PERSONAL STATEMENT
LEAH N. CULBERT
HOMETOWN
Hamilton, VA
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PROJECTED CAREER
Architect/ Urban Designer/ Graphic Designer
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CURRENT YEAR
4th Year Undergrad
(NAAB Accredited)
Throughout my studies at the University of Miami School of Architecture, I have found myself drawn to the way people interact with the built environment and how daily life is directly influenced by the design of the places around us. My work reflects the many architectural styles I have grown fond of, from contemporary to classical. My curiosity for these varying styles has been nurtured by my passion for travel.
In the summer of 2021, I worked as an architecture intern in Valencia, Spain. During my time at 4mArquitectos, I became familiar with the Spanish/Mediterranean Revival style within residential and civic spaces. The following year I exercised this knowledge of classical architecture to design a multi residential building, which was later published in the academic journal, The Classicist No. 19.
In addition to studying architecture, I am also working on my Bachelors of Art degree. I've always had a strong passion for art and I believe this has assisted me in developing more forward thinking concepts as well as connecting with fundamental methods of design.
In the summer of 2022, I attended the American University of Paris to study art. There, I spent my days painting and sketching Parisian architecture, landmarks, and gardens. As I toured the city, I observed the city's overall sense of well being. There was beauty in everyday routines like riding the train, walking to class, and swinging by the corner market for groceries. The city made me feel at peace-- a quality hard to come by in large, busy metropolitans.
I grew to realize the Parisian way of life was a direct result of the city's design: plentiful public transportation, pedestrian streets, lack of major infrastructure, sidewalk shops and eateries on every corner, beautifully designed facades, bridges, parks, and plazas. A city truly built for the people. Succeeding this revelation, I made it my architectural mission to design for the well being of people.
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EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
2020-2025
BACHELOR OF ART
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
2020-2025
STUDY ABROAD
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PARIS
May-July 2022
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE
ARCHITECTURAL INTERN/ May – August 2023
KIRCHHOFF & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS. Jupiter, Florida
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Co-designed project concepts, sketches, and final working drawings for residential renovations
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Drafted construction documents of custom interior spaces
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Developed realistic renders of interior and exterior home remodels for clients to approve proposed renovation designs
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Created detailed 3D Revit models of ongoing projects
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INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL INTERN/ May – August 2021
4M ARQUITECTOS. Valencia, Spain
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Attended site visits and assisted in taking field measurements to draft accurate existing floor plans and elevations for future renovations
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Assisted in the schematic design phase by drawing conceptual sketches and creating Rhino massing models
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Researched potential properties for future project developments
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ Sept 2023 – Present
THE MIAMI HURRICANE, UNIVERSITY OF MAIMI. Coral Gables, FL
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Created graphics that capture the message of the article
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Helped colleagues brainstorm ideas for upcoming projects
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Served as a mentor to junior designers
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ September 2023 – Present
THE MIAMI HURRICANE NEWSPATER. Coral Gables, FL
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Illustrated and created design compositions to accompany the articles published in the Arts and Entertainment section of the The Miami Hurricane newspaper.
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Attended weekly design committee meetings to discuss and brainstorm visual concepts for upcoming articles
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COMPUTER LAB ASSISTANT/ January 2023 – Present
UNIVERTSITY OF MIAMI I.T. Coral Gables, FL
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Assisted students with architecture software questions
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Maintained functional printers and plotters and resolved technical issues
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MURALSIT/ December 2023 – January 2024
DREAMSEA SURF CAMP. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
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Designed and painted a 12’x16’ mural of a mermaid within a seascape
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Proposed designs that encompassed the client’s vision until they were satisfied
PUBLICATIONS
INSTITUTE OF CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE AND ART
The Classicist is an annual journal dedicated to the classical tradition in architecture as well as contemporary examples of classical design through professional and student portfolios as well as academic articles authored by leaders within the field.
INVOLVEMENT
& ACHIEVEMTS
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Full Ride Merit Scholarship to the University of Miami
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Provost’s Honor Roll
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Dean’s List
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Architecture Student Mentor
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Kiteboarding Club Recruitment Chair
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University of Miami Scuba Club
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Feline Foster Parent
SKILLS
ARCHITECTURAL/ GRAPHIC SOFTWARE
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Adobe Illustrator
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Adobe InDesign
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Adobe Photoshop
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AutoCAD
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Enscape
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Lumion
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Revit
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Rhino