Without Walls Ltd

PROFESSIONAL

Junior Architect | Thunder Bay, Ontario

(Site: http://withoutwalls.ca/)

Overview

At Without Walls Limited, I was hired as a junior architectural designer to oversee the company’s ongoing projects: from pro-bono for non-profit organizations to a multi-phase 60 acre brownfield redevelopment. Working closely with the principal- in-charge, I oversaw all processes involved: conducting initial site analysis, researching relevant information and precedents, iterating multiple options, and finally presenting the proposal that best suited the client’s needs.

As the project lead, I developed my design methodology and management skills. When the principal-in-charge was on leave during the final stages of the brownfield revitalization project, I organized my time around a hard deadline. By balancing what was ideal versus what was achievable, I advanced the design while maintaining great emphasis on visual presentation.

My efforts proved instrumental in landing the company’s first big client: TBT Engineering. Without Walls was initially asked to pitch a concept vision for the client’s new office headquarters in a former warehouse complex. Being aware of the budget concerns, I proposed a design scheme that recycled majority of the existing building structure and façade, achieving a simple yet elegant aesthetic that is reflective of the client’s engineering heritage. This approach also gave headroom to invest in the interior fit-out and hence improve the actual working environment.

At Without Walls, one of the challenges was assimilating into the society of Thunder Bay. As an external business enterprise from Toronto, it was imperative that the company establish a familiar identity within the new community. Hence, the company dedicated itself to pro-bono projects: from a business incubator pod for the public library to an office interior fit-out for a non-profit organization. I even had the chance to be part of a team cooking for the 150 members of Women’s Nordic Ski Club.