Ryan Y. Naka Portfolio
About Me
I am a sophomore architecture student at Texas A&M University and was recently elevated to the Honors Architecture Program. I achieved a “certified user” certification in Autodesk Revit and am highly experienced in Rhino. My leadership, discipline and teamwork are honed by being a member of The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and Honors Student Council. I also play saxophone in 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 and drawing my own custom skateparks. That was the beginning of my architectural journey.
Resume
Objective:
● Seeking an internship for the Summer of 2026
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
- Howard Falls Retreat
- Defining Space
- Non-Orthogonal Space House
01
Freshman Project #1 - Defining Space
The first freshman studio architecture project. It began as a 2D grid with primary, secondary and tertiary spaces. The ultimate goal was to create a structure with multiple viewpoints, that include solid, void, and implied spaces. The structure design inspiration came from my childhood summers spent as a junior lifeguard, sitting in observation towers. The interior has 3 levels and features a sub surface-level floor.
My favorite feature is the consistent angular elements that surround the facade give the building an abrupt feel.
Initial 2D grid compositions that served as the inspiration for the 3 dimensional design.
Site Plan
First, Second, and Third Floor Plans
02
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
03
Non-Orthogonal Space Study
The assignment was to create a cube using the concept of 3-2-1 intersections. The cube began as a grid that was rotated. The intersection points of the grid were used to create triangular cuts that resulted in interior space.
My favorite feature is how additional light was created from the rift that cuts through one-third of the structure.
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
