M A T T H E W

ARCHITECTURE & Design PORTFOLIO

Accademia, Professional & Personal Studies

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Selected Works 2002-2015

B R Y S O N

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Several years ago I restored a broken century-old clock. Understanding how the smallest axles and gears each performed critical roles in the whole, I diagnosed the problems, broke down the timepiece, catalogued and serviced each component and reassembled the clock so that it ran for the first time in decades. Taking on such challenges and bringing them to resolution is part of what makes me tick. I am always driven to improve and diversify my skills in disciplines within and outside the practice of architecture because I believe being well rounded with diverse experiences and skills improves my approach to design in the workplace. Like a clock, architecture is a craft which requires constant winding and calibration and a responsible architect recognizes and seizes everyday opportunities for learning and improvement. After graduate school, and during the height of the recession, I found employment at an architecture firm where I learned the craft of building architectural models that were exhibited in the National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Canada and other private displays. Recently, I took on the challenge of renovating my first home, gutting much of it to the studs and rebuilding it from my own plans. In the process I gained an integrated understanding of the process of design and construction, specifically as it applies to residential architecture. With many architectural models, and small residential projects under my belt, I am looking for new opportunities to apply these learned skills to larger projects, diversifying the methods of my design process, and working toward architectural registration.

Matthew Bryson

Contact 443.350.2953 8820 Briarcroft Ln Laurel, MD 20708 brysonmw@verizon.net

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“We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us.” ~Winston Churchill

ART STUDIO WORKS; focus on portraiture & architectural subjects

CIVIC BUILDING PROJECT; classical design challenge

AFFORDABLE HOUSING STUDIO; affordable housing prototypes

GRADUATE THESIS; community redevelopment in green mount west

ARCHITECTURAL SCALE MODELING for education, fundraising, and design

HISTORICALLY SENSITIVE RESIDENTIAL addition of family room and carriage house

INTERPRETIVE BATTLEFIELD MARKERS; war of 1812 battle of bladensburg bicentennial

CUSTOM HOME REMODELING; diy design/build

PROFILE

03-09

10-11

12

13-16

17-23

24-25

26-27

28-35

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AP Art Portfolio Elkton High School

Studio III University of Maryland

Studio VI University of Maryland

Arch 797,798,799 University of Maryland

Arnold & Arnold Riverdale Park, MD

Arnold & Arnold Riverdale Park, MD

Arnold & Arnold Riverdale Park, MD

Personal Residence Laurel, MD

Resume

WORKS

ART STUDIO WORKS FOCUS ON PORTRAITURE & ARCHITECTURAL SUBJECTS Elkton High School

2002 - 2003

03 pencil on paper - flat head chief photograph Edward S. Curtis pencil on paper - bear bull photography Edward S. Curtis

BRIEF These selected works represent the preparation of an AP art portfolio assembled during 2002 and 2003. They illustrate my journey to architecture and the foundations of my career in design. Upon discovering an aptitude for drawing, I first looked to portraiture as an exercise in conveying various emotions and themes though a variety of subjects, initially drawing from photographs, later from life, and eventually sketches of sculpture and architecture. The local architectural vernacular of historic structures interested me and I began drawing particular structures with family ties or ancestral significance within my home county. Later I examined different media, abstraction techniques for representing space and light while exploring European architecture following a trip abroad to Germany, Austria, Budapest and the Czech Republic.

My artistic studies stimulated an interest in architecture, design and history which ultimately led to declaring architecture as a major during college. These initial explorations were later enriched during my collegiate studies specifically during several courses dedicated to drawing and representing architectural spaces.

04 pencil on paper - original subject “reflections of war”

05 pencil on paper - National Geographic Afghan girl, photo by Steve McCurry pencil on paper - original studies of youthful subject and drapery

06 pencil on paper - sculpture, Vienna Austria charcoal on paper - bust studies pencil on paper - sculpture, Vienna Austria

07 charcoal on paper - elk landing stone house, Elkton MD pencil on paper - roney & wells hardware, North East MD charcoal on paper - st. mary anne’s episcopal church, North East MD

08 pencil on paper - Philadelphia PA

09 pencil on paper - chain bridge, Budapest Hungary pen on paper - Prague Czech Republic charcoal on paper - cape neddick lighthouse, York ME

10 Sectional Elevation & provided unidentified floor pan

CIVIC BUILDING PROJECTCLASSICAL DESIGN CHALLENGE STUDIO III University of Maryland

BRIEF The project was introduced in 4 separated stages:

1. Design sectional elevations corresponding to a provided floor plan of an unidentified church.

2. Adapt language of interior created from church to a rectangular loosely programmed hall of given overall proportion with flat ceiling and side galleries.

3. Raise hall from ground level 16-20 feet and design ceremonial stairway procession to include acoustic vestibule and elevators.

4. Create massing studies, and exterior facades, modifying and adapting interior as needed.

CONCEPT This was an exercise in understanding proportions, detailing and the use of compressing and expanding spaces to create drama and ceremony in a building of civic importance.

2006

11 Sectional Elevation performance hall Sectional Elevation entry sequence Sectional Elevation outer gallery and stairs to mezzanine

12 Elevations single family detached housing prototype Plans single family detached housing prototype

AFFORDABLE HOUSING STUDIOAFFORDABLE HOUSING PROTOTYPES Studio VI University of Maryland

2008

BRIEF The affordable housing studio led by Ralph Bennett introduced the implementation, process, and design of affordable housing through regional examples, and design challenges. Certain programmatic requirements and size constraints were applied in creating various housing prototypes to address neighborhoods, real and fictitious, lacking housing stock.

13 Rendering community cafe & graffiti park ‘free speech zone’ Rendering after school recreation and education center

GRADUATE THESIS“COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT IN GREENMOUNT WEST life at the corner Arch 797,798,799 University of Maryland

2008 - 2009

BRIEF This thesis explores strategies of community revitalization through means of developing public zones in the highly vacated Baltimore neighborhood of Greenmount West. The building of community facilities including an after-school recreation center, public market and community cafe would bring various groups of people together at street corners once ruled by drug trafficking. At the the corner, residents would participate together in everyday activities and be watchful over these public zones. In addition to creating casual forums for community discourse and strengthening bonds between disenfranchised neighbors, a sense of regional and local identity is created through references to local folk art traditions and provisions for neighborly sidewalk loitering through repeated use of certain street furniture and canopy systems. Greenmount West gains a recognizable identity within the local arts district as a sustainable mixed-income community with an encouraged spirit and cooperative attitude toward defending public spaces.

14 Preliminary Street Corner Interventions Rec Center, Public Market, Community Cafe & Graffiti Park

CONCEPT The corner is said to be the center for community information. It not only functions as a focal point but also as a place to see and be seen. Unfortunately, in recent decades, corners through Baltimore once occupied by friendly businesses are now the scene of open-air drug markets. If the corner is the face of the community, then taking control of the corner means taking control of the community. Three strategic underutilized corners were targeted for key resident amenities.

15 Elevation Renderings monroe rec center Street Plan & Elevations barclay cafe and graffiti park Rendering graffiti park

16 Renderings guilford marketplace proposal Ground Floor Plan farmers market retail space and community growing garden Sectional Elevation illustrating greenhouse and educational spaces on second level

17 Habitat 67 Montreal ‘global citizen: the architecture of moshe safdie’ detail photograph Habitat 67 Montreal ‘global citizen: the architecture of moshe safdie’ photo by john hill @ national academy museum, ny

ARCHITECTURAL SCALE MODELINGMODELS FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, FUNDRAISING, AND DESIGN PRESENTATIONS Arnold & Arnold

2008 - 2012

SUMMARY Most of these models are constructed of acrylic plastic, polystyrene or bass wood using AutoCAD drafting and laser cutting technology combined with hand sanding, assembly, painting and finishing techniques. The commissioned architectural subject is reduced in scale into plan section and elevation and broken into assembly diagrams and individually drafted component parts with precise cutting offsets and tolerances to 1/256”. Once kits of parts are cut, they require preparation to receive primer and intersecting edges are sanded to mitered angles. Once assembled, edges and seams are re-sanded and primed. Final paint is usually applied using an airbrush. While at Arnold & Arnold I pioneered an airbrush stippling technique which improved the dimensionality of abstracted surfaces, building color layer on top of color layer. This was specifically successful when rendering concrete, stone, brick, or natural surfaces.

18 Moshe Sadie with Habitat 67 Montreal opening of ‘global citizen’ @ national gallery of canada, photo by Joe lofaro Habitat 67 Montreal model on display, photo by archidose @ national academy museum, ny Habitat 67 Montreal model on display, photo by Katherine Anne A. Salamat @ national academy museum, ny

PROJECT BRIEF This body of work is for the “Global Citizen: The Architecture of Mosche Safdie” exhibition. The traveling retrospective which spans the illustrious architect’s career covers his ‘habitat’ projects many of which were never realized. The complex structures include Habitat 67 in Montreal, Habitat Puerto Rico, Habitat New York II, and Safdie’s Centre Pompidou Competition Proposal. The exhibit opened in 2010 at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, then traveled to the Chicago Cultural Center in 2011, Los Angeles’ Skirball Cultural Center in 2012 , Arkansas’ Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2014, New York’s National Academy Museum in 2015 and will be traveling to the Boston Society of Architects BSA Space in 2016.

19 Habitat Puerto Rico photo by national academy museum and school Habitat Puerto Rico model on display, photo by national academy museum and school Habitat Puerto Rico photo

20 Centre Pompidou Competition 1971 photos Centre Pompidou Competition opening @ national academy museum ny, photo by national academy museum and school Habitat New York II photo by afinelyne for untapped cities

21 Astor Court Apartments 1915 model on display, photo by national building museum Astor Court Apartments 1915 photos

PROJECT BRIEF I led the design process and managed the team assembly of the following scale models for the National Building Museum’s 5 year “House & Home” exhibition which has attracted 50 thousand visitors annually and received media praise upon its opening in 2012. The models include Charles Platt’s 1915 Astor Court Apartments in New York City, Green & Green’s 1908 Gamble House in Pasadena, California, and George Washington’s 1778 Mount Vernon in Virginia.

22 Gamble House 1908 photos

23 Mt Vernon ca 1778 model on display, photo by national building museum Mt Vernon ca 1778 photos

24 Sibley Residence, Hyattsville family room addition, photos by mike arnold Sibley Residence, Hyattsville family room addition, permit set elevation

HISTORICALLY SENSITIVE RESIDENTIAL ADDITION 2013 - 2015

ADDITION OF FAMILY ROOM AND CARRIAGE HOUSE Arnold & Arnold

25 Sibley Residence, Hyattsville carriage house, photo by mike arnold Sibley Residence, Hyattsville carriage house, early concept elevations

26 Battlefield Marker Maquette early model study for marker form & construction Battlefield Marker site location and orientation study

INTERPRETIVE BATTLEFIELD MARKERSWAR OF 1812 BATTLE OF BLADENSBURG BICENTENNIAL Arnold & Arnold

2011 - 2014

PROJECT BRIEF On August 24th, 1814, British troops charged and occupied Washington DC, setting fire to the White House, the Capital building, the Library of Congress, and the treasury building. The history books remember the American success at Fort McHenry three weeks later but not the last brave American defense of Washington earlier that day at Bladensburg MD. This forgotten battle was fought by a “motley rabble” of untrained American militia who were unprepared for the new congreve rockets the British were wielding. These rockets later gained fame at Fort McHenry by Francis Scott Key’s lyrics “rockets red glare”.

These 70’ tall battlefield markers are part of a permanent artistic and educational installation being erected in Bladensburg, MD. As the first markers ever to identify the battlefield, careful historical research, site surveys, dozens of exploratory models, detailed CDs and close CA with fabricators were vital to balancing sensitivities of the subject with the markers programmatic goals of increasing regional identity, awareness, tourism, and boosting local economy.

27 American Battlefield Marker 1/2 scale model 2014 British Battlefield Marker CDs 2014 British Battlefield Marker Fabrication photo 2015

28 Exterior ‘Before’ photo 2012 Exterior ‘After’ photo 2015 Kitchen Remodel Design model 2012

CUSTOM HOME REMODELINGDIY DESIGN/BUILD Briarcroft Lane Residence, Laurel MD

2012 - 2015

PROJECT BRIEF In 2012 my partner and I purchased our first home in Laurel MD. The house, built in 1956, was in poor condition, with little upkeep performed in decades and virtually no updates to its finishes and systems. As an investment and learning opportunity, we took on the challenge of undertaking a full scale renovation of the house. I designed all aspects of the renovation, performed materials research, shopping and acquiring of materials, permits, and all major and minor construction. This work was performed independently, only receiving assistance from my partner. The only work contracted out included lining of chimney flues, certain tree trimming, carpet installation, replacement of the roof, and replacement of the furnace. Even these few services were still heavily researched and supervised, frequently calling out and correcting contractor shortcuts and the misuse of materials to ensure the best and safest end product.

• landscaping

• wood rot restoration

• siding restoration

• reglazing of windows

• shudders

• garage doors

• fitting exterior doors

• fitting interior doors

• new door openings

• reframing of breezeway walls

• structural modifications

• insulation & weatherproofing

• electrical upgrades

• plumbing upgrades

• rerouting of hvac

• lighting

• tile flooring

• in-ceiling speakers

• wired security

• closet systems

• trim work upgrades

• priming & painting

• new kitchen

• new bathroom

• new powder room

SCOPE OF WORK:

29 Kitchen ‘Before’ photo 2012 Kitchen Remodel Design model 2012 Kitchen ‘After’ photo 2014

KITCHEN REDESIGN STRATEGY The kitchen, original to 1956, is less than 11’x11’ square with all base cabinetry along the back window wall and entrances to the dining room, hall and breezeway occupying the remaining 3 walls. By relocating and enlarging the dining room entrance, I visually opened the space and made a corner for a custom cabinet to house dishes, cook books, trash & recycling. Extending the upper cabinets to the ceiling gains valuable storage, and reversing the refrigerator and oven locations created an opportunity to add a compact dishwasher unit.

30 Kitchen Remodel Design model 2012 Kitchen ‘Before’ photo 2012 Kitchen ‘After’ photo 2014

31 Dining Room ‘After’ photo with relocated kitchen opening and corner cabinet refacing 2014 Dining Room ‘Before’ photo 2012 Dining Room Corner Cabinet details 2013

Two corner cabinets flank the East dining room window. While highly functional, they dated the space and lacked detail. I refaced each cabinet with over 80 pieces of trim to create a more classic, built-in aesthetic.

32 Bathroom ‘After’ photos 2013 Bathroom ‘Before’ photos 2012 Bathroom Plans before and after 2012

BATHROOM REDESIGN STRATEGY The old bathroom layout was disrupted by a wall serving the tub which left only 21” clear for the toilet. I reversed the location of the tub and toilet and reduced the tub from a standard 60” to a 54”. The tub terminates in a glass spray panel, eliminating the need for a floor to ceiling wall. The new plan feels significantly larger and brighter. Plans for a 2nd bathroom in the basement are in progress.

33 Powder Room ‘Before’ photo 2012 Powder Room ‘After’ photo 2015 Deck Before and After photos 2012-2015

34 Living Room ‘After’ photo 2015 Living Room ‘Before’ mris photo 2010 Fireplace Wall Sketch design for wall build out 2012

35 Den ‘Before’ photo 2012 Den ‘After’ photo 2016 Window Seat Design model 2015

MATTHEW W. BRYSON 8820 Briarcroft Lane, Laurel, MD 20708 | C: 443.350.2953 | brysonmw@verizon.net

JUNIOR ARCHITECT with 7 years experience focusing on high-end residential projects in new construction, additions, renovations, historic preservation and architectural model building. Highly motivated, energetic and self-starting individual balancing pragmatism with a highly creative sensibility and passion for aesthetics and elegance in architectural solutions. Professional experience working in a team and successfully meeting deadlines and maintaining exacting standards under pressure. Competence within many project phases including schematic design, design development, construction documents, detailing, code research, construction administration, permit submittals materials research and presentation drawings. Highly proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, InDesign, Excel hand sketching and rendering, scale model building, laser cutting. Pursuing licensure and studying for LEED AP Certification. Mild Revit experience.

EMPLOYMENT staff architect / model maker 07/2008 – 11/2015 Arnold & Arnold

• Led the design process and managed the team assembly of scale models for firms, private collections, and museums including representations of the ‘habitat’ projects of Moshe Safdie for the National Gallery of Canada and a collection of models for the National Building Museum’s 5 year ‘House & Home’ exhibition which has attracted 50 thousand visitors annually and received media praise upon its opening in 2012. Critical to the success of these projects was communication, prioritization, time management, efficiency, flexibility, and organization as a team leader due to the highly complex nature of the modeled structures and the interactivity of materials.

• Participated in the SD DD and CD phases of restoration and sensitive renovation projects for local historic structures, improving the function of these special buildings for modern usage while preserving their historical integrity for future generations. Attention to detail through the design process, a firm grasp of modern and historic building practices, and meticulous notations within the CDs ensured continuity between the interventions, restored elements and the whole.

• Designed 70’ tall sculptural battlefield markers as part of a permanent artistic and educational installation being erected in Bladensburg, MD to commemorate the bicentennial of the war of 1812’s Battle of Bladensburg. As the first markers ever to identify the battlefield, careful historical research, site surveys, dozens of exploratory models, detailed CDs and close CA with fabricators were vital to balancing the sensitivities of the subject with the markers programmatic goals of increasing regional identity, awareness, tourism and boosting local economy.

• Gained code and accessibility experience while conducting an accessibility survey of public spaces throughout Hyattsville, MD and researching codes and creating graphics for a HUD publication aimed to assist designers of disaster relief housing simultaneously navigate various accessibility code requirements.

intern / junior designer 06/2007 – 01/2008 The Preston Partnership

• Participated in elevational studies, surveys and CDs, of multi-family housing including the renovation of large scale apartment towers in Alexandria, VA.

intern 06/2003 – 01/2007 Clark Design Group

• Created CDs with AutoCAD and ArchiCAD and participated in DD and presentations of proposals to clients, helping to secure future contracts.

TRAINING & EDUCATION B.S in Architecture Master of Architecture University of Maryland College Park University of Maryland College Park

Riverdale, MD

Bethesda, MD

Elkton, MD

PROFILERESUME

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T H A N K Y O Uonline portfolio available @

http://issuu.com/matthewbryson/docs/mbryson_design_folio