Assoc. AIA | LEED Green Associate
abernstein26@gmail.com | 412.956.6521
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ARCHITECT | MCF ARCHITECTURE
October 2022 to Present
Served as the project manager and lead architect on several projects, including Franciscan University Dormitory Addition, South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) Renovation, Frick Fine Art Accessibility Study, and Congregation Beth Shalom Facade Restoration.
Led team members in creating winning proposal submission for Saint Vincent College Dormitory Study, Saint Vincent College Athletics Facility, Allegheny College Reis Hall Renovation, and Carlow University Fab Lab Renovation.
Facilitated on-site reviews with contractors, clients, and coworkers at each stage of a project.
October 2022 to Present
Served as the project manager and lead architect on several projects, including Franciscan University Dormitory Addition, South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) Renovation, Frick Fine Art Accessibility Study, and Congregation Beth Shalom Facade Restoration.
Led team members in creating winning proposal submission for Saint Vincent College Dormitory Study, Saint Vincent College Athletics Facility, Allegheny College Reis Hall Renovation, and Carlow University Fab Lab Renovation.
Facilitated on-site reviews with contractors, clients, and coworkers at each stage of a project.
DESIGN ASSOCIATE | WADE WEISSMANN ARCHITECTURE
August 2021 to September 2022
Led an architectural office renovation as Project Architect, converting a closed former space into an open setting with call rooms, conference rooms and full kitchen.
Served as the architectural designer working with the design build team of contractors, an interior designer, and architects on the renovation and 2700sqft addition to an existing ranch style house in Fox Chapel.
Created three dimensional models for several new builds using Auto CAD, Sketchup, and Rhino.
August 2021 to September 2022
Led an architectural office renovation as Project Architect, converting a closed former space into an open setting with call rooms, conference rooms and full kitchen.
Served as the architectural designer working with the design build team of contractors, an interior designer, and architects on the renovation and 2700sqft addition to an existing ranch style house in Fox Chapel.
Created three dimensional models for several new builds using Auto CAD, Sketchup, and Rhino.
SENIOR DESIGN ASSOCIATE | MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL
January 2018 to July 2021
Initiated a design proposal as the project architect for the adaptive reuse of a warehouse facility for Astrobotics in Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood.
Created construction drawings for multiple historic renovations at the West Virginia Capital Building.
Worked as the project architect of five, 430,000 square foot military hangars in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Al Mubarak Air Force Base was a joint Design-Bid-Build contract with SOM, Gulf Consult, and Michael Baker.
Designed and initiated a Design-Bid RFP for a dormitory renovation at Fort Hunter Liggett, California
Organized a five day design charette, creating a proposal for Penn Liberty Plaza, the ‘bridge’ between the new vibrant life in the Strip District and the working office at The Buncher Company building.
January 2018 to July 2021
Initiated a design proposal as the project architect for the adaptive reuse of a warehouse facility for Astrobotics in Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood.
Created construction drawings for multiple historic renovations at the West Virginia Capital Building.
Worked as the project architect of five, 430,000 square foot military hangars in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Al Mubarak Air Force Base was a joint Design-Bid-Build contract with SOM, Gulf Consult, and Michael Baker.
Designed and initiated a Design-Bid RFP for a dormitory renovation at Fort Hunter Liggett, California
Organized a five day design charette, creating a proposal for Penn Liberty Plaza, the ‘bridge’ between the new vibrant life in the Strip District and the working office at The Buncher Company building.
ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS DESIGNER | FORMS + SURFACES
June 2015 to December 2017
Developed a complete acoustic wall system including specifications, 3D printed models, and constructing full scale mock-ups built from 3D printers.
Designed and developed key system configurations in Solidworks for glass products that would allow them to be integrated into elevators cabs, wall systems and partitions.
June 2015 to December 2017
Developed a complete acoustic wall system including specifications, 3D printed models, and constructing full scale mock-ups built from 3D printers.
Designed and developed key system configurations in Solidworks for glass products that would allow them to be integrated into elevators cabs, wall systems and partitions.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
ADVISING PROFESIONAL | CARLOW UNIVERSITY
June 2023 to Present
Created a digital platform for students to register for use on Fab Lab equipment
Advised visiting and tenure professors on placement of various pieces of equipment for student use, including a CNC router, 3D printers, as well as various printing and scanning machines.
Implemented a functional layout for the renovation of an art studio into the new Carlow Fab Lab facility.
June 2023 to Present
Created a digital platform for students to register for use on Fab Lab equipment
Advised visiting and tenure professors on placement of various pieces of equipment for student use, including a CNC router, 3D printers, as well as various printing and scanning machines.
Implemented a functional layout for the renovation of an art studio into the new Carlow Fab Lab facility.
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR | THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
August 2022 to Present
Wrote and implemented a syllabus for Digital Media, teaching students how to use Revit, Adobe Suite, Rhino, Auto CAD and other various software for architecture practice.
Mentored students on pertinent architectural topics including resume building, portfolio creation, as well as career advancement mentorship toward licensure providing them with pathways to gain an NAAB certification.
Taught various courses including:
1-Foundations in Architecture (studio/lectures)
2-Architecture Design Studio 1 (studio)
3-Digital Media 2 (seminar)
August 2022 to Present
Wrote and implemented a syllabus for Digital Media, teaching students how to use Revit, Adobe Suite, Rhino, Auto CAD and other various software for architecture practice.
Mentored students on pertinent architectural topics including resume building, portfolio creation, as well as career advancement mentorship toward licensure providing them with pathways to gain an NAAB certification.
Taught various courses including:
1-Foundations in Architecture (studio/lectures)
2-Architecture Design Studio 1 (studio)
3-Digital Media 2 (seminar)
TEACHING ASSISTANT | CHATHAM UNIVERSITY
August 2017 to January 2018
August 2017 to January 2018
EDUCATION
Master of Design | Rhode Island School of Design | Interior Architecture & Adaptive Reuse
June 2014 to June 2016
Relevant coursework
Researched the impact of the steel industry had on the city of Pittsburgh while conceptually creating The Carrie Furnace, A Catalyst for Change; a Pittsburgh specific Steel Museum with the use of the blast furnaces re-imagined.
Adaptively redesigned Silo No. 5, located in Montreal, Canada, converting the structures into a hotel with view points to historical structures throughout the city.
Reused the existing two mile building, Seun-Sangga, located in Seoul, South Korea, promoted technology driven travel, creating a more efficient work flow through the space.
Relevant Work Study
Teaching Assistant for CAD/BIM Introduction Course
3D Printing/Laser Printing Lab Technician
Wood Shop Lab Technician
June 2014 to June 2016
Relevant coursework
Researched the impact of the steel industry had on the city of Pittsburgh while conceptually creating The Carrie Furnace, A Catalyst for Change; a Pittsburgh specific Steel Museum with the use of the blast furnaces re-imagined.
Adaptively redesigned Silo No. 5, located in Montreal, Canada, converting the structures into a hotel with view points to historical structures throughout the city.
Reused the existing two mile building, Seun-Sangga, located in Seoul, South Korea, promoted technology driven travel, creating a more efficient work flow through the space.
Relevant Work Study
Teaching Assistant for CAD/BIM Introduction Course
3D Printing/Laser Printing Lab Technician
Wood Shop Lab Technician
BACHELOR OF ARTS | KENT STATE UNIVERSITY | Architecture
August 2009 - June 2013
Relevant coursework
Earned a minor in Architectural History, Art History, and Ancient Medieval Renaissance
Studied abroad in Florence, Italy, learning the beauty of art in architecture form the masters.
August 2009 - June 2013
Relevant coursework
Earned a minor in Architectural History, Art History, and Ancient Medieval Renaissance
Studied abroad in Florence, Italy, learning the beauty of art in architecture form the masters.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Tree of Life; Remember, Rebuild, Renew | Advising Architect
February 2021 to Present
Served as architecture lead on the 11-person committee to rebuild Tree of Life Synagogue.
Consult with lead architect and his team on design strategies
Advise on financial feasibility of ongoing project
February 2021 to Present
Served as architecture lead on the 11-person committee to rebuild Tree of Life Synagogue.
Consult with lead architect and his team on design strategies
Advise on financial feasibility of ongoing project
The Pittsburgh Foundation for Architecture Facade Renovations | Organizer
September 2019 to Present
Created and facilitated programming, include monthly charette for AIA members, to engage with community members from lower income neighborhoods to revitalize storefronts
Assisted community members to receive grant funding as need for construction projects
September 2019 to Present
Created and facilitated programming, include monthly charette for AIA members, to engage with community members from lower income neighborhoods to revitalize storefronts
Assisted community members to receive grant funding as need for construction projects
Repair the World Pittsburgh | Advisory Committee
August 2016 to December 2023
Advised members of yearlong fellowship to develop meaningful community programs
August 2016 to December 2023
Advised members of yearlong fellowship to develop meaningful community programs
Repair the World Pittsburgh | Fellow
October 2013 to June 2014
Worked directly with the Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry to supply residents in need with fresh fruit and vegetables
Designed and built a raised bed garden on Murry Avenue in Pittsburgh for use by local residents in need.
October 2013 to June 2014
Worked directly with the Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry to supply residents in need with fresh fruit and vegetables
Designed and built a raised bed garden on Murry Avenue in Pittsburgh for use by local residents in need.
ORGANIZATIONS
AIA DE&I Member 2020 to Present
Women in Design 2019 to Present
AIA Associate Member 2018 to Present
ICAA Ohio and Lake Eire Chapter 2021
MBI DE&I Initiative 2021
MBI Early Career Professionals 2018
Women in Design 2019 to Present
AIA Associate Member 2018 to Present
ICAA Ohio and Lake Eire Chapter 2021
MBI DE&I Initiative 2021
MBI Early Career Professionals 2018
412-956-6521 | abernstein26@gmail.com