S. M. PACELKO AIA
LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP
A Living Portfolio
MY VISION
"Architecture is not a building. It is a container of lives"
-Ynonne Farrell, FRIAI, Hon. RIBA
Architects and engineers are uniquely positioned to impact the environment and people's lives. Spaces hold us and have the power to promote or distract from human connection, provide comfort or anxiety, offer inspiration or dismay.
People feel happier and healthier when interacting with nature. As we consider what is most sustainable - a walking commute; amenities and services close by; access to transit - all signs point to a city lifestyle with limited access to the natural world. What is environmentally conscious is not always completely aligned with wellness. Mindful design and innovative construction can balance the two.
EXPERIENCE
MODULAR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
RAD Urban // Oakland, CA
"RAD Urban develops, designs, engineers and builds large-scale buildings utilizing our own in-house modular technology. We are a team of driven and skilled engineers, architects, builders, and manufacturers. We remove construction from the chaos of the job-site, placing it directly into our controlled manufacturing facilities."
DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE
3/2018 - PRESENT
Coordinated with our team of architects to manage projects and promote design vision.
Ran three projects in entitlements, one project in Construction Documents phase, and one project in Construction Administration phase with a team of eleven architects and designers.
Responsible for recruiting, hiring and retention of team members.
Set weekly priorities with the team and biweekly priorities for individual team members, providing expectations and guidance.
Supported projects when needed with design and technical support including code research, consultant management, Revit and CAD support.
Served as the main client point of contact, taking ownership of the client relationship.
Served the company by acting as a public speaker at Spur and AIA events, as well as community meetings.
SENIOR PROJECT ARCHITECT
11/2016 - 3/2018
Managed the design and construction documentation of a 393,000 SF multi-family, mixed use residential building in Oakland, CA, which is built from prfabricated modules on floors 2-6. Management includes consultant kick off meetings and weekly consultant coordination from design development to permit to construction.
Provided mentorship and support to younger staff on the project
Established an interior design story for the amenity and common spaces, integrating biophilia into the building
Developed and/or managed the development of technical details for the exterior and interior, including but not limited to slab plans with detailed penetrations, green roof, below grade waterproofing, storefront, finishes and millwork.
Managed the City of Oakland and HCD review and approval processes for building permit.
LABORATORY AND COMMERCIAL INTERIORS
FLAD Architects // San Francisco, CA
"We create environments that enhance
human potential."
PROJECT ARCHITECT
7/2015 - 11/2016
Programmed, designed and developed construction documents for a 93,000 sqft cold, dark shell laboratory ft-out using Revit as the primary design and construction document tool. The project delivery method was design/build and continued to use BIM for clash detection through construction
Responsible for client communication and ownership of delivering client needs
Coordinated and managed project consultants
Developed a in-house design exploration process called ‘Designing Stories’ which encouraged staff to use narratives in their design discussions with each other as well as clients
ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATE
7/2014 - 6/2015
Led a fast paced laboratory and offce renovation project for Calico Life Sciences, LLC. Project responsibilities included overall production of construction documents, client and user meetings, and construction administration. The project totaled 30,000 SF of renovation area.
Provided project support for many projects, including MBARI, Gilead (NB355 and NB324), Genentech small mods, Laney College BEST Center, etc. Project support includes design, project management, consultant coordination, and building department or DSA sign off.
K-12 AND HIGHER EDUCATION
WLC Architects // Berkeley, CA
"WLC is a client focused, passion driven architecture firm. We design responsive spaces for K-12 education, higher education, faith-based, and civic projects across California."
DESIGN TEAM
4/2008 - 6/2014
Created a comprehensive facilities master plan for Albany Unified School District and Cabrillo Unified School District. Led site committee and parent prioritization meetings. The facilities masterplan for CUSD designated 80 million dollars of bond money
Generated the schematic design, design documents and construction documents for Jefferson ES addition and modernization for Berkeley USD and participated in successful school board and DSA approval. Continued to work on the project through construction administration.
Hosted and prepared initial design charretts with clients and user groups for University of California, Berkeley, Monterey County Office of Education, Berkeley Unified School District, Albany Unified School District and Cabrillo Unified School District
Coordinated and led consultant meetings regarding LEED progress and drawing review for Laney College Student Center
Established and led a bi-weekly professional development program to support an office culture of transparency and creativity
Attended, created narratives and PowerPoint presentations for new project interviews, leading to the successful acquisition of new clients like University of California, Berkeley, Cabrillo Unified School District and Monterey County Office of Education.
DESIGN INTERN
6/2003 - 12/2006
Worked part time during the academic year and full time during the summers.
Responsibilities ranged from construction documents, meetings with DSA, detailing, interior finish selections, budget editing and construction site visits.
