bobbie braun

* For this 20-person firm I designed (through hand-sketches, computer drawings & 3D modeling) several projects of diverse scales and typologies: mixed-use * public arts * urban design (masterplanning) * commercial * retail * high-density res * medium-density res * and single dwelling additions / renovations. I wrote reports and functional briefs and produced pre-planning, town planning, building permit and construction documents. I maintained amicable relationships with my clients, and developed lasting friendships with my workmates.

This was my first 'Graduate Architect' position, having just completed the Pre-Master Graduate Certificate course. At this 8-person firm, in the amazing tropical north of Australia, I documented mixed-use, commercial, retail, medium density res, and high density res projects at the TP and BP stages, and was introduced to cyclonic / tropical design methods. Design exercises included apartment unit layouts and office core / furniture layouts.

I worked in this green design firm for 5 years, alternating full-time during 4-month Uni breaks and part-time during Uni semesters. However the 4-month break in 2002 was spent in Vancouver at NSDA architects. My primary task was to document projects for the town planning and building permit stages of one- and two-storey houses (straw bale & timber frame). I also documented commercial and retail interiors, a government outpost and a church.

This was my first position in an architecture firm. Amid 20 other employees, and 4 firm partners, I was a junior draftsperson. I documented and produced 3D models for a number of health care, community centre, and medium-density res projects. The whole team was supportive of my desire to continue my studies in architecture, and throughout my 1.5 years at NSDA, they fed my brain with jazz music, architecture books, and stories about their architecture school experiences. I returned to work for them during a summer break from Uni.

After my second year of this art-based degree, I decided to switch to a research & analysis-based program, to pursue my interests in the theoretical, social, environmental, economic and political aspects of architecture. After completing the latter with 'Highest Honours', I returned to a design-based program. Activities and Societies: CLUB FOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: I was the cofounder and president of this University Club. I planned, budgeted, secured funding and executed major events for students, involving local and international companies. CENTRETOWN CITIZENS OTTAWA CORPORATION: I volunteered for this non-profit, social housing group to research problematic building conditions on-site, and observe the process of designing low-income housing.