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hello!

I’m Virginia

Great design, to me, performs! My designs aim to improve the user’s quality of life, celebrate local materials, reduce construction waste, and innovate in energy efficiency. I enjoy delving into experience-based designs that speak proudly about the place they reside in. What tickles me pink is when a finished site is healthier and more sustainable than how I found it!

I am looking to hone my level of craft and understanding of light and structure under the wing of a great firm.

I’M CURRENTLY READING …

Gastrophysics: the New Science of Eating
By Charles Spence

 

The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Vol I
Edited By Robert Silverberg

MY HOBBIES …

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Sketching

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Reading Sci-Fi

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Bicycling

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Creative Writing

My Journey to Architecture

I grew up not knowing who architects were or the role they played in the shaping my favorite childhood spaces. I love learning about math and science in my first career path, however something didn’t feel right. I came to understand that both my left and right halves of the brain demanded nourishment, so I pivoted into a career in architecture. I plan on carrying the lens of a physicist and an engineer with me on my journey in the hopes of discovering solutions from a different perspective.

I’m Passionate about…

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Housing First Programs

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Libraries

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Schools

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Health Facilities

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Multi-family and Co-housing

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Material & Resource Sustainability

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Animal Shelters & Sanctuaries

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Places of Worship

my experience

computer skills

Exposure to AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion, Adobe Suite, & proficiency in Microsoft Office

character skills

Critical thinking, collaboration, detail oriented, taking initiative, results focused, strategic mindedness, and constant desire to learn & grow

education

the university of texas at arlington

Master of Architecture
Graduation: May 2021
GPA 3.8

 

the university of texas at austin

Bachelor of Science in Physics
Graduation: August 2015
GPA 3.5

work experience

UT Arlington

CAPPA Teaching assistant

August 2019 – May 2021
  • Aiding in organization, distribution, and grading of class assignments
  • Tutoring students outside of class on topics of Architectural Drawing practices and techniques

Raytheon, mckinney, tx

physics engineer ii

August 2015 – August 2018
  • Editing optics engineering drawings and coordinating those changes with suppliers
  • Supporting ACES HY Lab by conducting test bench calibrations on optical equipment (monochromator, integrating sphere, gimbal mirror) and sensor calibrations to ensure high standards of performance
  • Supporting the MTS (Multispectral Targeting System) manufacturing line with wavefront error analysis, damaged optic evaluations, and equipment calibrations

UT Austin Division of Housing and Food Services

resident assistant

August 2012 – May 2013
  • Coordinating social events for residents with considerations to budget, entertainment, and advertising
  • Resolving resident disputes, responding to health emergencies, front desk/inventory responsibilities

virginia benke

emerging professional in architecture