Design-Build

A variety of work for other firms as well as my own business ranging from small house additions and remodels to large scale residential tower and restaurant design. In addition, some time spent managing construction.

Work on a contract basis to firms in Iowa providing the full range of architectural responsibilities, including programming, construction documents, coordination, and presentation graphics; deliver full architectural services to clients directly; fabrication of furniture and small scale projects.

Oversaw the daily construction of a primary school in Ganta, Liberia; developed preliminary plans for a new UNICEF Junior High School design; and drafted a work plan for the management of the next two (2) years of infrastructure projects totaling ninety (90) projects; worked with the indigenous contractors and workers to enlighten them on proper construction techniques and methods. Near the end of the project, UNICEF began planning the transition to the next round of schools funded by the Fast Track Initiative (FTI) established by the World Bank.

Completed a rapid technical assessment of the infrastructure completed by the Liberian Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) under the World Bank sponsored Community Empowerment Programs I & II (CEPI & CEPII); conducted on-site inspections of twenty-five percent (25%) of the one hundred and thirty-three (133) completed CEP subprojects; submitted detailed reports on the quality of built works with recommendations for further repair and maintenance. The projects included schools, clinics, markets, bridges and water and sanitation facilities, a total of thirty-two (32) sites were visited.

Assisted the Ministry of Education (MoE) in the oversight of construction for forty (40) primary schools distributed among the fifteen (15) counties of Liberia; maintained a strong focus on developing the capacity within the Division of Educational Facilities (DEF); held regular coordination meetings with the Minister of Education, USAID coordinator and other donor and government agencies; prepared construction contracts including the full range of bidding documentation, procurement and bid evaluation, construction supervision, and the assessment of in-house staff procedures. Developed detailed strategies were developed for future education infrastructure for use by donor agencies and the MoE.

Designed a primary and secondary school as part of the UNICEF Learning Along Borders for Living Across Boundaries (LAB4LAB) program; chose site along the border with Guinea to build cross-border relationships and community buy-in in an area that had been responsible for much of the cross pollination of conflict in the past twenty years; provided supervision for the project through design to contractor procurement; prepared all Bill of Quantities, specifications, contract, and construction documents.The project also required the coordination of the local community authorities, county education officer, county commissioner and tribal chiefs for the approval and acquisition of the site. The local UNMIL engineers were engaged to repair and clear the road and the site prior to construction. The project was opened by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2010.Responsibilities included full project delivery of a sustainable long term solution to the needs of the community with respect to the existing working conditions and restraints. Provided supervision for the project from initial programming with UNICEH HQ through procurement of a contractor. The delivery of the final design required the drafting of specifications and bid documents, management of the bidding process, evaluation of the bids within the UN procurement procedures and negotiation of the final contract. The project also required the coordination of the local community authorities, county education officer, county commissioner and tribal chiefs for the approval and acquisition of the site. The local UNMIL engineers were engaged to repair and clear the road and the site prior to construction. The project is currently nearing completion.

Managed and designed projects of varied scale and scope including a multi-million dollar hospital operating room expansion; university school facilities; residential construction; and boutique retail spaces; coordinated and developed project programs based on comprehensive analysis of client needs; prepared technical drawings and specifications; consulted with technical experts, engineers, and government officials; reviewed and ensured compliance with all applicable codes; supervised construction administration, including site visits and evaluations.

Hired on contract basis to assist in the development of the museography and presentation materials for the Louvre-Lens Competition. The overall design and planning were managed by SANAA and museum design and lighting presentation materials were provided by ImreyCulbert. Personal responsibilities included investigations into museum layout, and methodologies of viewing art; and natural daylighting studies. Researched designs were part of the competition entry beating out several very high profile international firms.

Co-owned and managed an independent design studio specializing in furniture design and production, and small architectural projects; designed furniture on a commission basis for local businesses and private individuals. Oversaw the studio financial management, legal compliance, marketing, and client relations.

Developed drawings for the Council Bluffs Auditorium. Assisted in the University of Pittsburg Stadium Renovation and the punch-out of the Invesco Field Football Stadium in Denver, Colorado.

Assisted in the documented three prisons around the outskirts of Paris in Liancourt, Chauconin-Nefmontier and La Farlede. Developed and edited presentation materials for the Athens Opera House Competition.