Hello, I’m Ashley Kirk, a fifth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Architectural History at The Pennsylvania State University. My passion lies in renovating and restoring historic spaces, merging traditional styles with new projects, and exploring the residential, retail, and commercial sectors.My interest in art, making a difference through design, and preserving history drives my passion for architecture. I have advanced fine arts skills and work with a variety of mediums, including charcoal, colored pencil, acrylic, and watercolor. Through my architectural studies, I have gained proficiency in design programs such as Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Rhino 3D, and Lumion Rendering. In both my fine arts and architectural design work, my attention to detail and precision shines through.Growing up in West Chester, Pennsylvania, I have been surrounded by a variety of historic architectural styles and believe it is critical that these styles are both preserved and expanded upon. During a recent internship with John Milner Architects, I gained valuable experience working at a firm specializing in traditional design and historic preservation. In this role, I conducted on-site documentation of multiple projects and worked daily on the creation of architectural drawings. I also explored my interest in historical renovation during an internship at the renovation of the Robert N.C. Nix Federal Courthouse in Philadelphia and through an ongoing mentorship under a historic preservationist as part of the Penn State Architecture Alumni Group Mentor Program.From Fall 2021 to Fall 2023, I was active in Alpha Rho Chi, a professional fraternity for architecture and allied arts, serving as Recruitment Chair and Professional Events Chair. In these roles, I worked with other student leaders and faculty to organize portfolio reviews, a trip to multiple firms in Washington DC, and Career Fair preparation sessions. To further develop my knowledge of residential design, I am currently involved in the National Association of Home Builders student chapter at Penn State. I am working with a team of students to create a proposal that will compete in the annual NAHB Student Competition and be presented at the International Builders’ Show in February 2025.My artistic and technical skills, along with my collaborative spirit, make me a valuable member of any team, and I am excited to discuss opportunities that would allow me to apply these abilities.