contact

  • stephaniecheung.arch@gmail.com | South West London

  • Nationality: British, Australian, Hong Kong SAR

  • Fluent in written and spoken English. Professional proficiency in written and spoken Mandarin & Cantonese.

  • Portfolio, CV, and references are available upon request.

profile

  • I am currently an Architectural Assistant at Child Graddon Lewis. I now have a combined total of 5 years of experience in Interior Design and Architectural work acquired during my time in Hong Kong, London and New York.

  • I care about how spaces shape our communities. My work is deeply rooted in a commitment to creating spaces that are inclusive and equitable, driven by a strong sense of social purpose. I hope that the spaces I design can lift people up, and encourage people to live their best lives.

  • I believe that well designed spaces start from a strong foundation of community engagement and research. As a result, I believe that bringing people together through discussion or collaboration contributes to improved camaraderie, community, and later design. I served as student rep for my cohort, and led the RCA only student-led lecture series, Inside/Out.

  • Outside of work, you can find me visiting art galleries and illustrating. I hope to weave my professional pursuits with my personal motivations. If anything I said excites you, feel free to get in touch.

selected career highlights

  • My interior design work with Kasawoo (LOOM club) was featured in Wallpaper, Frame, On Office and The Spaces (June, July & September 2024).

  • In September 2023, I successfully completed my MA in Interior Design at the Royal College of Art where I was the recipient of the School of Architecture’s MA Interior Design: Head of Programme Prize at the Royal College of Art. I was recognised for my final project A Hard Day’s Night, as well as for contributions to the University and Industry.

  • I was hired to breathe new life into two separate 2 BR properties in South West London. The first was a Victorian property was subdivided into three separate flats, but a previous renovation in 2006 was poorly done, leaving the flat in desperate need of refurbishment. The second was a tired ground floor flat in a mansion block with a communal garden. My task was to reimagine and revitalize these flats into comfortable homes for a young, creative professional and a recent retiree.

  • My illustrations were spotlighted Madame Architect ’s “Creative Complements” and “Days with” series. I was invited to write about my day as an up-and-coming designer. (Aug 2020)

education & affiliations

  • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) • Associate Member • July 2018 - Present • Completed required AXP hours in May 2020. Passed 3/6 exams required for licensure in the United States.

  • American Institute of Architects • Associate Member • July 2018 - Present

technical skills

  • Revit, Rhino, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Enscape, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Word, Notion, Bluebeam - Advanced.

  • AutoCAD, Sketchup, Vray, Microstation - Intermediate.

  • 3DsMax, Grasshopper, Vectorworks, - Beginner.

professional experience

Child Graddon Lewis • Part II Architectural Assistant • London • March 2024 - Present

Supporting Directors Arita Morris & Greg Jones

  • HMRC HQ Building in Portsmouth (Stage 2 - Stage 4)

    • 60,000 sf commercial HQ building in Portsmouth

    • Assisted with 3D Modelling: Developed and modified Revit Families, crafted casework models in Revit, and provided design options to support the client and internal team’s decision-making processes.

    • Assisted with Planning Application Submission and Coordination with Consultants: Produced elevations, bay studies and plans for Planning.

    • Assisting with Stage 4 (Construction Documents) & consultant coordination.

  • Confidential Masterplan Bid in South London (Stage 0)

    • Contributed to a mixed-use masterplan bid in South London by producing visually engaging illustrations, graphics, sections, and diagrams. I used SketchUp, Procreate, and Photoshop to craft captivating visuals imbued with a signature hand-drawn illustrative style.

    • Collaborated with directors and developers on a costing exercise for various tenure types. Conducted due diligence and scheduling tasks to verify flat quantities in a housing development of approximately 650 flats. Utilized Excel, Revit, and CAD to calculate GIA, GEA, and NIA, significantly aiding the developer’s decision-making process.

  • Other/Misc

    • Stage 1 Preapp - Produced visuals and illustrations for a proposed development in Tower Hamlets. Used SketchUp, Photoshop and Procreate to create compelling visuals in an illustrative style.

    • Marketing - Pitched a winning concept and design for the office shop fronts. Co-leading a team of five colleagues to execute the project for the London Festival of Architecture. By stating "I am not a robot," we use ReCAPTCHA to explore creativity, authorship, and collaboration in the context of AI in the built environment. Let's celebrate how cities we love are made and let’s celebrate what makes us human.

Kasawoo • Interior Designer FFE (Part Time) • London • April 2023 - September 2023

  • Supported and collaborated with Kasawoo to design the interiors and select the FF&E of a members club and co-working space in Islington.

  • LOOM is a startup venture that addresses the fact that we have become neighbourhood-based due to remote working. Their solution is simple yet powerful: a neighbourhood club 15 minutes from home where a local community of members can exercise, co-work and socialize under one roof.

  • Attended weekly site meetings and assisted with Construction Administration work.

  • Project is featured on two online publications, Frame and The Spaces.

Chris Dyson Architects • Part II Architectural Assistant & Interior Designer • London • November 2023 - March 2024

Supporting Senior Associate, Yashin Kemal

  • Grade II listed, purpose built five storey Georgian town house on Devonshire Square. (RIBA Stage 4/5: Office & Residential Refurbishment, 5100 sf)

    • Joined the team at Stage 4 & 5 /Construction Administration phase. Supported with updating drawings and schedules at the construction phase, including but not limited to fire strategy drawings, electrical setting out drawings, sanitaryware, lighting, decoration and door schedules.

  • Music & Arts Venue on Flitcroft Street (RIBA Stage 2-6: 8700 sf)

    • Worked closely with the building surveyor to address any discrepancies, ensuring alignment and accuracy in preparation for the drawing sets.

    • Worked off survey drawings to create base drawings of the venue and issued Licensing plans for Camden.

  • Marketing & Business Development

    • Produced the latest version of the firm's practice portfolio. I created layout options for the directors to review and produced marketing collateral for the firm's business development.

    • Submitted the firm's work to multiple competitions and contributed by assisting with writing marketing text to showcase our projects and expertise.

Chris Dyson Architects • Part II Architectural Assistant (Summer Contract) • London • July 2022 - September 2022

Supported Consultant Partner, James Cheung

  • Grade II Listed Victorian House Extension on Belsize Lane, NW3 (RIBA: Stage 2-3)

    • Drew plans, sections, details, collages and elevations of the existing and proposed scheme. Drawings were for design presentations to the client as well as for submission to Camden (Planning). Drawings were produced on MicroStation and enhanced on Photoshop.

    • Collaborated and created four major design presentations to assist with client’s decision making. Incorporated work from the heritage consultant, client’s lighting consultant and energy consultant and in house visualization team.

    • Independently wrote and prepared a comprehensive Design and Access Statement, and all associated drawings for submission to Planning. Surveyed planning maps for precedents of Grade I and II Listed two story extensions in Islington, Camden and Kensington boroughs. Analyzed Pre-application submission and crafted responses to Planning. Work and drafts were overseen and reviewed by the Consultant Partner and Client.

  • Other Work

    • Drew plans, sections and elevations for a winning competition entry for a Cultural Building on Plot 6, Goodsyard, Bishopsgate

    • Created and updated drawings, and updated an existing Design and Access Statement for a 230 sqm multi-tenant residential project in Victoria Drive, SW19 6PR. Coordinated with heritage consultant and planning consultants.

    • Drew internal elevations for a 520 sqm high end residential house on Bascombe Road, Churston, TQ5 0JW

    • Created diagrams and collages on Rhino, Photoshop and Procreate for a competition entry for a Confidential Opera House competition entry in Saudi Arabia (RIBA Stage 1-2)

Freelance Architectural Services (Private Clients) • Freelance / Part Time • London/New York • September 2019 - Present

  • Planning Application (May 2024 - Present)

    • Completed the drawings package and full planning application for a flat in a conservation area in Clapham Common, SW London. The project included the installation of an AC unit on the building's rear elevation, as requested by the client.

  • Client Representative, Property Sourcing & Solo Residential Refurbishment (September 2023 - July 2024)

    • Hired to provide a turn-key experience for an overseas client looking to buy and move into a new ground floor flat in Abbeville Village, SW London.

    • Liased between the client, estate agent and conveyancing solicitor to source over 20, 2BR flats. After 1 flat was selected, I represented the client from the offer being made to the flat's completion.

    • Fully refurbished a 2BR property in South West London. My task was to revitalize this space to create a comfortable and accessible home for a mature client looking to age in place.

    • Independently preparing tender documents, appliance, finish and furniture specifications for review and tender.

  • Client Representative, Property Sourcing & Solo Residential Refurbishment (September 2023 - July 2024)

    • Hired to breathe new life into a two bedroom property located in Clapham Old Town, SW London. The Victorian property was subdivided into three separate flats, but a previous renovation in 2006 was poorly done, leaving the flat in desperate need of refurbishment. My task is to reimagine and revitalize this space to create a comfortable home for a young, creative professional.

    • Independently prepared tender documents, appliance, finish and furniture specifications for tender.

    • Acted as client rep, and coordinated communication between the client’s freeholders and construction manager. Managed and checked payments between multiple parties.

    • Full architectural, interior design and construction administration scope was provided for this project.

  • Interior Architect & Visualiser (September 2023 - July 2024)

    • Hired to source FFE, internal finishes and exterior façade options for a young family in Skaneateles, New York (Upstate New York).

    • Used survey drawings to create a 3D model the 6BR house. I used it to then produce quick visuals using Rhino, Enscape and Photoshop to help with the client’s decision making and tender package.

Gensler • Part II Architectural Assistant • New York • July 2018 - May 2020

NY-Work 4 - Studio Director: Joshua Katz

2018 - 2019

  • AT&T Xandr HQ, (Supported Lead Designer and Lead Project Architect in all phases of design)

    • Assisted with renderings, diagrams, and concept collages for five major design presentations.

    • Produced majority tender documents for the ‘40’ side of the building with the supervision of the lead project Architect.

    • In charge of the concept design, tender documents, equipment schedules, and submittals for the main office pantry.

    • Assisted with Construction Documents markups, specifically for bathrooms, elevations, and joinery details for amenity floors.

    • Assisted Project Architects in issuing construction sketches and answering RFI's

    • Reviewed finish submittals and joinery drawings

  • Project Awarded by Crain's New York Business 2020, Coolest Offices in New York, Retrofit Category

  • Project listed as a finalist for 2020 NYCxDESIGN Awards in Corporate Office Category

2019 - 2020

  • Financial Services Firm HQ, Buffalo, New York (Supported Lead Designer and Lead Project Architect in all phases of design.)

  • Confidential Financial Services Firm, Client Center, Chater House, Hong Kong, (FF&E, & Design Development)

  • Deloitte Charlotte (Assisted with Construction Documentation)

  • Deloitte Harborside Renovation (Lead Project Architect)

  • Capital One 14th Floor and 31st Floor Renovations (Lead Project Architect)

  • Ares Capital Management Renovation, 4000 SF (Lead Project Architect)

Gensler • Part I Architectural Assistant • New York • May 2017 - August 2017

NY-Work 4 - Studio Director: David Weinberg

One Citi HQ

  • Assisted Lead Designer in FF&E design presentations. Created renderings and assisted with furniture selection for the client center.

  • Shadowed Project Architects during site visits and site supervision

  • Assisted with Construction Documents markups, specifically for bathrooms, elevations, and millwork details for amenity and trading floors.

  • Assisted Project Architects in issuing construction sketches and answering RFI's

  • Reviewed finish submittals and joinery drawings

Slade Architecture • Part I Architectural Assistant • New York • September 2016 - November 2017

  • Architectural Designer for Smile Direct Club. Collaborated with brand agency and mapped out user experience diagrams.

  • Created iterations for final storefront and specialty joinery.

Llewelyn Davies • Architectural Intern • Hong Kong • May 2014 - August 2014

  • Produced renderings and schematic design drawings for the renovation of The Quarry Bay School, Stanley Pier, and the Hong Kong University Library.

leadership

  • MA Interior Design: Head of Programme Prize at the Royal College of Art • London • Sept 2023

    • I was awarded the top prize for my final project A Hard Day’s Night, as well as recognition for my contributions to the University and Interior Design cohort.

  • Inside/Out Lecture Series • Leader • London • Sept 2021 - Sept 2023

    • Head of Inside/Out Lecture Series (2022 - 2023), Team member (2021 - 2022).

    • I lead a group of five peers and we organise the RCA’s only student led lecture series. We curate bi-weekly lectures that occur in person or on Zoom where we select internationally renowned designers/practices to discuss their work around a certain theme. We coordinate the dates, times and all logistics, as well as advise on presentation material. We also liaise with events, administrative and catering staff within the University. Lectures are open to all students at the Royal College of Art and members of the public, attendance ranges from an intimate discussion with five people, to over 300 attendees on Zoom.

    • I organised a final lecture at the Serpentine Pavilion with this year’s designer, Lina Ghotmeh: Managed my internal team, liased and coordinated between the Dean, Head of Programme, Architecture Firm and Serpentine Pavilion to organise a successful final lecture at the Serpentine Pavilion. Proposed and pitched the budget with the University for several rounds of review and funding. Coordinated AV, security, catering, marketing and logistics for the public event attended by 123 people.

    • I hosted & invited: Annabelle Selldorf from Selldorf Architects (March 2022), André Fu from André Fu Studio (May 2022), Beata Heuman from Beata Heuman Interior Design (November 2022), Adam Hills and Maria Speake from Retrouvius (November 2022), Joyce Wang (November 2022, Simon Hamilton, Amelia Jane Hankin, Pierre Shaw, Kazumasa Takada, Owain Caruana-Davies (January 2023), Jayden Ali (February 2023) and Lina Ghotmeh (July 2023).

    • Through my leadership, in person attendance to lectures improved by 1180% (on average 10 attendees previously to 128 attendees), and sign ups to Zoom webinars improved by 4900% (on average 26 attendees previously to 1300 attendees). Optimised targeted social media and scheduling to boost attendance by students, alumni, and members of the public.

    • During my first year of being involved with Inside/Out, I created advertising material for digital and physical distribution (2021-2022)

  • Royal College of Art • Class Elected Program Representative • London • Sept 2021 - Sept 2023

    • Class-elected Student Representative for two consecutive years.

    • Co-led a successful petition to change the Interior Design studios. Interviewed students, created and reviewed qualitative and quantitative in multiple Studio Feedback Forms. Co-wrote letters addressed to Tutors, Professors and Heads of Department documenting existing issues and proposed solutions. Coordinated with the Student Union. As a result of the effort, all students have working chairs, full sized tables, lockers, and access to a mess-hall space for making models.

    • Co-led a successful petition with the Student Union to extend opening hours of the University supplies shop and Studio Opening Hours. At the beginning of the year (2021), studios were open from 9am-8pm, and the shop was only open during limited hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As a result of our successful initiative and liaison with Students, Student Union, and Dean, opening hours have been extended from 9am-11pm and the shop is open during convenient hours for students.

    • Led two workshops to new masters students on how to navigate the RCA. Recommended inductions, printing tips, software etc, that were specific to the Interior Design Course (September 2022).

    • Selected to teach two workshops on improving one’s Architecture/Design portfolio to 50 new masters students (November 2022). Spoke about layout, selecting work and images with intention, and narrative behind every piece of work. Used skills learned from interviewing prospective students to Cornell University’s B.Arch Program.

  • Madame Architect • Featured in online magazine • New York • Aug 2020

  • Diversity, Inclusive & Equity Symposium, Syracuse University • Invited Speaker • New York • Sept 2020

    • Invited to speak about my illustrations - small.family, the motivations behind it, and the importance of inclusive representation in the unbuilt environment. Link to post here.

  • Gensler • Leadership in Firm-wide Initiatives • New York • Sept 2018 - May 2020

    • Spearheaded a quarterly networking event for young architects in NYC. Attended by over 150 people with representation from over 8 firms in Architecture, Engineering, and Real estate. Invited to AIA Women in Architecture Committee meetings as a result of this industry initiative.

    • Presented my Cornell dissertation on designing for Alzheimer's to Gensler's Inclusivity Network (GIN). The call was attended by over 50 people firm-wide. Recommended by GIN for proprietary product development pitch.

    • Co-led firm-wide Happy Hour. Attended by over 700 people. Managed the team, collaborator, building management, and budget. Despite having a lower budget, we organized a higher frequency of themed events to foster and grow the firm's culture. The team stayed within budget.

    • Leader of the social committee for the 45-person studio. Brought back the studio-wide "cake day", organized pasta night, picnic, and holiday white elephant parties to foster relationships and build greater rapport in the studio. Managed budget for activities and events.

  • Thumbnail Speaker Series • President & Head of Advertising • Ithaca, NY • Aug 2013 - May 2018

    • President (Fall 2017 - Spring 2018) - Led a 15-person team to organize two discussion forums attended by over 300 people. Coordinated and curated speakers, and discussion forums each at 10 speakers.

  • Groundswell x Gensler • Project Leader • New York • May 2017 - Aug 2017

    • Led group to create the award-winning project featured in Architectural Digest Magazine.

    • Gensler's internship program includes Summer Studio. A design studio in which the internship class works together on a summer-long pro bono project. The internship class was broken into four groups of six, with each group designing a different pop-up installation to commemorate the opening of Groundswell's 500th mural.

    • Celebrated Groundswell's history by documenting 100 of the organization's past murals. The group designed a label featuring a mural along with its title, artists, year completed, and location in NYC. Labels were placed on paint cans to symbolize the origins of these paintings.

  • Cornell Council for the Arts • Two Time Grant Recipient • Ithaca, NY • May 2015 - April 2017

    • Selected to collaborate with artist Caroline Woolard to design furniture for the CCA Biennale in 2016. Grant recipient for the exhibition, ‘Doors’ (Spring 2017). Link to projects here.

related experience

small.family • Freelance illustrator • London • June 2020 - March 2024

  • small.family is a vibrant collection of hand-drawn architectural scaled figures. It is a direct response to renderings being too often viewed, curated, and created through a white male gaze. I am also a freelance illustrator for David Baker Architects - I draw custom entourage for their visuals and publications.

  • Learned skills in self marketing, invoicing, and running a profitable side business.

Royal College of Art • Sales Associate at Royal College of Art Shop • London • Nov 2022 - September 2023

  • Responsible for maintaining positive relationships with students, advising on raw materials, art supplies, and model making processes.

  • Managed the till and kept track of inventory via Shopify

  • Maintained a clean and organized inventory and curated displays of art supplies and accessories.

Lululemon • Educator (Part-Time) • Spitalfields, London • Oct 2021 - Feb 2022

  • Responsible for maintaining positive relationships with guests, advising on products, and being a representative of the brand’s values. Required to work under pressure and suggest solutions for guests, while providing excellent customer service. Required to be knowledgeable about different company policies on inclusion, diversity, equality, and people safety. Praised for increasing sales, customer product to sales conversion, and revenue during shifts at the store.

  • Maintained a clean and organized inventory and curated displays of rotating seasonal clothing and accessories.

Chinese Exploration and Research Society • Cultural Preservation Intern • Yunnan, China (Tibetan Border)/Hong Kong • May 2015 - Dec 2015

  • Camera Assistant for National Geographic explorers at three CERS expedition sites. Assisted in the documentation of Tibetan vernacular housing and villages.

Cornell AAP • Part-Time Digital Fabrication Teaching Assistant • Ithaca, New York • Jan 2015 - Aug 2017

  • Managed student usage and maintenance of laser cutting, CNC mill, and 3D printing tools. Advised students on safe and effective usage and methods of working.

Cornell AAP • Part-Time Student Photographer • Ithaca, New York • Jan 2014 - Aug 2017

  • Official photographer for study abroad program in Rome. (Fall 2015), and AAP NYC (Fall 2016). Nominated as head of media and documentation for graduating class throughout college. Managed social media presence and website. Student photographer for school events, lectures, final reviews, and student projects. Proficient in DSLR photography, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Lightroom batch editing and photo management.

Luthier Hong Kong • Woodworking Apprentice • Hong Kong • Aug 2011 - Aug 2012

  • Apprenticed under luthier (Kelvin Cheng) and assisted in the restoration and repair of clarinets and lutes. Built and designed an electric cello for women. The project was awarded the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Personal Project Award 2010/2011.

publications & exhibitions

  • OnOffice • Welcome to the Club • September 2024

    • My work for Kasawoo (LOOM Club) was featured.

  • Wallpaper • The Loom Club is a new London social and co-working hub with a ‘gentle’ twist • July 2024

  • My work for Kasawoo (LOOM Club) was featured.

  • FRAME • Urban Social Isolation is a Major Issue: A London Members Club is Designed to Battle It • June 2024

    • My work for Kasawoo (LOOM Club) was featured.

  • Royal College of Art (Graduate Show & Online Showcase) • June - Sept 2023

    • My work at the Royal College of Art was exhibited for the online and in person end of year show at the Truman Brewery (July 2023).

  • Royal College of Art (Open Studios / WIP Show) • Feb 2023

    • My work at the Royal College of Art was exhibited for the online Work in Progress (WIP) show and in an in-person gallery in an open studio event.

  • @Models_Architecture • Nov 2022

    • Four pieces of my work at the Royal College of Art (CS Faraday , Material Follies, a model from my Midterm Review, and Final Model) were discovered, selected and posted on the online publication ‘Architecture Models'. The account has a reach of 113K followers with work from practices and students from around the world. This online feature was celebrated in the Royal College of Art school newsletter.

  • Royal Academy • March-May 2022

    • My work at the Royal College of Art - Translations | John Hejduk's Prison House has been selected to be exhibited at the Ronald and Rita McAulay Gallery at the Royal Academy.

  • Royal College of Art (WIP Show) • Jan - Feb 2022

    • My work at the Royal College of Art was exhibited for the online Work in Progress (WIP) show.

  • Madame Architect • Aug 2021

    • My illustrations were spotlighted ’s “Creative Complements” and “Days with” series. I was invited to write about my day as an up-and-coming designer. (Aug 2020)

  • Association Vo1 8 & 12 • Dec 2016, Dec 2021

    • small.family drawings featured in publication (2021). Competition entry with Elie Boutros and Justin Foo, Typhoon Submarine, featured in publication (2016)

  • Crain's New York Business • Dec 2020

    • Xandr project awarded, Coolest Offices in New York in the Retrofit Category

  • NYCxDESIGN Awards • Corporate Office Category • May 2020

    • Xandr project was listed as a finalist

  • Architectural Digest • These Designs have made the World a Better Place • Dec 2017

    • Collaboration with Groundswell NY during an internship at Gensler. The project is featured in the publication.

  • Model Perspectives: Structure, Architecture & Culture • Aug 2016

  • Cornell Journal of Architecture | Issue 10: Spirits • Aug 2014 - Aug 2015

    • The Cornell Journal of Architecture is a critical journal of architecture and urbanism produced by editors in the Department of Architecture at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Cornell University. Youngest student to be selected as editor in the history of the journal.

voluntary roles

  • Royal College of Art • Guest Critic & Future Practices Panel • July 2024 (Upcoming)

    • Invited back to the RCA to participate as a guest critic for an interim review and as a member of the Future Practices panel, representing recent alumni.

  • Cornell University • B.Arch Interviewer • Sept 2020 - Present

    • Selected by University to interview and write recommendations for prospective Architecture students for Cornell’s B.Arch program.

  • Industry Networking Initiative • Organizer • New York • Aug 2018 - Dec 2019

    • Spearheaded quarterly networking events for young architects. Events were attended by over 150 people with representation from over 10 firms in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries.

  • Open House New York • Organizer & Volunteer • New York • Sept 2016

    • Led public tours of 26 Broadway, the former Standard Oil Building. Explained building history and its significance in the greater landscape of the financial district.

  • Dragon Day • Head of Media • Ithaca, NY • Jan 2014 - May 2014

    • Led a team that produced over 30 photo galleries, and videos for what most people considered the most successful Dragon Day in Cornell’s History.

  • Hong Kong Award for Young People (formerly The Duke of Edinburgh Award) • Bronze • Hong Kong • May 2011

    • HRH Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Philip) founded The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the U.K. in 1956. It is designed as an introduction to worthwhile leisure time activities, as a challenge to the individual to personal achievement, and as a guide for those people and organizations who would like to help the development of their younger fellow citizens. The Hong Kong Award for Young People (AYP), formerly known as The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, established in 1961, is a member of The International Award Association. The AYP, with its unique international principles, cultivates youngsters with perseverance and the spirit of self-challenge.

recent upskilling