Much of my formative experience at Yale was under the direction and mentorship of Professor Kent Bloomer. I enrolled in his Introduction to Architecture course in my sophomore year, and later gained permission to take his graduate level course in 3D Forms and Materials. This course featured the exploration of computer aided design, and we were asked to stretch the limits of the (then state of the art) 5-axis foam cutter and CNC router by machining a foam prototype and casting the resulting part into bronze at the Laran Foundry. Upon completion of this course, Kent offered me a summer apprenticeship in his studio - which I found to be an immersive and inspiring environment--a true atelier where design, mock ups, prototypes and finished products happened under one roof, with fluidity, commitment to quality but also efficiency in each step. That summer turned into a productive year off from school between my Junior and Senior years, working full time for Kent. I learned to take my time with a design, and build it out carefully and precisely. I made models from which I would later calculate construction measurements for elements I fabricated by hand, hammering sheets of aluminum into a arch of scrolling leaves. I helped to sculpt fantastic and grotesque faces that were cast in stone and would stand for many years. After completing the earthquake-reconstruction work in China with Build Change in 2010, and before joining Workshop Residence in 2011, I spent another six months with Bloomer Studio managing the production / fabrication of 18 large akroterions and 300+ intricate cast aluminum roof ornaments for the renovation of a Federal courthouse in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Akroterions: Tuscaloosa Federal Courthouse
Fabricator / Production Manager
Managed the post-casting assembly and fabrication of 18 large akroterion roof ornaments and 300+ intricate cast anthemion roof ornaments for the renovation of a Federal courthouse in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This project won HBRA and Bloomer Studio a Palladio Award.
Entrance Arch and Tiger Mascot: Truman School
Working for Kent Bloomer Studios, I was production manager and principle fabricator for the 18' tall hand formed aluminum entrance arch, and assistant sculptor for the Truman Tiger Mascots flanking the arch.
Fair Haven School Entrance Arch
Working for Kent Bloomer Studios, I was assistant production manager and principle fabricator for the triple barrel arch composed of over 500 hand formed aluminum leaves/birds.
Rosenkranz Gate, Yale University
I helped finish up this gate project which was already underway. I finished and assembled the water-jet cut steel frame, surfaced and assembled the 100+ cast bronze elements, and finished and assembled the hand formed brass rings on this entrance gate to Luce Hall on Prospect Avenue at Yale University.