About Me
I am Lena (17), a high school student, currently in the state of Washington, and I would like to pursue a career in architecture. I have been passionate about that subject for years now and it would be my dream to become an architect and have my own firm later on. I’ve never refused any opportunity to expand my knowledge on the subject, whether at school or not. I would describe myself as creative, hardworking, and detail-oriented. I always make sure my work looks polished and well-crafted. I created this website to be able to showcase my creations and my experience as well as to share what I learned over the last few years. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
Resume
Experiences
On this page is all the academic and professional experiences I’ve had the last past years.
Mentee – ACE
September 2022 – Present
I was offered to join the ACE (Architecture, Construction & Engineering) program during my senior year of high school. It is a school-year-long mentorship aiming at designing and constructing a project that differs each year. This year, we were commissioned to build an aquatic center for the city of Kirkland (WA) with a budget of $25M. This experience exposed me not only to the architecture world but all kinds of engineering (mechanical, civil, electrical) and construction (contractors) ones as well. I discovered how each discipline interacts with the others and I got to work on a real-world project.
Interior Design Studios – Bellevue college
September 2022 – Present
During my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to join the Running Start program, allowing me to attend college-level classes. I therefore selected Interior Design Studios. This trio of classes, each pre-requisites to the next, taught me how to draw floor plans, sections, and elevations, but also how to organize a space and understand it better. I also strengthened my communication skills as I interacted with classmates through peer reviews and advice.
Interior Design & Housing Class
September 2021 – January 2022
During my junior year of high school, I took part in an Interior Design & Housing class. I got to learn basic floor plan notions but also the pyramid of needs, and codes like ADA requirements. I was also taught about real estate and the value of houses.
Intern – Atelier Griselle Reding (FR)
Date
Before moving to the US, I spent a week at a French architecture firm, Atelier Griselle Reding, on an observation internship. That week confirmed my career choice as I discovered the functioning of a firm and the actual job of an architect, including all the paperwork. I visited construction sites, examined past projects, and created my own pseudo-repurpose project. I went through the process of drawing the plan of the firm and turning it into a hair salon. I took measurements, drew a hardline, a freehand, and traced over it.