objective
Entry-level designer and advanced intern positions in a full-service architecture firm

experience
INDEPENDENT DESIGN CONSULTANT (Los Angeles, Sept 2009-present)
@ DOUG AITKEN WORKSHOP
Work on all facets of current and upcoming fine arts projects including project research, image retouching, presentation.
  • Created photo-composite renderings and fine art installation proposals for international clients
  • Processed hundreds of photos for proposals and source imagery for production of animation
  • Created product mock-up images for book packaging and CD jacket art
  • Constructed presentation-quality 1/8" scale foam board model of performance space from drawings and site photos
@ SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE, DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
Consult with project teams on visualization and marketing for upcoming initiatives.
  • Designed informational print brochure including image selection, written content, graphic design and layout
  • Created day and night visualization artwork of green alley pilot. Researched, designed, and depicted transformation of existing alley to
   pedestrian walkway with bioswale, garden walls, and sustainable street amenities
@ JOHN FRIEDMAN ALICE KIMM ARCHITECTS
Assist with design and documentation of education projects.
  • Attended RFQ orientation meeting and recorded client needs for high school renovations and new facilities
  •Drew schematic design plans and initial building elevations for redesign of 30,000 SF higher education building
  •Generated multiple proposals for entrance canopy, fiber-optic day-lighting luminaire, and interior green wall
  •Digitally modeled lounge and building skin iterations, reconciling changes in plans and material selections
  •Articulated project scope and vision with phasing diagrams, interior and exterior renderings

INTERN ARCHITECT @ JOHN FRIEDMAN ALICE KIMM ARCHITECTS (Los Angeles, Jun-Sept 2009)
Assist with design, visualization, and documentation for Guest of Honor Pavilion, Guadalajara International Book Fair.
  •Developed concepts for design and fabrication of international book fair exhibit, including book towers, booths,
   video projection content, light balloons, and book installation piece
  •Implemented parametric model for book towers and script for voronoi pattern floor to improve redesign efficiency
  •Drew initial plans and interior elevations from measurements/photos and drew design details for shop
  •Modeled and rendered exhibit design components and overall space
  •Assisted with general marketing including printing / mounting presentation boards, preparing and delivering RFQ and RFP submittals,
   creating imagery for awards submissions
Research and explore theoretical mat designs to circumvent zoning restrictions in South LA industrial site.
  •Developed three schematic mat building proposals incorporating community programs and public space with varying degree of
   intervention and spatial experience with context
  •Assisted in construction of solid wood city site model

3D CONSULTANT @ JOHN V. MUTLOW ARCHITECT (Los Angeles Jan-Mar 2008)
Produce visualization of new project.
  •Built conceptual digital model for affordable housing project and produced renderings for client presentation

INTERN ARCHITECT @ HKS ARCHITECTS, INC. (San Francisco, Jun-Oct 2006, Jun-Aug 2007)
Assist with documentation and construction administration of current projects.
  •Drew schematic, DD, and CD drawings for hospital and residential / mixed-use projects
  •Drew revisions to as-built drawings for permit review and processed drawings with city
  •Managed interiors and lighting Construction Change Directive drawing package for 719-unit residential project
  •Performed punch list review of residential units

education
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE @ UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (2007-09)
  •Study in parametric design and sustainable design, studio research in Spain and China
  •Designed student portfolio publications and lead workshops for undergraduate students in AutoCAD and Rhino

BACHELOR OF ARTS GRADUATE @ UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY (2003-07)
  •Major in Architecture, Minor in City and Regional Planning

Professional and academic recommendations available at linkedin.com/in/laurentakeda

skills
2D drafting...................................... AutoCAD / 4.5yrs
Visualization....................................Illustrator, Photoshop / 4yrs
Presentation.....................................InDesign / 3yrs
3D representation.............................Rhinoceros, 3DS Max / 2.5yrs
Rendering....................................... Vray, Mental Ray / 2.5yrs
Animation, Video editing................ 3DS Max, Premiere / 0.5yr
Programming...................................RhinoScript / 0.5yr
Building Information Modeling........Revit Architecture / 0.5yr
Parametric modeling.......................CATIA / 0.5yr
Physical modeling...........................paper, cardboard, museum/chip board, wood, foam, acrylic, steel, cement
                                                        lasercutting, digitization

affiliations
Volunteer designer, SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE, DOWNTOWN LA NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL (current)
Member, AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS - Los Angeles (current), East Bay (2005-07)
Member, AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS (2003-07) - AIA Student Liason (2005-06)
Member, CAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY (2003-07)