PORT FOLIO Jakiyah Russell Bachelor of Architectural Studies Florida A&M University ‘27 Selected Works 2024-2026
ABOUT ME Jakiyah Russell Fourth-year architecture student at Florida A&M University with a strong interest in entertainment and commercial design. Experienced in academic studio projects, physical modeling, and fabrication. Seeking an internship to further develop professional and real-world design skills. contact - 301.442.8056 - russelljakiyah@gmail.com - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakiyah-russell/
Skills - Revit - Rhino - Adobe Suites - Microsoft Suites - Model Making - Hand Drawing - Reliable - Collaborative - Adaptable
CONTENTS 01
Community Dance Center Proposal 04-13
02
Carnegie Library Expansion 14-17
01: Community Dance Center Proposal 1000 Railroad Avenue, Tallahasse FL, 32307 2026 | Design 6
Developed for the 2026 Steel Design Student Competition, the Community Dance Center explores how architecture can strengthen civic engagement through movement, performance, and public gathering. Located in Tallahassee, the project creates flexible spaces for rehearsal, performance, and community events while integrating steel as both a structural and expressive design element. Steel serves as the primary structural system, enabling large column-free studios that support unrestricted movement. A rooftop terrace, shaded by a lightweight steel canopy, extends the project into an elevated public space for performance and gathering. Inspired by choreography, the canopy’s rhythmic grid translates movement patterns into architectural form. The project investigates how steel can support both structural efficiency and community-focused design.
Process and development
The design explores a steel lattice system that extends the building outward, creating a transitional space between the balcony and the site edge. Evolving from ground-level studies to an elevated condition, the concept maintains openness and connection to its surroundings. Inspired by movement and repetition in dance, the lightweight framework was developed through digital and physical modeling to test scale, structure, and spatial relationships.
Site and context The site occupies a transitional urban condition between FSU, FAMU, the Railroad Square Arts District, and the downtown core. Adjacent bike lanes, trails, and ongoing development establish the area as a connective node shaped by movement, accessibility, and evolving urban growth.
Circulation Digram
• • • • • • • • • • •
Legend Stairs Elevator Entrance/Exit Outdoor Public Space Entry & Reception Area Performance & Rehersal Studio Dancers Lounge Area Classrooms Administration Suite Operations Facilities Building Support
Legend 1. welcome desk 2. lobby seating area 3. costume shop 4. fire exit 5. cafe 6. film & tech room 7. security office 8. performance studio 9. stage set shop 10. loading dock 11. dancer locker room 12. dancer restrooms 13. public restrooms
Site Plan
2nd Floor
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Legend 2 medium studio classroom dancer locker room dancer restroom public restroom costume display fire exit
3rd Floor
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Legend 3 storage breakroom admin restrooms fire exit staff office conference room creative director office production office terrace
Longitudinal section
Cross section
Legend 1. Circulation 2. Lobby 3. Large Performance Studio 4. Dance Locker Room 5. Dance Restroom 6. Terrace 7. Office 8. Storage
Roof
Beams and Columns
Walls
Floors
Legend 1. Circulation 2. Lobby 3. Stage Set Shop 4. Costume Shop 5. Costume Display 6. Classroom 7. Conference Room
Structural Diagram
02: Carnegie Library Expansion 1117 Pine St, Boulder, CO 2025 | Design 5 This project focused on designing a new three-story building connected to the existing Carnegie Library in Boulder, Colorado. The design expanded the site with a contemporary timber structure that integrates an atrium, community study areas, gathering spaces, and essential circulation elements. The project emphasized working within an existing historic context while addressing ADA access, climatic conditions, and Boulder building codes to create a functional, modern addition that supports community use.
1117 Pine St, Boulder, CO - Lot Size: 8,313 sq ft, Est Land: 0.19 acres Carnegie Library - Lot Size: 5384 sq ft (0.124 Acre) - Property Design: Public Library - Building Size: 5274 sq ft History - Designed by architect Thomas McLaren in a Greek temple style, inspired by a small Greek temple unearthed near Athens in 1905.
Legend 1. ADA 2. Atrium 3. Community study area 4. Circulation 5. Cafe 6. Restrooms 7. Lounge area Existing library
6 4 4 2
4
5
1
Level 2 1/16” = 1’-0”
Legend 1. ADA 2. Atrium 3. Community study area 4. Circulation 5. Cafe 6. Restrooms 7. Lounge area Existing library
7 4 4
4
7
Level 3 1/16” = 1’-0”
Legend 1. ADA 2. Atrium 3. Community study area 4. Circulation 5. Cafe 6. Restrooms 7. Lounge area Existing library
6 4 4 4 3
Legend 1. ADA 2. Atrium 3. Community study area 4. Circulation 5. Cafe 6. Restrooms 7. Lounge area Existing library