Archinect
Andrew Manto

Andrew Manto

Kansas City, MO, US

 

About 

I'm a design engineer and educator focused on the relationship between
designing and making, both professionally and in academia. I have diverse professional experiences in hands-on fabrication, facade system engineering, the design and development of parametric design interfaces, and strategic planning for studio/shop workflows. 

Elsewhere:

Employment 

DAAM LLC, Kansas City, MO, US, Partner

DAAM is a full-service architecture, design, and development company. Our team’s collective skills as designers, architects, artists and makers allows us to find a unique balance between beauty, efficiency, and sustainability for each project. Our work blends cutting-edge technology, refined craftsmanship, and local partnerships to create places and experiences that yield both social capital and asset value. My work has focuses primarily on the implementation of design technology into the workflow of the practice.

Jan 2018 - current
 

Zahner, Kansas City, MO, US, Project Engineer Supervisor

As a project engineer, I work with Architects and General Contractors -- guiding their projects through the design-for-fabrication and fabrication processes. Generally speaking, this involves the rationalization of geometry, development of design details, iterating with the Design Team to maintain intent, quality, and schedule, and preparing for fabrication in Zahner facilities and outsourced shops. A specific focus is placed on the use of parametric design tools which increase quality and throughput of work while minimizing company overhead.

Jan 2016 - current
 

Zahner, Kansas City, MO, US, ImageWall Product Manager

As the ImageWall project manager, I worked with a team of four co-workers to create a web-based software platform called ImageWall which enables Architects to design and purchase custom perforated metal products in their web browser. I designed the original web UI and UX, set product parameters, guided the creation of sales and estimating tools, coordinated lean material procurement strategies with supply chain, created workflows for shop fabrication, managed the project process, and was the point of contact to our customers.

Jan 2015 - Jan 2018
 

University of Kansas School of Architecture, Design, and Planning, Lawrence, KS, US, Visiting Lecturer

The KU School of Architecture is an accredited degree problem offering immersion in Architecture, Planning, and related design fields. I worked with the Head of the Department to design, specify, and build a space on campus dedicated to architectural robots research. I taught two workshops which immersed students in the use of 6-axis KUKA industrial robot arms to design and fabricate small installations out of low density EPS foam. Students learned 3d modeling in Rhino/Grasshopper, fundamentals of geometry, and operation of robotic arms through design-centric curriculum.

Jan 2015 - Jan 2016
 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, US, Fablab Assistant

Oversaw fabrication labs and maintained hours for student use. Gave tutorials on CNC, Laser, Waterjet, and Shop tools to ensure proper use.

Sep 2010 - Dec 2013
 

Höweler + Yoon, Cambridge, MA, US, Model Fabricator

Design engineered and fabricated large scale model for winning entry to the Audi Urban Futures Competition.

Jan 2012 - May 2012
 

NADAAA, Boston, MA, US, Design Intern

Worked on projects through Schematic and Design Development stages. Worked with small project team on 1st place competition entry.

Jun 2011 - Aug 2011
 

Crosstree, Chicago, IL, US, Assistant Fabricator

Crosstree is a small, high-end custom architectural metal shop which specializes in fit-out elements such as staircases, railings, and canopies. I worked as a fabricator in the shop, and was involved with multiple projects from conception to installation. I developed projects with designers, and then created those pieces via cutting, rolling, fixturing, welding, precision grinding, patinating, and installation processes.

Aug 2009 - Jul 2010
 

Education 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, US, MArch, Architecture

MIT student work archive award 2013, 2012, 2010
Full Merit Scholarship 2012
Half Merit Scholarship 2013, 2011
MIT 150 Festival or Art Science and Technology Installation 2011

Aug 2010 - May 2014
 

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, US, Bachelors, Architecture

UWM Design Competition: 1st Prize 2006
UWM Design Competition: Finalist 2008
Milwaukee Mayor’s Design Award 2008
AIA Wisconsin Scholarship 2008
Gaylord Nelson Environmental Scholarship 2008

Aug 2004 - May 2008
 

Awards 

Marvin E. Goody Award, Grant

The Marvin E. Goody Award ($5,000.00) is given each term to a student in any department at MIT who will be expected to complete his or her SM Thesis or equivalent (i.e., MArch, SMArchS, SMBT, MCP, SM, MEng) at the end of the following term. The competition is held in December (for completion in May) and in May (for completion in February) of each year. Selection will be on the basis of the promise and subject of the thesis proposal as it relates to the aims of the Goody Award.

The aims of the award, which was established in 1983, are to extend the horizons of existing building techniques and use of materials, to encourage links between the academic world and the building industry, and to increase appreciation of the bond between good design and good building – criteria that are intended to reflect the range of Marvin Goody's interests as a teacher, researcher, and designer. To be appropriate for the Goody Award a thesis proposal must address one or more of the stated aims.

2013
 

Milwaukee Mayor's Design Award, Award

Forward thinking philanthropy and cutting edge design combine in this eco-friendly pavilion in the Menomonee Valley.

2008
 

Areas of Specialization