a bridge that gives cyclists safe passage away from the dangers below.
Spring 2016 . Bryan Young
Solo Project
The design prompt for this assignment was simple: make a helmet. The design direction and conceptual direction were left very open to allow for experimentation and freedom in the form and function of the helmet. I took this as a challenge to push my ability to rapidly create and iterate on the idea of a helmet that discourages outward social interaction. Through the course of the assignment, I digitally and physically made many different iterations of a device which discourages social interaction and allows for personal introspection.
Various Times
Solo + Group Work Projects
Central to my beliefs about architecture are my beliefs about continuing to make things as often as possible. Making models is something that I have found to be crucial to the representation and discovery of a strong architectural concept. These images are a collection of different models and objects I have made during my schooling.
Fall 2015 - Present, Owner + Lead Craftsman
Solo Project
No Name Leathers is a side project that I started in the fall of 2015. My interest in design and making reaches far beyond just the built environment. I am fascinated with anything that involves making with my hands. I became interested in leather craft because I found that I was unhappy with the quality of goods I was purchasing. Slowly I began to teach myself and acquire the tools and skills necessary to make finely crafted leather goods. From beginning to end, my products are crafted by hand. The leather arrives from the tannery in a full piece, and I use all traditional hand processes to work the leather from a large piece into the creations you see here. In addition to being the maker of the goods, I also manage the social media presence, email, finances, branding, marketing, shipping and receiving, product photography, and various other tasks needed to keep a small company running. I have customers all around the world who appreciate the care and time that goes into curating and making these goods and have been recently published in Gentlemen's Quarterly (GQ) Magazine. Feel free to visit the No Name Leathers pages below and see more.
Summer 2017 . Competition Submission
Solo Project
DUOSTAND is my entry for the Dezeen x Samsung QLED Television Stand Design Competition. I chose to focus on designing a dynamic television stand that rotates to reveal something playful on the back. I wanted to create a designed piece of furniture that could activate a room in many different scenarios and layouts. Although I did not make that shortlist, I approached this project as a fun and quick exercise in ideation, and representation.
Summer 2016 . Freelance
Solo Project
When a client approached me and asked for help conceptualizing and realizing a bar based around board games, I was excited to see where this concept could go. The client needed help visualizing the concept for the bar starting with the graphics and ending with renderings of a space to show possible investors.
Together, we created a clear vision for the bar that is refined, beautiful and exactly what they wanted: A simple, cleanly designed space for locals to come drink good beer and play board games. I helped the client take the project all the way from schematic design through design development. The project is currently on hold as the founders seek investors.
Summer 2013 . Design/ Build.
Solo Project
This is a small design/build project that I undertook in the summer of 2013. I took the project all the way from schematic design all the way through construction.
