Grace Song Architecture Portfolio by gracesxng

GRACE YEONJIN SONG

SELECTED WORKS

I recognize that this portfolio was created on the lands of the Missisaugas of the New credit, the Anishinaabeg,the Haudenesaunee Confederacy and the Wendat.

The University of Waterloo is situtated on the Haldimand tract once belonging to the Six Nations, which run 6 miles from the Grand River.

As an architecture student I strive to commit to uplifting the voices, histories and and experiences of the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island and beyond.

Hello!

My name is Grace Yeonjin Song and I am a second year architecture student at the University of Waterloo. I am currently seeking a four month co-op placement within the months of May-August of 2026.

As a dedicated architecture student at the University of Waterloo, with 8 months of professional experience, I’m deeply passionate about reinventing spaces for community healing.

My passion for architecture is rooted in the belief that thoughtfully designed, equitable environments are essential to the wellbeing of all living beings.

0. INTRODUCTION

1. FOLLOW THE RIVER park revitalization

2. INTERSTICE the law school

3. HELIX the pedestrian bridge

4. HAVEN the hospice

5. ADDITIONAL WORKS physical models+more!

6. WORK EXPERIENCE @ OFTN + REIGN

CURRICULUM VITAE

SKILLS

LANGUAGES

English (Fluent)

Korean (Proficient)

MODELLING

Rhino8

Revit

Autocad

Sketchup Grasshopper

ANALOG

Model Making Laser Cutting Wood Working CNC

3 -D Printing Hand Drafting Sketching

ADOBE

Illustator Photoshop Lightroom Indesign Premiere Pro

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO School of Architecture

Architectural Studies Cambridge, Canada

Excellent Academic Standing (80% Average or Higher)

WORK EXPERIENCE

OFFICE FOR THE NEXT ENVIRONMENT

Sept 2025-Dec 2025

New York, United States

Collaborated within a small team to develop a 1345ft resilient esplanade proposal supporting Con Edison’s infrastructure along Manhattan’s waterfront.

VISUALIZATION

D5 Render

Lumion Enscape

V-Ray

TwinMotion

HOBBIES!

Making Zines

Piano Hiking

Sketching

Provided project support on civic architecture and initiatives, including urban analysis, mapping, modeling, development

Produced diagrams and renderings using photoshop for client presentations for clients including NYC’s Department of Parks and Rec

ENVIRONMENT (OFTN)

EXTRACURRICULARS

BRIDGE Member (Jan 2025)

Christian Fellowship Leader (2024)

F_RM Labs Member (Sept 2023)

REIGN ARCHITECTS

Jan 2025-Apr 2025

Toronto, Canada

Waterloo Admissions Assistant (April 2024)

UWaterloo Day Leader (March 2025)

Architecture Orientation Leader (Sept 2024)

1345ft long floodEdison’s power and infrastructure modeling, and design

photoshop and Enscape DOT, EDC, and

Collaborated with multiple project teams on five architecture projects across three cities, including residential renovations, new construction, and a commercial fitness studio, contributing to the delivery of highquality architectural work.

Created floor plans, sections, and technical drawings using AutoCAD and Adobe Illustrator during the Schematic and Design Development phases for client review

Built and refined 3D models of existing and proposed architectural spaces using Sketchup to support design visualization.

May 24, 2025

Letter of Recommendation

To whom it may concern,

Grace Song joined Reign Architects as a student intern on January 12th, 2025, and completed her term on April 15th, 2025, as part of her co-op program at the University of Waterloo. During her time with us, Grace was involved in several residential and commercial projects in both the schematic and design development phases.

One of the key projects Grace contributed to was Spin Off Studios, an interior renovation of a new soul cycling studio. Grace used SketchUp and Twin motion to create 3D models and visual renderings of the space, which were used in client meetings and for design approvals. She also documented meeting discussions, helping to ensure that design decisions were accurately recorded and implemented. Additionally, she liaised with the City of Guelph to gather information about land use bylaws and permitting requirements.

Another project, PEC Bunkie, is a new-build guest house and garage with landscaping components. For this project, Grace worked in Sketchup to create interior and exterior views of the site and possible massing options. She also worked in AutoCAD, helping to develop plans and sections for review and approval.

Throughout her time here, Grace showed strong communication skills and a willingness to take initiative. We appreciate her contributions to our team and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Jacob JeBailey, Principal

19 December 2025

In conjunction with Waterloo’s Co-operative Work Program, Grace Song interned at OFTN from September through December 2025. Despite being relatively early on in her collegiate career, she came equipped with superb graphic and modeling skills, and was able to jump right in to meaningfully contribute to project development from her ﬁrst day.

During her time here, she supported the oﬃce on civic architecture and infrastructure initiatives, including urban analysis, mapping, modeling, design development, and visualization. The primary project Grace worked on was the concept design of a 1345 foot long in-water East River Greenway, a major public infrastructure addition to the east side of Manhattan which will complete a gap in the waterfront bicycle and pedestrian network. As part of the eﬀorts, Grace performed the following tasks:

• Prepared 3d modelling of the site and urban context, as well as esplanade and structure development

• Produced key illustrative content, including diagrams and renderings (using Adobe photoshop and Enscape), for interagency coordination meetings and client agency NYC Department of Design and Construction

• Drafted site plans, sections, and elevations in Rhino8

• Participated in regular coordination huddles with construction, engineering, and landscape teams.

• Conducted site visits to document existing conditions, providing photographs for rendering and visualization workﬂows.

• Worked in Indesign to produce presentation slides and contextual information

Grace took to every activity with aplomb, performing above even our high expectations. She is capable beyond her years, and full of potential as a designer. We look forward to hiring her back for a permanent position once she completes her studies.

Sincerely,

FOLLOW THE RIVER

Waterloo, ON, Canada

Professor: Jane Mah Hutton

INDIVIDUAL PROJECT

RHINO8, PHOTOSHOP, ILLUSTRATOR

The Riverside Park Revitalization Project proposes the removal of the Riverside Dam, a structure that has posed structural challenges, disrupted local ecosystems, and remains a visible marker of colonial intervention. Our design reimagines the river’s flow by redirecting the main channel through existing marshland and a smaller tributary along the park’s quieter west side.

This rerouting brings the river closer to the community while distancing it from the noise and congestion of the adjacent intersection. At the heart of the proposal are three water interaction points: a boat launch, a swimming basin, and a boardwalk. Surrounded by marshland, the water is naturally filtered, offering a gentle, clean, and immersive experience.

FOLLOW

Deep Flow

Shallow flow

Marshes

Water collection areas

Pathways

Fields and Trees

Deeper Forests

Riparian Edges

EXISTING RIVER CONDITIONS

recreational marshlands/ boardwalk

pedestrian/car circulation

1-3m wide riparian zone

PRESENT PROPOSED PAST

Dam is installed in 1890 to power local mill. A small headpong forms at the base of Riverside Park.

Silt deposits cause erosion along Riverbanks flood. Riparian zone decreases. A tributary pathway is formed.

rising water levels

Remove dam. Expland shoreline to introduce more water. Dry out a large portion of the main water course and use excavated soil to repair erosion.

silt deposits accumulated by dam community concerns over dam removal railroad used 2-3 times a day

EXISTING DAM CONDITIONS

MARSH DESIGN

Riverside Dam Silt deposit

NATURAL DAM DESIGN

Cut existing Willows on site into branches 1.5m long

Pile Natural materials to weigh down base and catch

Dam causes silt acumulation and deeper water levels. leaving little riparian growth past the dam. Fish struggle to cross dam.

2. Set vertical stalks spaced 30-50cm apart

5. Plant native marsh species along riparian edge/dam

3. Weave in smaller willow branches horizontally around stalks

6. Flow is redirected and Lower water pressure attracts biodiversity

RIVERBED

Water levels drops and silt is washed down Speed River. Fish (an people) can move freely

INTERSTICE THE LAW SCHOOL

Professor: John McMin

INDIVIDUAL PROJECT

RHINO8, PHOTOSHOP, Waterloo, ON, Canada

Positioned at the threshold of the University of Waterloo campus and the serene flow of Laurel Creek, the new Waterloo Law School embodies the convergence of natural and social realms. At the heart of the design is its striking facade, a dynamic mosaic of frames that respond to the specific needs of each space within.

Interstice lies at the threshold between the civil and natural world. It seeks to find interdiciplilnary approaches to law by being a structure with a sense of the city. Another defining feature of the building is its network of boardwalks, which extend beyond the confines of the structure, connecting the campus and housing facilities to the school. These bridges connect the internal circulation to the external world, intergrating its use through a students daily routine.

PROGRAMMING

Library

Student Admin

Clinic

Lecture Hall

Elevator/Stairs

FIRST FLOOR

The first floor includes amenities that prioritize students and the general public.

SECOND FLOOR

FACADE

Laurel Creek

DETAILED AXO

Steel mesh frames with different levels of visibility are attached to the framing. The first floor of the building is cladded with limestone panels and triple glazed windows.

CROSS SECTION

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

The use of waffle skylights allow for ample light to enter spaces like the moot court and library. The diffused lighting allows for student to focus on their academics

HELIX

THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

Waterloo, ON, Canada

Professor: Jane Hutton

INDIVIDUAL PROJECT

RHINO8, PHOTOSHOP, ILLUSTRATOR

Helix is a double tied arch bridge resting on Etobicoke’s Humber river. This pedestrian bridge serves as a vehicle free pathway between the historical hotel, tennis courts, canoe club, hiking trails, and residential homes. South of the bridge is the Old Mill subway station alongside with an automobile road and facing a rich forest north of the bridge.

The two contrasting pathways enable a diverse field of view, with the lower pathway immersed in nature, and the elevated pathway revealing society outside the forest. Helix invites the locals to observe the boundary between fast paced transit and a natural experience, adding a rich eco friendly route to their daily life.

HELIX

AERIAL VIEW

Perforated Steel Panel to steel post

Pre-drilled Steel Tread Plate to steel stringer (Folded Perforated Steel on Top)

Steel arch plate anchored to concrete foundation

Cable Pin connection to spreader beam

Cable pin connection to steel arch

Spreader beam welded to tube girder

HAVEN

THE HOSPICE

Etobicoke, ON, Canada BUILDNER Competition

Collaborator: Wanying Pei

RHINO8, LUMION, PHOTOSHOP, ILLUSTRATOR

Located on the tip of Humber Bay Park East of Toronto Canada lies the Urban Hospice. Seperated from the busy traffic and condominions it is embraced by the natural enviornment of the Ontario Lake. The Urban Hospice aims to offer a space of spiritual healing.

The public space is open to patients, their families and locals of Lakeshore, connecting the communitity with patients and destigmatizing terminal illness facilities The floors revolve around two central elements. The fountain is used as a primary place of reflection, It’s flow beginning from the third floor chapel to the public first floor. The gardens boundary is left untouched, its open ceiling allowing ample light to reach its leaves.

HAVEN

HUMBER BAY SHORES MORPHOLOGY

Separation of public and private spaces

Extrude

Stack Shift orientation to fit sun path + views

Structure/ framing Wood Facade

SECOND FLOOR

The main access is positioned around the three-story water fountain, creating a repetitive loop that allows for a smooth flow of movement.

LOOKOUT POINT

CIRCULAR STAIRCASE

THERAPY ROOMS

LAKE ONTARIO

PRAYER SPACE

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

The waterfalls circular seatIng area is intended as a collective space, where patients may rest, share experiences, and meditate. The soothing ambiance created by the waterfall facilitates a a tranquil environment.

THIRD FLOOR

THERAPY ROOMS

HALLWAYS

The roof skylights mimick the boundaries of the natural spaces that exist within the building, bringing natural light and a luminous atmosphere. It enhanses a distinct focal point that highlights the water fountain.

Wood panels regulate the amount of sunlight entering the building while privatizing intimate spaces. Views prioritize the Ontario Lake, to ensure that visitors can experience a connection with the water.