is my firm belief that the experimentation of design rooted in the deep conceptualization of urban theory will provide innovative solutions to solve the most pressing urban challenges of today and the imminent future.”
- Aaron Danko
Pages: 3-6
Project Category: Architecture
Project Location: Seattle, Washington Year Completed: 2024
02
257 Park | 6th Floor Pre-Build
Pages: 7-10
Project Category: Architecture
Project Location: New York City, New York
Year Completed: 2022
Terrace
Pages: 11-14
Project Category: Architecture
Project Location: New York City, New York Year Completed: 2023
Project Location: Detroit, Michigan Year Completed: 2019-2020
Pages: 15-18
Project Category: Architecture
Project Locations: Various Years Completed: Various
Pages: 33-34
Project Category: Visual Media Years Completed: Various
ACRE Student Housing 01
Professional | Veer Architecture
Client: The University of Washington
Summer 2024
ACRE is an off-campus student housing development affiliated with the University of Washington, located in Seattle’s University District. The six-story building includes 89 studio units in a range of layouts, including barrier-free options. A key focus of the project was the thoughtful design of unit types—providing spacious, single-occupancy apartments with modern amenities as a high-quality alternative to traditional dormitory housing. I led this project from schematic design through permitting, working closely with the principal and managing a small team of drafting staff. ACRE UW broke ground in March 2025 and reflects the University’s commitment to elevating the student living experience through intentional, functional, design-forward housing.
Design Considerations
ACRE was designed to serve as both student housing and a welcoming destination for the broader University District community. To integrate seamlessly with its context, the building draws inspiration from the architectural language of nearby fraternities and sororities—featuring a brick façade, a colonnade at the main entrance, and Greek-style signage. Inside, a variety of shared common areas and community-focused spaces further strengthen its connection to the neighborhood. The project underwent design review with the City of Seattle and the University District’s community board.
Material Legend:
1. Red Brick
3. Brown Metal Panel (Horizontal & Vertical)
2. Black Brick
7. 36” High Painted Steel Guardrail
5. Beige Fiber Cement Panel
4. Beige Horizontal Metal Panel
8. Building Signage
6. Parapet Cap (Beige or Black)
Building & Unit Design
Maximizing unit space and overall square footage was the primary goal of this project. Unlike typical student dormitories—which are often cramped, outdated, and poorly maintained—ACRE aimed to provide spacious, modern studio apartments equipped with every essential amenity. The building offers four different studio layouts, each featuring a private kitchen, bathroom, and living/sleeping area designed to accommodate a queen bed. Beyond the individual units, residents have access to numerous shared amenities, including rooftop terraces, outdoor patios, a study “classroom,” fitness center, laundry facilities, tenant storage, and bike storage.
02
257 Park Avenue
6th Floor Pre-Build
Professional | Gray Space Architecture
Client: The Feil Organization
The goal of this project was to create a new Pre-Build for The Feil Organization that reimagined office design beyond prepandemic norms. We aimed to transform the workspace to offer employees greater choice and flexibility, providing access to materials and technology tailored to diverse work styles—much like the varied environments found in local or college libraries. Programmatically, the design balances active, social collaboration areas with quieter, more intimate spaces, reflecting the evolving needs for both community and focused work. I led this project from schematic design through completion. The project reached substantial completion in October 2022.
Design Considerations
Our design responds to the post-pandemic need for varied work environments by combining both active and relaxed areas within one space. The first zone, The Grounds, serves as the active section of the office, featuring louder spaces such as the pantry, lounges, and open collaboration areas, with vibrant “active” finishes. The Vestibule acts as a transitional space, blending active and quiet zones with standard workstations and enclosed conference rooms. The final area, The Study, is designed to promote focused work through phone booths and enclosed huddle rooms, featuring softer “quieter” finishes to create a calm atmosphere.
Finish Selection
Quiet Colors + Textures
E 21ST STREET
The Study
Quiet & Peaceful
Small Breakout Rooms
Single Person Seating
Privacy Phone Booths
Warmer Finishes
The Vestibule
Transition Space
Private Offices
Workstations
Conference
The Grounds
Loud & Active Cafe
Collaboration Spaces
Open Lounge Seating
Reception
Cooler Finishes
Active Colors + Textures
Ceiling & Lighting Design
Lighting and ceiling design played a crucial role in expressing our overall concept for the space. Just as we selected distinct finishes for The Study and The Grounds, we developed a lighting plan tailored to the unique needs of each area. For The Grounds, we adopted a more dynamic approach, using a mix of linear fixtures and pendant lights to evoke a café-like atmosphere. Acoustic clouds were also incorporated in some enclosed spaces to improve sound quality. In contrast, The Study features more subdued lighting reminiscent of a library setting, primarily using drop fixtures and linear acoustic baffles to create a calm, focused environment.
Reflected Ceiling Plan Legend:
Existing Wall
New Partition
Exposed Ceiling
Suspended Acoustic Ceiling
GWB Soffit + Ceiling
Acoustic Baffles
Acoustic Clouds Light Fixture
Recessed
03
111 5th Avenue
Rooftop Terrace
Professional | Gray Space Architecture
Client: The Winter Organization
Summer 2023
Our clients, The Winter Organization, sought to transform the rooftop of their marquee Midtown Manhattan building into a vibrant terrace, replacing the existing mechanical penthouse. Given that 111 5th Avenue is a landmark-protected building in New York City, we navigated an extensive approval process to undertake any exterior work. After several months of design proposals and discussions with the NYC Landmark Preservation Committee, we secured approval to proceed with construction drawings. Our design aimed to create an inviting rooftop terrace that offers both aesthetic appeal and functional outdoor space for building occupants, enhancing the overall experience of this historic landmark.
Design Considerations
After discussions with the NYC Landmark Preservation Committee, it was decided to convert half of the roof into a terrace space while retaining the other half as a mechanical penthouse. Our vision for the terrace focused on creating an open, inviting area enclosed by planters and benches, with guardrails for safety. The terrace was designed to step up toward the corner, following the existing slope of the roof. To achieve this, we installed pavers on pedestals with ramps on both sides for accessibility. For finishes, we chose a color palette that complemented the existing façade, featuring gray and black tones accented by the vibrant greenery of the plants. In addition to the terrace design, we reclad the entire roof, including all mechanical spaces and the penthouse office, with new materials to refresh and unify the rooftop appearance.
Design Plan Legend:
ROOF TERRACE
Modern Planters
Potted Trees Artificial Hedges
Furniture
Wood Benches
24”x24” Pavers
Flush Parapet Wall Panel with Reveal in Light Gray Finish
24”x24” Paver in Light Gray Finish
Flat Stock Steel Railing in Matte Black Finish with Stainless Steel Cable & Teak Handrails
Wall Sconce in Metallic Black Finish
Perforated Metal Fence with Gate in Matte Black Finish
Corrugated Metal Wall Panel in Slate Gray Finish Plants in Modern Planters
Technical Details
Designing the terrace required a thorough investigation of the existing roof’s structural system. After multiple surveys, we gained a solid understanding of the roof membrane and underlying structure, which informed the precise layout of the pavers. These pavers were installed on adjustable pedestals over a cover board to ensure proper leveling and drainage. The handrails around the ramps also interfaced with the existing roof membrane; we detailed them to connect to steel tubes securely affixed to the roof. Both the handrails and protective guardrails were specified as ½” by 2” painted steel flat stock with teak handrails. We chose the flat stock design to elevate the aesthetic of the space, providing a more refined look compared to standard tubular railings. Additionally, we paid close attention to the installation of new metal wall cladding and flashing throughout the terrace. To add depth and visual interest to the exterior CMU walls of the penthouse, we specified corrugated metal wall panels, complemented by flush metal parapet panels atop the penthouse walls. This careful attention to detail helped create a cohesive and durable rooftop environment that blends function with design.
Handrail Connection Detail
Gutter with Downspout
Flashing Fence with Gate
Fence with Gate Existing Louver Up/Dn Wall Sconce
Guardrail Connection Detail 2”x1/2” Painted
Additional Professional Projects
Presented here are eight additional professional projects that I have led or am currently leading as project manager. My responsibilities have encompassed guiding these projects from inception through permitting—engaging directly with clients, overseeing schematic design, developing permit drawing sets, and coordinating with consultants, jurisdictions, collaborating firms, and principal architects. I have also managed permit revisions and provided construction administration support as required. These projects vary widely in scope, type, and scale, including multifamily and single-family residential, commercial interiors, and retail.
ACRE 2 Student Housing
Professional | Veer Architecture
Client: The University of Washington
Winter 2025
ACRE 2 is an off-campus student housing project affiliated with the University of Washington, located in Seattle’s University District. Designed as a modern alternative to traditional dormitories, the building features 52 studio apartments alongside amenities such as a fitness center, rooftop deck, study room, coffee shop, and multiple common areas. I am leading this project from schematic design through permitting, collaborating closely with the principal and overseeing another team member. ACRE 2 is scheduled to break ground in early 2026.
1323 5th Apartments
Professional | Veer Architecture
Client: Hodge Construction, Inc.
Summer 2024
1323 5th Street is a 24-unit mixed-use development located in Wenatchee, WA. The building features a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartment units, along with commercial and amenity spaces on the ground floor. The project also includes an elevated outdoor deck and a variety of parking options designed to meet Wenatchee’s parking requirements. I led this project from schematic design through permitting, collaborating closely with the principal and overseeing one colleague. Although 1323 5th Street has received its permits, construction is currently on hold due to financial reasons.
ACRE 3 Student Housing
Professional | Veer Architecture
Client: The University of Washington
Summer 2025
ACRE 3 is the third off-campus student housing project currently being developed by the University of Washington. Like ACRE 1 and 2, this building aims to provide a modern alternative to traditional university housing. It features 93 studio apartments and 7 two-bedroom units, each equipped with a modern kitchen, bathroom, and in-unit laundry. The building also includes amenities such as a fitness center, computer lab, rooftop deck with a pickleball court, study room, and multiple common areas. I am coleading this project alongside one other colleague. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2026.
Miller
Residence
Professional | Veer Architecture
Client: The Millers
Summer 2024
The Miller residence is an addition and alteration to an existing private home located on a hillside in Seattle, WA, with stunning views overlooking Puget Sound. Throughout the design process, we collaborated closely with the owners to maximize square footage while taking full advantage of the surrounding scenery. This was accomplished by adding a 475-square-foot outdoor deck, multiple dormers, and increasing fenestration throughout the home. Situated within an ECA critical area, the project faced several complex challenges during permitting. I led the project from schematic design through permit approval, managing both architectural and interior design scopes. Construction began in April 2025.
Movable Ink Corporate HQ
Professional | Gray Space Architecture
Client: Movable Ink & The Feil Organization
Winter 2024
Movable Ink’s New York City headquarters is a full-floor corporate office designed to reflect the company’s dynamic brand and collaborative culture. The project included a mix of open work areas, private offices, meeting rooms, and amenity spaces such as lounges, a café-style kitchen, and a flexible event space. I led this project from inception through completion, overseeing all phases including client engagement, concept development, design documentation, permitting, and construction administration. The result is a modern, functional workspace tailored to support both in-person collaboration and hybrid work.
Human Security Corporate HQ
Professional | Gray Space Architecture
Client: Human Security & The Feil Organization
Fall 2023
The Human Security headquarters is a corporate office space designed to support both focused work and cross-functional collaboration. I oversaw the project from start to finish, managing every phase from initial client engagement through design, documentation, permitting, and construction. Working closely with the client, I led the development of a workspace that emphasizes flexibility, efficiency, and a clean, modern aesthetic. My responsibilities included coordinating with consultants, jurisdictions, and the construction team to ensure the project was delivered on time and aligned with the client’s operational needs. The result is a functional and refined headquarters tailored to Human Security’s mission and workflow.
Glossier Flagship Store
Professional | Gray Space Architecture
In Collaboration With: Peterson Rich & GACHOT
Client: Glossier & The Heller Properties
Winter 2023
Glossier’s New York City flagship is a retail experience that blends immersive design with the brand’s distinct visual identity. Working in collaboration with PRO, Glossier’s primary architect, and interior designer GACHOT, I contributed to the design development of the space while leading the completion of the construction drawing set. While the design process was highly collaborative, our team was specifically responsible for translating the concept into a fully coordinated and permit-ready construction package. The result is a visually engaging, highly detailed retail environment that reflects Glossier’s ethos and delivers a seamless customer experience.
Marc Jacobs Flagship Store
Professional | Gray Space Architecture
In Collaboration With: Jaklitsch/Gardner Architects
Client: Marc Jacobs & The Heller Properties
Fall 2023
Located in the heart of SoHo, Marc Jacobs’ flagship store at 72 Spring Street is a carefully crafted retail environment that reflects the brand’s bold, fashionforward identity. I worked closely with Jaklitsch/ Gardner Architects throughout the design process, contributing to the development of the space while taking primary responsibility for producing the full construction documentation. Our role centered on translating the collaborative design vision into a comprehensive, permit-ready drawing set. The finished space pairs elevated detailing with a strong visual presence, creating a retail experience that aligns with both the Marc Jacobs aesthetic and the historic character of its surroundings
Urban Woodland 05
Academic | Politechnika Warszawska
Urban Development Studio: Warsaw
Professor: Andrzej Gawlikowski In Collaboration With: Jason Tran Winter 2018
The goal of this design studio was to transform a vacant plot of land in the Pyry neighborhood of Warsaw. Each project carefully engaged with elements of urban planning, landscaping, and architectural design. Inspired by the adjacent forest, the Urban Woodland development aimed to create a distinctive environment that fosters connection between urban living and nature. The design also prioritized environmental sensitivity, incorporating sustainable practices to minimize impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The development includes over 100,000 square feet of residential space, 14,000 square feet of commercial space, and more than 6 acres of outdoor recreational areas.
Site Considerations & Analysis
Site analysis was crucial to shaping the final design of this project. During site visits, nearby urban conditions, assets, and local plant life were carefully documented and mapped. Insights gained from the analysis of native vegetation directly influenced the selection of plants and landscaping elements incorporated into the final site design.
The creation of a central landscaped park was fundamental to the project’s urban woodland theme, serving as the heart of the development. Surrounding and thoughtfully framing this green space is a carefully arranged series of residential and mixed-use buildings. Connections to existing circulation routes played a key role in determining the layout of these buildings throughout the site. Additionally, deliberate consideration was given to the balance and transition between public and private spaces within the project. Zones located closer to the forest were designed to be more private and residential in nature, fostering a sense of tranquility, while areas nearer the main road were planned as more active, public zones featuring commercial spaces to engage the community.
Components Diagram:
Marketplace
Located within the Commerical Area.
Allows residents within the area to buy and sell goods.
Seating
Circular seating found within central meeting spaces around the site.
Marketplace
Marketplace
Located within the Commerical Area.
Allows residents within the area to buy and sell goods.
Seating
Circular seating found within central meeting spaces around the site.
Bridge Walkway
Covered elevated walkway that cuts through the central greenspaces within the residential areas.
Play Pavilions
Pavilions found near each residential building. Offers structure to relax and play in.
Marketplace
Located within the Commerical Area.
Library and Gardens
Library offers community space for residents.
Allows residents within the area to buy and sell goods.
Gardens are southern facing to allow for sunlight
Seating
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Circular seating found within central meeting spaces around the site.
Centralized Amphitheater allows residents to gather for group events.
Bridge Walkway
Bridge Walkway
Located within the Commerical Area.
Allows residents within the area to buy and sell goods.
Covered elevated walkway that cuts through the central greenspaces within the residential areas.
Covered elevated walkway that cuts through the central greenspaces within the residential areas.
Marketplace
Marketplace
Located within the Commerical Area.
Located within the Commerical Area.
Allows residents within the area to buy and sell goods.
Allows residents within the area to buy and sell goods.
Seating
Seating
Circular seating found within central meeting spaces around the site.
Circular seating found within central meeting spaces around the site.
Bridge Walkway
Bridge Walkway
Covered elevated walkway that cuts through the central greenspaces within the residential areas.
Covered elevated walkway that cuts through the central greenspaces within the residential areas.
Play Pavilions
Play Pavilions
Pavilions found near each residential building. Offers structure to relax and play in.
Pavilions found near each residential building. Offers structure to relax and play in.
Library and Gardens
Library and Gardens
Library offers community space for residents.
Library offers community space for residents.
Gardens are southern facing to allow for sunlight
Gardens are southern facing to allow for sunlight
Landscape Design Strategies
The connection to the adjacent forest and the project’s urban woodland concept strongly influenced the landscape design. While landscaping elements varied slightly across the public commercial, private residential, and public recreation zones, they all seamlessly connected through circulation pathways extending from the forest and main commercial corridor. The landscape features include pedestrian bridges, pavilions, seating areas, vegetation gardens, and paved courtyards. In the private residential zone, varied topography was used to enhance privacy for residents. Plant selections—grasses, flowers, bushes, and trees—were carefully chosen based on an analysis of the original site vegetation. This thoughtful integration of natural elements aimed to create a cohesive environment that respects and celebrates the surrounding ecosystem.
Pedestrian Pathway
Pedestrian Throughway Residential Road
Pavilion Axonometric
Landscape
Site Access:
06 LilyPOD
Competition | NonArchitecture Competitions In Collaboration With:
Jason Tran & Muhamad Naqshbandi
Fall 2020
In this competition, participants were invited to develop visionary concepts for alternative public spaces that address today’s most pressing challenges. The design concept focuses on the growing threat to public spaces caused by rising land values in cities worldwide. As urban land becomes increasingly scarce and expensive, a new type of public space emerges—one that extends onto the water: the LilyPOD. This innovative urban design intervention creates a new generation of public spaces centered on user interaction with the natural environment. Inspired by nature—specifically the lily pad—this project employs biomimicry as a guiding design principle. This project placed 3rd in the competition.
Design Considerations
The LilyPOD is composed of three primary components: a curvilinear eco-park floating above the water, a stemmed central core designed for user interaction with plant and marine life extending into the depths below, and a series of leaf-like vegetative rings that promote the cleansing of polluted waters and support the regeneration of marine habitats. Together,
Components Diagram:
1: Green Space
An elevated above water green space programmed with park-like features such as trees, walking paths, and seating areas.
2: Circulation & Viewing Space
A central core stretching underneath the water providing a set of viewing platforms for users to engage with marine life.
3: Regenerative Coral Rings
Three large rings coded in corals and other plant life dedicated to creating regenerative habitats for marine life. Play
Engage Regenerate
Sensorial Walkability
This project is an excerpt from a yearlong architectural thesis completed at the University of Detroit Mercy. The thesis aimed to develop a strategic framework to reintroduce walkability to underserved Detroit neighborhoods through targeted urban design proposals. The design strategies are grounded in the belief that residents should fully benefit from the social, economic, and health advantages of walkable communities—without experiencing the gentrification and displacement often linked to New Urbanism. These goals were explored through a sensorial approach called the Four S’s, alongside a unique pair of proposals focused on enhancing sensorial walkability. The outcome seeks to create inclusive, vibrant neighborhoods that prioritize community well-being and longterm sustainability.
Walkability 2.0
Urban designers, especially in contexts like Detroit, must push the envelope on the basic understanding of walkability and the methods utilized to create it, so that members of the city can reap the several benefits of walkable communities. General New Urbanism design strategies are not enough, and often, they do more harm than good in regards to gentrification and displacement. So, how can walkability reach beyond the generalized approach? This thesis sought to challenge the conventional understanding of walkability by creating a definition that is focused on embracing the individuality of all those that walk within urban areas; this definition is:
Walkability is the Subjective Analysis of Pedestrian-Friendly Urban Environments...
As a psychological ideology, subjective analysis is the humanistic way in which people are able to understand and analyze the living or built environment in which they are in. The way in which urban spaces are understood is based on the ability to analyze what is observed, smelt, heard, or touched. As a result, this thesis created a new urban analysis tool titled the Four S’s based on this thinking. The Four S’s, as a tool, suggests that humans analyze the built environment based on Sound, Speed, Scale, and Smell. So, what if we analyzed and designed, for walkability off of this ideology? How can this ideology impact the implementation of walkability, especially in a post-industrial and car oriented context such as Detroit?
Scale Sound Speed Smell
The Method in which Humans Conduct Subjective Analysis
The Four S’s
Neighborhood Selection Map:
Conant Gardens North End
Conant Gardens
In Conant Gardens, the analysis process began by working with nine community members to analyze how pedestrian-friendly their neighborhood was through a sensorial lens. Through in-depth interviews and a process of mapping out the Four S’s, commonalities became clear. The decision was made to dive further into one node located in the Northwest corner of the neighborhood. After a period of over two months of studying the Four S’s in that specific area, it was then divided into sensorial zones based on the analysis. These zones were the Food Zone and the Social Zone. Each zone played a key role in shaping the design solutions that followed.
Sound Map
“I live next to the school, so I always hearing everything going on.”
-Khalil Felder
Sensorial Asset Mapping:
Smell Map
“The smell at Conant and Seven Mile from all them restaurants is definitely strong.”
-Tiffany Williams
Older person walking by at a swift pace
Two women having a conversation outside of Happy’s Pizza
Speed Map
“I like to drive fast up Seven Mile, so I guess I’m part of the problem.”
-Devon Cobb
Car driving really slow with its hazards on
Scale Map
“Theres still a lot of nice blocks here compared to other neighborhoods in the city.”
-Dalana McNeal-Norman
Food related smell coming from Deluxe’s Coney Island
Multiple cars going by at a fast speed
Sound of music from inside of the Faith Temple Church
Food related smell coming from a BBQ outside of the Faith Temple Church
Semi-Vacant
Commercial Corridor with similar building heights
Mix of 2-story homes and one story
commercial buildings
Smell Scale
Smell Smell
Ambulance Siren
Conant Gardens
Primary Goal: Slow People Down
Primary Design Tool: Speed
The overarching goal in Conant Gardens was to slow people and vehicles down to draw them in by all of the intriguing smells from restaurants and bars within the area. To do so, each major road that intersected the neighborhood hub would be painted pink. The goal of the ‘painted streets’ was to become a neighborhood attraction while helping to slow traffic down. Additionally, a unique aspect of Conant Gardens is the neighborhood’s lack of public space, which prompted a series of seating areas and a neighborhood park to be incorporated.
Neighborhood Proposal:
1: Painted Streets
Physically altering the color of the street to permanently change the way people walking and driving perceive this neighborhood.
2: Public Seating Area
Providing public seating areas to begin to draw the sounds that exist within the two neighborhood churches out to the street.
3: Public Park
Programing an existing vacant green lot in the hub into a public space that promotes different types of interactions.
4: Temporary Vendor Space
Transforming the end of a large parking lot into a space that could be used for a variety of vendors such as food trucks or newspaper salesman to promote a different pedestrian experience at the street edge.
The North End
Eleven North End community members assisted in subjectively analyzing how walkable their neighborhood was by highlighting key sensorial cues. Through indepth interviews and a process of mapping out the Four S’s, commonalities became clear. In the North End, the community members suggested selecting a node in the middle of the neighborhood that included popular restaurant Parks BBQ, as well as Bennett park, and the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative. This node was then analyzed for its existing sensorial assets for around two and a half months. The node was then divided into three zones based on the analysis.
“I always hear kids hoopin’ (playing basketball) at those new courts on John R.”
-Lala Jones
Sensorial Asset Mapping:
Almost vacant residential area
“That smell coming from Parks (Parks BBQ) always gets me.”
-Vanessa Alanis
“To be honest, I really only feel unsafe walking on Woodward because of how big of a road it is.”
-Dane
Finshaw “I always liked the mix of larger buildings here by being so close to downtown.”
Sound of children playing basketball
Sound and smell of a delivery truck
Smoky smell coming from Park’s BBQ Restaurant
Vegetative smell coming from the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative
Sound of music from a passing Car
Two male teenagers walking by at a slow pace
Scale Map
Sound Map Speed Map
Smell Map
Smell
Sound
Sound Smell
-Logan Flowers
Car driving fast down the street
Sounds of Children playing tag around the play-set
social interaction through permanent fixtures that utilize both scale and sound.
street with a series of permanent fixtures to create a unique way for children within the area to play and interact with each-other.
lot as a way of creating a connection point between the three zones within the neighborhood hub.
each end of the pedestrian alley to promote two different types of sound based on the different way people use the farming and food zones.
into a pedestrian connection zone, that connects the Play, Food, and Farming zones to one another.
Watercolor & Photography
Presented here are a selection of my watercolor paintings alongside images captured during my travels. In my personal time, I deeply enjoy sketching, painting, and working with watercolors. I also take great pleasure in photographing the built environment, a passion closely connected to my love of travel. Exploring architecture through these visual mediums has profoundly enriched my architectural education both inside and outside the classroom.
