Ryan Y. Naka Portfolio
Ryan Y. Naka
I am an architecture student at Texas A&M University and was recently elevated to the Honors Architecture Program. I hold a “certified user” certification in Autodesk Revit and am highly proficient in Rhino. I continue to develop my leadership and discipline by being a member of The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Marching Band. I was born in California and moved to Texas in 2017. As a young child I immersed myself in skateboarding, but found that my real joy was in designing my own custom skateparks. This was the beginning of my architecture journey.
Resume
Education
Texas A&M University – College Station, TX
● Projected graduation of 2028
● Major: Honors Architecture
● Minor: Leadership in the Design and Construction Professions
● Member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Marching Band - Alto saxophone
● Member of the Honors Program Student Council
● Member of Texas A&M Corps of Cadets - Training Corporal
Allen High School – Allen, TX
● Graduated May 2024
● Member of the Allen High School Marching Band – Alto saxophone
● Universal Interscholastic League (“UIL”) – Alto saxophone solo competitor, 4x 1st division rating
Software
Experienced in the following applications:
● Autodesk Revit - Certified User - May 2023
● Autodesk AutoCAD
● Rhino
● D5 Render
Work Experience
● Home Depot - Plano, TX - August 2023 to January 2024 – Lot Attendant
● Jason’s Deli - Allen, TX - June 2022 to August 2023 – Cashier / Food Runner / Product Stocker / Food preparer
Other
● Texas A&M Camp ARCH architecture camp - Top scholarship winner - 2023
● Architecture Design Exchange (ADEX) - Destination Dallas architecture camp - Selected participant2023
● American Institute of Architecture Students - Member
● Texas A&M Big Event Volunteer work - 2024/2025
● Avid runner and fisherman
Contact:
310.880.6618 naka@tamu.edu
Table Of Contents
Retreat House
01
Home
The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets dorm rooms are designed for two cadets and are based on a 17’ x 10’ living area. Each room includes two beds, two desks, two closets, two shelving units, one sink, and one window. The privilege of using the shelving units and adding wall decor is not automatically allowed, but is earned. The room is designed to foster discipline, unit cohesion, and tradition. A by-product of the design is an appreciation for simple things that most people take for granted.
02
Mass Timber Housing
Inspired by the Japanese “Machiya” homes, this multi-family housing model is designed with three masses. The central mass is a shared space with a communal workshop. Left and right masses include six residential units. The exterior window shades create a sunlight-blocking awning when raised. The roofline simulates the angular movement of rolling ocean waves.
Team Members: Ryan Naka, Ben Norris, Addyson Vega
03
Howard Falls Retreat - Buildner Competition Girard, PA
The competition assignment was to reimagine a sustainable, multi-generational family retreat beside a 39 foot waterfall, with a focus on respect for the surrounding land’s beauty.
Our submission objective was to honor the existing family structure by utilizing a reimagined, but similar exterior facade, while using material from the old cabin and surrounding forest trees for cladding. Most importantly, the interior was designed with private suites and areas for multiple families to gather in a comfortable setting. Waterfall and forest views are enhanced by the curve of the overall structure.
Our favorite design element is the portal in-between the two masses where family members are able to view the waterfall like a framed piece of artwork.
Team Members: Ryan Naka, Caleb
Bunion, Zach Lawrence
04
Trinity Bathhouse
Trinity River - Dallas, TX
The assignment was to design a wellness spa, utilizing actual site specifications from a location in Dallas, TX. A key feature of the site is a walk/run/bike path that is adjacent to the proposed structure. Design inspiration came from the Concorde aircraft, the fastest passenger plane ever built. The plane represents sleek speed and strength applied to a commercial setting, which is the same feeling I wanted to convey in my exterior design. The intersection of the existing running path was integrated seamlessly between the two elements. The interior features multiple swimming pools, locker rooms and bathroom sections.
Our favorite design element was the consistent linear language and dedication to a continuous line.
Team Members: Ryan Naka, Silke Thrush
