My Part II experience thus far has provided a significant insight into the process of developing the vision for a masterplan. The process involving initial stakeholders, the primary client, and a breadth of contractors, and the architect, who in this instance is developing the overall plan and design for the project which I have been assisting on. The design development has allowed me to develop a greater knowledge of leveraging the Grasshopper programming suit for streamlining certain modes of operation, as well as learning how both data and design can compliment each other. In addition, I have also assisted with the production of a stage 4 package for a refit of an independent student accommodation provider, which has offered significant insight into how an architects studio and constructor communicate, along with managing highly specific design requirements on a tight budget.

After graduation from the M.Arch course at UCA, I wrote and recorded a series of tutorials centred upon Rhino & Grasshopper, as well as aesthetic outcomes using VRay, Photoshop & Illustrator. This was in part a response to the numerous times I have provided tutorials on a one-to-one basis with friends over the years.

My professional experience as a Part I has provided a breadth of learning across stages 1-4 of the RIBA Plan of Work 2013/2020, predominantly on small residential extensions up to two storeys, or loft conversions and internal refits, along with a selection of mid-sized residential developments, commercial and civic works, examples of which are provided in my portfolio. I have ample experience assisting with detailed design during stage 4, preparation of tender packages, correspondence with suppliers and council, along with the preparation and submission of planning & pre-planning packages (including drafting) during stages 2 + 3. A highlight of this experience was working on a civic refurbishment project, where I took the lead on digital modelling and visualisation development during Stages 2 & 3. I also assisted with website design, business networking and recruitment for the studio.

To sum, the past seven years of architectural education and practice have provided diverse interests in design and architectural resolution. All the while, my commitment to developing a firm understanding of the technological and engineering hearts of architecture has remained undaunted, along with a desire to push those particular limits when possible. Academically, I have developed an interest in the possibilities and limitations of parametric/computational design, along with the history of cybernetics and its applications within architectural practice.

My personal interests revolve predominantly around photography, travel, and hopefully a return to motorbiking in the not-to-distant future. I have always had a keen interest in photography from a young age, and I feel that in recent years it has reached a particular point of consistent quality; such that when granted to opportunity, I would seek to leverage it in my work in the architecture industry (and beyond).

Works herein © Jess Dowson unless otherwise specified. The copyright for collective works remains with their respective participants.

education

uca | master of architecture | 2020-22

Fifth year work delved into the integration of a circular material economy within UCA’s Canterbury campus, a project which saw communication with multiple layers of UCA’s administrative, academic and student hierarchy. The design thesis imagined a different future for Erith, looking at a multi-tiered district re-development over the course of a century, anchored by a pedestrian + cyclist based infrastructure, as a response to various economic, automation and climate concerns.

Fourth year work focused on investigations of massed timber construction, further research into architectural applications of cybernetics and the design development of a LGBTQ+ community hub in Medway, with the diligent approach to design and working ethic awarded an internal school prize.

uca | ba(hons) architecture | 2016-19

Continued skill development through multiple different process, including manual & digital drafting, analogue & digital rendering, physical & digital modelling, CNC milling, laser cutting, 3D printing, casting, cyanotyping, woodworking, illustration, book design & publishing.

Member of a competition team entry into the Serpentine Augmented Architecture competition.

Third year research thesis analysed systems, algorithms, cybernetics & activity theory to develop an understanding of the concept & function of commoning; leading to how it could be represented as a computational simulation; through to virtual augmentation.

Second year design work was awarded an internal school prize for my approach to applying psychological trauma to architectural design, leveraging parametric and computational design married with an intuitive analogue approach.

uca | foundation | 2015-16

Awarded a Distinction in UAL Level 3: Foundation Art & Design.
Final project focused on community reflection; bringing together multiple skills including: drafting, research, filmography, interviewing, installation design, contract management.

career history

UCA | 12.23 - Present

Tasked with building upon prior curriculum development for delivering training in generative parametric design skills, primarily targeted at second year undergraduate study. Deliverance includes providing lectures, workshops and tutorials for the cohort to guide in their development and submission of a tangible presented output, demonstrating their skillset development over the semester.

Supervene | 01.23 - Present

Project work has predominantly fallen into Stages 2-4 of the RIBA Plan of Work 2013, with three key projects comprising:

  • development of a masterplan and associated vision document for a significant site north of London;

  • stage 4 detailed design package for an accommodation refurbishment in a sensitive area;

  • co-authoring a DAS and Design Code for the final phase of an outline planning application for a major urban masterplan.

Incorporation of grasshopper has been critical in the development of the first masterplanning project, and I have provided additional training for colleagues in grasshopper usage along with software (such as QGIS) that benefits the studio’s workflow.

farrell’s | 09.22 - 11.22

A two-month work experience placement that offered continued Revit, AutoCAD and QGIS workflow development, along with an insight into the management and execution of larger scale projects, all within the environment of a large firm.

felix lewis architects | 08.19 - 08.20

Worked on predominantly small scale residential projects, with some commercial and public works through Stages 1-4 of the RIBA 2013 Plan of Work. In addition, I aided with marketing and recruitment for the practice; along with ICT management & business networking.

voluntary work

ucasu | architecture course rep
10.21 - 06.22

Acted as liaison between staff and students, relaying concerns regarding course delivery and structure as and when required, along with acting as a mentor for the fourth year course rep.

ucasu | architecture course rep
09.18 - 06.19

Role reinforced public engagement, conflict management and resolution, people management, teamwork, working-in-confidence, discipline; ultimately leading to spearheading the undergraduate report for the RIBA appraisal.

ucasu | union board trustee
11.15 - 06.15

Role developed strategic planning, budgeting, teamwork & organisational management skills.

pepenbury | volunteer
07.12 - 04.13

Volunteered in art studio, assisting with daily running of the studio.