About me

In order to fulfil my ambition to become an architect who specialises in sustainability I am seeking a placement to gain “Certificate in Professional Practice and Management in Architecture” (Cert PMA) and to develop skills cultivated in architecture school.

Recently I've pursued my search for knowledge by volunteering at the London Festival of Architecture where I've worked on projects with Feld72, “Hyper Olympics,” constructed and demonstrated Matthew Lloyd Architect's; “Water Power Passenger Lift", and have just finished working for Martin Kaltwasser constructing the Jelly Fish Theatre; “The Okios Project”.

Whilst working for Martin Kaltwasser I helped in the construction of a temporary theatre made from re-used materials including pallets, scaffolding, water bottles and wooden furniture. Technically this project faced many difficulties that come to light during meetings with regulatory authorities at which limitations of recycled materials were discussed. Having now experienced some differing points of view I understand the paramount importance of safe use of materials even when constructing a temporary habitable space.

Pallets were initially detailed to create raised wings around the stage, lifting the audience from ground level. To ensure the safety of the public our initial ideas had to be revised and un-recycled timber was used underfoot to prevent trip and fall hazards. In addition, as the strength of each pallet varied it was possible that there could have been a collapse due to the structural failure of some of the old and worn pallets.

Since graduating I have entered design and build competitions whereby I have submitted proposals for; a playground in Thailand, a portable modular house in South Lincolnshire and housing schemes in Haiti and Ghana. Requirements for proposals were to produce graphical presentations with clear cost estimates, construction diagrams and full sets of building drawings. I believe that dealing with live projects has developed realism in my drawings and increased my design knowledge of various construction techniques. I have had to consult safety manuals to insure construction is both safe and legal.

I have developed a deep interest in sustainable architecture and gained first hand knowledge in this subject. I have completed a course in Green Construction Techniques whereby I learnt shingle roofing, straw bale, cob and rammed earth wall construction. This led me to experiment with society's' waste products to form the exterior walls of one of my comprehensive design projects. I developed and tested a wall made from recycled post-consumer cellulose waste, polycarbonate exteriors on foundations of rubble gabions.

During the last year of my studies I worked on a project called “PolyArk II” that combined research taking place at the Architectural Association. For my final comprehensive design project I designed a Paper Recycling Mill using AutoCAD 2010 to design floor plans, details, sections, isometric details and final visualisation. I have a strong command of its 3D functions and their ability to deliver readily understandable project drawings.

Sincerely,

Samuel Darkins