Archinect
Emily Merrill

Emily Merrill

Charlotte, NC, US

 

About 

I am currently a Master of Architecture candidate with a concentration in Building Technologies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  I will graduate this May.  I am seeking full-time employment in a position in architecture.  Prior to my graduate studies, I obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art - Interior Design from the University of Georgia.  I believe my diverse educational and professional background, as well as my current interests and research pursuits, make me an ideal candidate.

 

I am currently working on a research-based thesis exploring a paradigm shift in skyscraper typology driven by issues of energy and ecological and environmental sustainability.  I was recently selected to present my research at the upcoming Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s 9th World Congress in Shanghai.  In addition to my thesis, a concentration in Building Technologies has offered me an opportunity to gain focused insight into important and relevant areas such as systems integration and sustainable solutions for a variety of building types.  I am well versed in many of the latest software, including Revit and sustainable building design software.  I am also experienced in hand drawing and freehand sketching.  I consider my written and verbal communications, as well as personal skills, to be excellent.  I believe my specific academic inquiries and experience will allow me to be immediately effective and beneficial at a firm.  

In addition to my current academic endeavors, diversity in past experiences makes me a prime candidate.  I have gained professional experience through a variety of internships in Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, and as a Sustainability consultant.  A previous degree in Art - Interior Design has allowed me a unique perspective on Architecture and continues to be influential in my work.  My background in art and interiors coupled with a more technical, detail-oriented understanding of architecture make me a distinctive applicant.  Strong interest in culture and travel will further allow me to be an asset, specifically on international projects.  I believe my skills and experience will allow me to be successful in many different types of firms. 

Elsewhere:

Employment 

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, US, Sustainability Committee Intern

As an intern for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Sustainability Committee I had the opportunity to further pursue my interest in sustainability as it relates to architecture and was also able to broaden my views by learning about other field’s current interests and pursuits in sustainability. I was directly involved with the Sustainability Coordinator and 16 committee members. I attended the Sustainability Committee meetings regularly. I worked with national organizations to research developmental workshops for potential implementation on the UNC Charlotte campus. I designed, organized, and delivered a monthly Sustainability Newsletter. As the Office of Sustainability was relatively new at the time of my internship, successful PR and communications strategies had yet to be established. My largest contribution during my internship was an Office of Sustainability Communications Plan. Research, campus outreach, brainstorming, and creativity were large parts of the development of this plan. The final document provides the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Office of Sustainability with guidelines and a plan of action for implementing PR and Communications strategies on campus and throughout the greater Charlotte area.

Mar 2011 - May 2011
 

PBS&J, Charlotte, NC, US, Civil Engineering Intern

While working as an intern in the Civil Engineering group at the Charlotte office of PBS&J (now Atkins) I gained experience in the Civil Engineering profession through a variety of tasks. I verified and corrected red-lined and as-built civil drawings, visited civil job sites in the Charlotte area, and attended an all-day US government, defense sector project kick-off meeting with members of the national design team and a large client group.

May 2010 - Jul 2010
 

PBS&J, Atlanta, GA, US, Architectural Intern

While working as an architectural intern in the Atlanta office of PBS&J (now Atkins) my main responsibility was helping to prepare a proposal for a US government, defense sector competition.

May 2010 - Jul 2010
 

Blair Remy Architects, Oklahoma City, OK, US, Architectural Intern

While working as an architectural intern at Blair Remy Architects in Oklahoma City I gained insight into US Government, defense sector work. I worked specifically on a project developing conceptual digital diagrams and physical models.

May 2010 - Jul 2010
 

Warner Summers - Architecture and Interior Design, Atlanta, GA, US, Interior Design Intern

Full service Architecture and Interior Design firm specializing in corporate interiors, office buildings, financial, religious, medical, industrial, educational, community and master planning projects. Interned under NCIDQ certified Principal Interior Designer. Gained knowledge in materials, finishes, furniture, and artwork selection; attended firm and client meetings; visited sites in area; assisted on CAD construction drawings, material boards, specifications, and library organization.

May 2007 - Aug 2007
 

Education 

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, US, MArch, Architecture - Building Technologies

I am currently a Master of Architecture candidate at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I will graduate this May.

Points of Interest:

Self Lead Travel
France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, The Netherlands, and The United Kingdom
Summer 2011, three weeks

UNCC School of Architecture Studies Abroad Program
Spain and Portugal
Summer 2011, five weeks

New York City Field Study, Spring 2011
Charleston, South Carolina Field Study, Spring 2010
Chicago Field Study, Fall 2009

Poster Presenter, selected February 2012
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's 9th World Congress, Shanghai
Selected to submit a paper and present a poster on current graduate thesis work at the CTBUH 9th World Congress in September of 2012.

Poster Presenter, April 2011
Campus Conversations: Students Talk About Sustainability
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Activities/Societies/Affiliations of Note:

American Institute of Architecture Students; AIAS Freedom by Design; American Society of Interior Designers; Institute of Classical Architecture; Master of Architecture Student Society; Critical MASS Annual Symposium Incoming Student Committee, 2010-2011; Critical MASS Annual Symposium Hospitality Committee, 2009-2010; U.S. Green Building Council

Jul 2009 - current
 

University of Georgia, Athens, GA, US, Bachelors, BFA, Art - Interior Design

Obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art - Interior Design from a fully accredited Interior Design program.

Points of Interest:

Studies Abroad Program, Cortona, Italy, Summer 2008
Studied through the University of Georgia's Lamar Dodd School of Art. Spent 9 weeks studying art, architecture, and design all over Italy. Focused on exhibit design, furniture design, and Italian Renaissance art and architecture.

Interior Design Program Annual Field Studies:
San Francisco, Fall 2006
Chicago, Fall 2007
New York City, Fall 2008

Activities/Societies/Affiliations of Note:

Betty Cabin Interior Design Area Scholarship Recipient, Dean's List, Student Government Association Member, SGA Freshman Forum, SGA Committees, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Student Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization, Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, Lamar Dodd School of Art Student Tour Guide, American Society of Interior Designers Student Member

Aug 2005 - May 2009
 

Awards 

Poster Presenter at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's "Campus Conversations: Students Talk About Sustainability", Other

faculty nominated

2011
 

Betty Cabin Interior Design Area Scholarship Recipient, Scholarship

awarded based on review of select work

2008
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills