Contact

Profile

  • Architectural Assistant at Child Graddon Lewis with 6+ years of international experience across Hong Kong, New York, and London. In the UK, I have delivered planning and Stage 4 packages on a 60,000 sf government HQ and contributed to affordable housing, heritage refurbishments, and large-scale masterplans.

  • Recognised for advanced Revit expertise (scheduling, filters, area reconciliation) and strong coordination skills, I have resolved complex technical issues, streamlined project delivery systems, and led external meetings with clients, consultants, and contractors.

  • Beyond practice, I manage residential properties in SW London, delivering two £100k refurbishments and overseeing maintenance, utilities, and dispute resolution — sharpening skills in stakeholder management, negotiation, and cost control.

  • Currently pursuing ARB/NCARB licensure through the Mutual Recognition Agreement, with the aim of progressing into senior roles that bridge design delivery, project management, and client-side leadership.

Selected Career Highlights

  • Rookie Rockstar Award, Child Graddon Lewis (2024) - firm-wide recognition for contributions to the South London masterplan bid, the 60,000 sf Government HQ, and wider leadership including the CGL Windows “I Am Not a Robot” installation, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

  • Head of Programme Prize, MA Interior Design, RCA (2023) -awarded for A Hard Day’s Night and outstanding contributions to industry engagement. Collaborated with the Serpentine Pavilion through the lecture series Inside/Out; work also exhibited at the Royal Academy.

  • Residential Refurbishments & Property Management, South West London (2023–24) - Led two £100k flat refurbishments from sourcing and planning through design and construction. Continue to manage both assets, overseeing utility investigations (500%+ water usage spike), a 367-day boundary fence dispute, and routine maintenance.

  • Kasawoo Studio / LOOM, Islington (2024) - Interior design and FF&E coordination for a co-working/members club featured in Vogue, Wallpaper, Frame, On Office, and The Spaces.

Education

  • Royal College of Art – MA Interior Design • Head of Programme Prize recipient

  • Cornell University – B.Arch (5-Year Program, RIBA Part I & II Equivalent)

  • The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL – Part 3 (Lecture Series only)

  • Columbia University – Certificate in Construction Management

Professional Memberships & Affiliations

  • NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) – Member since 2018 • Completed required AXP hours in 2020

  • New London Architecture – NextGen Member (2024–Present)

  • Trinity College London – Associate (ATCL Diploma, Cello Performance, 2012)

Technical skills

  • Advanced: Revit, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, Enscape, VuCity

  • Intermediate: NBS, COBie, AutoCAD, SketchUp, V-Ray, Twinmotion, MicroStation

  • Beginner: 3ds Max, Grasshopper, Vectorworks

Professional Experience

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

  • Government HQ Building in Portsmouth (Stage 2 - Stage 5) • July 2024 - Present

    • Produced ~70% of planning drawings (elevations, bay studies, sections, plans) and authored an Inclusive Design Guidelines benchmark that informed compliance strategies. Delivered due diligence studies (e.g. bird deterrence) with research-led client material influencing façade design.

    • At Stages 3–4, delivered and coordinated full drawing packages (plans, sections, elevations, RCPs, schedules, fire strategy, signage, façade/windows/roof). Led 95% of VE drawing updates, ensuring compliance with ERs and BREEAM Outstanding. Independently resolved complex issues—stair balustrades, façade panel scheduling errors, and an omitted glass balustrade package.

    • Advanced Revit workflows, resolving NIA/GIA discrepancies, developing colour-coded elevation filters adopted by colleagues, and supporting delivery across packages.

    • Coordinated with consultants and contractors—fielded 15+ queries (ironmongery, access flooring, louvre free area), led BREEAM compliance reviews (U-values), and secured client sign-off. Introduced issuance trackers and change-annotation systems adopted by the wider team. Served as client/consultant point of contact in the Project Lead’s absence.

    • Improved efficiency and risk management: reorganised CDE (saving 1–2 hrs/week), and compared tender vs VE specs, flagging 12 critical compliance issues.

    • The scheme achieved unanimous planning consent in Nov 2024 and required rigorous compliance with ERs, enhanced security, and complex multi-stakeholder coordination—demonstrating CGL’s ability to deliver high-profile, security-sensitive projects to exacting standards.

  • Pedro Street – Affordable Housing Scheme, Hackney, East London (Stage 2 – May 2025 to June 2025) - Supported a Section 73 planning application for a 26-unit affordable housing scheme with Hackney Council. Led compliance reviews against ERs, Hackney New Build Design Specifications, Part M, the London Plan Housing SPG, and GLA standards. Produced Stage 3+ planning deliverables—elevations, bay studies, sections, and GA plans—in coordination with structural, MEP, and fire consultants. Contributed to redesigning the core to meet evolving fire safety and accessibility requirements (M4(2) and M4(3)). Independently developed planning drawings, strengthening expertise in residential policy, regulation, and inclusive design.

  • Pre-Application & Feasibility Study (Stage 0-1) – Office to Residential Building Conversion, East Croydon • February 2025 - Present - Independently delivered a Pre-Application package for the potential conversion of an office building into residential and co-living uses. Researched planning policy, analysed site and context, and tested views using VuCity to assess development potential and shape massing strategies. Explored multiple feasibility scenarios through test-fit layouts, unit metrics, and diagrammatic studies. Produced clear plans, diagrams, and presentation material to support design reviews and early client decisions.

  • Station Road, Mixed Use Development in Harrow (Stage 2) • March 2025 - April 2025 - Produced 67 planning drawings independently, a sixfold increase from the previous year’s contribution, demonstrating significant growth in technical proficiency (particularly in Revit). Delivered elevations, bay studies, sections, and plans for planning submission, and resolved NIA/GIA discrepancies while fielding client queries to ensure clarity and compliance.

  • Mixed-Use Masterplan – Purfleet on Thames • January 2025 - February 2025 - Supported Stage 0 feasibility studies for a proposed town centre masterplan integrating residential, educational, and public realm uses. Produced rapid visualisations, massing studies, and illustrative diagrams for early client engagement. Collaborated with senior team members on density, phasing, and tenure mix, contributing to high-level design and viability assessments.

  • Confidential Masterplan Bid in South London (Stage 0) • March 2024 - August 2024 - Contributed to the design of a mixed-use masterplan bid by producing illustrative visuals, diagrams, sections, and graphics using SketchUp, Procreate, and Photoshop, applying a distinctive hand-drawn style. Collaborated with directors and the developer on costing exercises across multiple tenure types. Conducted due diligence and scheduling for a 650-unit scheme, calculating GIA, GEA, and NIA using Excel, Revit, and CAD, supporting key feasibility and viability decisions.

  • Awards & Engagement

    • Rookie Rockstar Award – Outstanding Newcomer (Dec 2024).

    • City Lions Architecture Workshop – Co-led a hands-on design session for 14 Year 8 students, introducing them to the built environment and fostering creative confidence (May 2025).

    • London Festival of Architecture – Pitched a winning shopfront design concept, now co-leading a 5-person team to deliver it. The project explores creativity, authorship, and AI in the built environment. Link to CGL’s LinkedIn Post on this initiative.

    • Knowledge Sharing – Led a 9-person team in a Monday Morning Meeting presentation on CGL’s Palliser Road project, supporting technical training and staff development.

Chris Dyson Architects • Part II Architectural Assistant & Interior Designer • London • Jul 2022 – Mar 2024

(Summer Contract Jul–Sep 2022; Returned Nov 2023–Mar 2024)

  • Devonshire Square – Grade II Listed Georgian Townhouse (Office & Residential Refurbishment, 5,100 sf) • Stages 4–5 - Joined during construction phase, supporting drawing and schedule updates. Produced fire strategy plans, electrical setting-out drawings, and coordinated sanitaryware, lighting, decoration, and door schedules.

  • Flitcroft Street – Music & Arts Venue (8,700 sf) • Stages 2–6 - Produced base drawings from survey information and submitted licensing plans to Camden Council. Coordinated with the building surveyor to resolve discrepancies and maintain drawing accuracy through design and construction.

  • Belsize Lane – Grade II Listed Victorian House Extension (Stages 2–3) - Led design documentation for a two-storey extension, producing plans, sections, elevations, collages, and details in MicroStation and Photoshop for client and planning submissions. Authored the Design and Access Statement and prepared all planning drawings. Coordinated with heritage, lighting, and energy consultants on four major design presentations, and supported pre-application feedback with precedent and policy research across Camden, Islington, and Kensington.

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

  • LOOM Club – Collaborated on interiors and FF&E for LOOM, a startup neighbourhood club combining fitness, co-working, and social spaces. Attended weekly site meetings and supported construction administration to ensure design intent through delivery. Project is featured in Vogue, Wallpaper, Frame and The Spaces.

Property Management, Client Representation & Freelance Architectural Services • Part Time • London/New York • September 2019 - Present

  • Property Management - Two Residential Properties, SW London • March 2023–Present - Resolved a 367-day boundary fence dispute across 9 flats, securing full replacement and creating an audit trail later adopted as a managing-agent case study. Investigated a 500%+ water usage spike, commissioning leak detection and coordinating Thames Water, contractors, and residents. Oversaw routine and ad-hoc maintenance (repainting, drainage), acting as lead resident/trade liaison.

  • Planning Application • September - October 2024 - Completed drawings package and planning submission for AC installation on a flat’s rear elevation. Achieved full planning permission in Apr 2025.

  • Client Representative, Property Sourcing & Residential Refurbishment • March 2023 - July 2024 - Delivered two full refurbishments of 2BR flats (Clapham Old Town & Abbeville Village). Represented overseas clients from property sourcing to completion, producing tender documents, specifications, and coordinating consultants, contractors, and freeholders. Projects included adapting a home for aging in place and reconfiguring a Victorian flat for a young professional.

  • Interior Architect & Visualiser • September - October 2019 - Sourced FF&E, finishes, and façade options for a 6-bedroom home. Built a 3D model and produced visualisations (Rhino, Enscape, Photoshop) to support client decisions and tender documentation.

Gensler • Part II Architectural Assistant • New York • Jul 2018 – May 2020
(Part I Architectural Assistant • May–Aug 2017)

  • AT&T Xandr HQ – Corporate Interiors, NYC — Supported design across all phases of a major HQ fit-out; contributed to five client presentations, led tender documentation for one half of the building, and independently developed the office pantry package. Assisted with construction documents, sketches, RFIs, and joinery/finish reviews.

  • Financial Services Firm HQ – Buffalo, NY — Supported design and delivery of a multi-floor headquarters, producing space planning, tender documentation, and visualisations. Designed the feature stair, a key architectural element.

  • Financial Services Firm – Hong Kong (FF&E & Design Development) — Assisted with FF&E selection, showroom coordination, and finish/furniture presentations tailored to the client’s hospitality-driven workplace strategy.

  • Small Renovations – Lead / Solo Project Architect — Led multiple corporate interior renovations (Deloitte Harborside, Capital One, Ares Capital, Deloitte Charlotte), managing tender and filing drawings, consultant coordination, documentation, and construction support.

  • One Citi HQ – NYC (Part I) — Supported design development and documentation for the client centre, contributing to FF&E presentations, renderings, and construction packages.

Earlier Experience • Part I Architectural Assistant

  • Slade Architecture • New York • Sep 2016 – Nov 2017 — Supported workplace and retail fit-outs, developing user experience diagrams, storefront layouts, and custom joinery.

  • Llewelyn Davies • Hong Kong • May – Aug 2014 — Produced schematic design drawings and renderings for education and civic projects, including The Quarry Bay School and Hong Kong University Library.

Leadership

  • Child Graddon Lewis • Leadership in Firm-wide Initiatives • London • March 2024 - Present

    • Pitched the winning “I Am Not a Robot” shopfront concept for the London Festival of Architecture, co-leading a team of five; the project was featured on CGL’s website and social channels. Led a 9-person team in a Monday Morning Meeting presentation on Palliser Road, strengthening firm-wide technical skills. Mentored three work experience students, supporting their confidence and professional development. Co-led Westminster Council’s City Lions workshop for Year 8 students, introducing architecture through model-making and presentations. Also co-led the firm’s “Masterbake” initiative, fostering camaraderie and studio culture.

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

    • Headed the RCA’s only student-led lecture series, leading a 5-person team to deliver bi-weekly talks with renowned designers including Annabelle Selldorf, André Fu, Beata Heuman, Jayden Ali, and Lina Ghotmeh. Managed invitations, logistics, marketing, and university liaison, with events ranging from intimate discussions to webinars with 1,300+ attendees. Coordinated the 2023 finale at the Serpentine Pavilion (123 attendees) with senior university leadership and the Serpentine team. Under my leadership, in-person attendance grew by 1180% and Zoom registration by 4900%, driven by targeted outreach and digital strategy.

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

    • Elected by peers to represent the MA Interior Design cohort for two consecutive years, advocating for studio improvements and co-leading a petition that secured upgraded furniture, model-making space, and storage. Collaborated with the Student Union to extend studio/shop hours (from 9am–8pm to 9am–11pm). Delivered orientation workshops for new students and portfolio development sessions for 50+ incoming master’s students, drawing on prior admissions interviewing experience.

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

    • At Gensler, I founded a quarterly networking event for 150+ emerging professionals across 8+ firms, earning an invitation to the AIA Women in Architecture Committee. I presented my Alzheimer’s research to Gensler’s Inclusivity Network (50+ attendees), later invited to pitch a proprietary product. I also co-led firm-wide Happy Hours for 700+ staff and served as Social Committee Lead for a 45-person studio, organising regular events that strengthened culture and collaboration despite limited budgets.

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

    • Groundswell 500th Mural Installation, New York — Led a Summer Studio team to deliver an award-winning pro bono installation featured in Architectural Digest. Designed a system of paint-can labels celebrating 100+ past murals, symbolising the medium that brought them to life. One of four teams selected for public display.

  • 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.

Publications & Exhibitions

  • Loom Club, Islington (with Kasawoo) – Featured in Vogue, Wallpaper, FRAME, OnOffice, and FX Magazine (2024–25).

  • Royal College of Art – Exhibited at Graduate Show & Online Showcase, Truman Brewery (2023); Open Studios/WIP Shows (2022–23). Projects also featured on @Models_Architecture (113k followers, 2022) and in the RCA Newsletter.

  • Royal Academy – Translations | John Hejduk's Prison House exhibited at the Ronald and Rita McAulay Gallery (Mar–May 2022).

  • Xandr, New York (with Gensler) – Recognised by Crain’s New York Business (“Coolest Offices in NY – Retrofit”, Dec 2020) and finalist in NYCxDESIGN Awards (Corporate Office, May 2020).

  • Madame Architect – Featured in “Creative Complements” and “Day’s With” series on emerging designers (Aug 2020).

  • Architectural Digest – Groundswell 500th mural project recognised in “These Designs Have Made the World a Better Place” (Dec 2017).

  • Association Vol. 8 & 12 – small.family drawings featured (2021) and Typhoon Submarine competition entry (2016).

  • Model Perspectives: Structure, Architecture & Culture – CRAB Studio’s Abedian School of Architecture model featured (2016).

  • Cornell Journal of Architecture | Issue 10: Spirits – Editor (youngest in journal’s history), 2014–15.

Voluntary Roles

  • Cornell University – B.Arch Interviewer (2020–Present) - Selected to interview and recommend candidates for Cornell’s Bachelor of Architecture program.

  • Royal College of Art – Guest Critic & Future Practices Panel (Jul 2024) - Reviewed student work, led mock interviews, and shared insights on transitioning to professional practice.

  • Industry Networking Initiative, New York (2018–19) - Founded and ran quarterly networking events for 150+ young architects across 10+ firms.

  • Open House New York – Volunteer (2016) - Led public tours of 26 Broadway, highlighting architectural history and urban context.

Related Experience

  • small.family • Freelance illustrator (Part Time) • London • June 2020 - August 2024 - Founded small.family, a hand-drawn architectural figure collection challenging the lack of diversity in renderings. Produced custom entourage illustrations for clients including David Baker Architects. Built skills in self-marketing, client management, and running a profitable side business.

  • Retail & Customer Experience Roles • London • Oct 2021 – Sept 2023 - Worked part-time alongside studies in customer-facing roles at the Royal College of Art Shop and Lululemon. Advised students and customers on products and processes, maintained strong relationships, and consistently delivered excellent service under pressure. Responsibilities included sales transactions, inventory management (Shopify), and curating seasonal or visually engaging displays. Recognised for boosting sales conversions and revenue while embodying brand values of inclusion, diversity, and community.

  • 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 • Teaching & Media Roles (Part-Time) • Ithaca, New York • Jan 2014 – Aug 2017 - Served as Digital Fabrication Teaching Assistant, training students on laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3D printing tools, while maintaining safe and effective workshop use. Concurrently appointed Student Photographer for AAP events, lectures, reviews, and study-abroad programs in Rome (2015) and NYC (2016). Nominated as head of media/documentation for graduating class, managing the school’s visual identity across social media and web platforms. Gained expertise in DSLR photography, Adobe Photoshop, and Lightroom batch editing.

  • Luthier Hong Kong • Woodworking Apprentice (Part-Time) • 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.

Recent Upskilling

  • CIC/CSCS Health & Safety Exam – Construction Industry Council (Oct 2024–Oct 2029)

  • Fundamentals of Gerontology – American Society on Aging & USC Davis School of Gerontology

  • Introduction to Marketing – University of Pennsylvania (Jun–Jul 2020)

  • Disability Awareness and Support – University of Pittsburgh (Jun–Oct 2020)

  • An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Jun–Oct 2020)