Robert Brackett III completed his Bachelors Of Science In Architecture at the University Of Illinois UC with highest honors in 2004. In 2007 he furthered his study of architecture and design with a Masters of Architecture from Columbia University in New York, graduating with the AIA Medal for Excellence in the Study of Architecture.

Having spent much of his youth working alongside his father in both his contracting business and on his sustainable organic farm; Robert is familiar with building technologies and practices, and also has a strong appreciation and intimate understanding of the structures and beauties of the natural world. As an undergraduate student Robert worked as a research assistant for Carolyn Dry of Natural Process Design, developing new material technologies with applications from prefabricated building panels to self healing polymers for NASA space craft. This experience contributed greatly to his development as a designer able to combine sensual organic forms with a strong understanding of material properties and tectonics.

Robert professional career traverses the disciplines of architecture, design, fabrication, and technology. He worked as production manager, shop manager, fabricator and designer for Associated Fabrication LLC in Brooklyn, NY. His primary responsibility was to tighten the relationship between the design, digital fabrication, and realization of built projects ranging from small works of art to self intricate furniture, to full residential and retail materials. Since leaving Associated Fabrication Robert offers his expertise in fabrication work flow to designers and architects, helping them to reduce production time and costs with efficient planning and computer modeling. Current projects include designing jewelry and household objects, with his partner Laura Coombs, that take advantage of cutting edge digital production technology. Together Robert and Laura design and develop web applications including social media (ffflourish), custom blogs, and personal portfolios (Digital Nouveau). As a balance to digital design and production Robert and Laura are also developing a line of simple handmade footwear.

Robert’s true passion lies in using his wide array of experience with digital design to help others learn how to incorporate technology into their creative assets. He serves as Visiting Assistant Professor of Architecture at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Robert has also been a professor at Columbia University in NY and taught specialized digital design seminars at City College in NY . During his spare time Robert offers private tutoring in digital design.

Profile

Dedicated educator with experience in design studios, architectural seminars, costume design, & technical instruction.

Architecturally trained designer with experience in materials research & development, CNC fabrication technologies, full scale prototyping, furniture design.

Experienced materials researcher with a focus on self healing material development.

Education

Masters of Architecture (2004 – 2007)

Columbia University. Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation. NYC.

Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies with Highest Honors (2001 – 2004)

University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign. School of Architecture. Champaign, IL.

Study Abroad .Ecole d’Architecture de Versailles. Versailles, France. (2002-2003)

Academic Honors and Awards

AIA Medal for Excellence in the Study of Architecture. Columbia University. (2007)

Earl Prize for Design Excellence. University of Illinois (2001 – 2004)

Schwenk Traveling Scholarship University of Illinois (2002)

Gargoyle Honor Society member

Academic/Teaching Appointments

Visiting Assistant Professor. Pratt Institute UGSA. Brooklyn NY. (2008 – present)

Responsible for teaching seminars of digital design technologies.
Conduct lectures as well as design labs related to the seminars.

Associate of Architecture. Columbia University GSAPP. NYC. (2008)

Conduct weekly studio critiques.
Provide comprehensive software and technical workshops.
Manage a Blog devoted to the studio’s evolution and pedagogical focus.

Graduate Teaching Assistant. Columbia University GSAPP. NYC. (2006 – 2007)

Taught design studios & visual studies courses with classes ranging from 10-70 students
Prepared and Conducted tutorials and lectured for visual studies courses
Provided critic and review sessions for students’ work

Courses Taught

Pratt Institute Undergraduate School of Architecture. Brooklyn, NY.

Sensation Tectonics (Arch 522C) (2008 – present)

Instructor for the digital design technique seminar with focus on modeling, animation, geometry, and drawing as methods of design and representation.

The course presents several techniques to facilitate productive workflow between multiple software packages, including Maya, Rhino, and Illustrator.

Graduate Studios at Columbia University GSAPP. NYC.

Advanced Studio IV. Cathedral Speciation (spring 2008)

Assistant Professor with Hernan Diaz Alonso

Advanced Architecture Degree (AAD) Studio I (summer 2007)

Technical TA for Thomas Leser

Advanced Studio IV. Swarm Stadia (spring 2007)

TA for Hernan Diaz Alonso & Robert Mezquiti

AAD Studio I. Dwellings: Deviations, Mutations, Species (summer 2006)

TA for Hernan Diaz Alonso & Robert Mezquiti

Graduate Courses at Columbia University GSAPP, NYC. (2006 – 2007)

Digital Fabrication: Mechanics of Form, Kenneth Tracy
3DStudio Max: Fundamentals of Digital Design .Joshua Uhl
Digital Fabrication: Construction Through Mechanics. Phillip Anzalone
Maya: Simulation as the Origin of Tangible Form. Jose Sanchez
Maya: Topological Study of Form. Jose Sanchez
Digital Media: Video Video. John Szot
Seminar: Special Effects of Form. Hernan Diaz Alonso
Seminar: Body Forms. Yoshiko Sato

City College: City University of New York. NYC. (fall 2007)

Five week technical seminar with Robert Mezquiti, translating physical studies into digital design tools for Evan Douglas’s graduate studio.

Course Lecturer

PRATT University, NYC.

Guest Lecturer for Digital Modeling/Visual. Robert Mezquiti (2007 – 2008)
Guest Lecturer for Computers I. Kenneth Tracy (2007)

Teaching Interests

Architecture & Furniture Design Studios
Digital Design through Geometry, Animation, & Simulation
Development of Digital Drawing Techniques
Digital Representation Techniques (animation, drawing, rendering, & prototyping)
CNC Fabrication Techniques
Translation of Form from Digital to Material
Furniture Design and Fabrication

Professional Research

DR. Carolyn Dry PhD. Natural Process Design Inc. Champaign, IL. 507.452.9113. (2003 – 2004)

Laboratory and field research of architectural / engineering materials.
Conceptual design for applied materials research proposals for NASA and Illinois DOT.
Acquisition & handling of research material
Full Scale and model testing of materials

Academic Research

DR. Carolyn Dry PhD. University of Illinois. Champaign, IL. 612.920.6916. (2001 – 2003)

Laboratory and field research of architectural / engineering materials.
Preparation of research proposals and final reports
Completed first stage research into ceramic fly ash building panels for the ICCI
Acquisition & handling of research material
Full Scale and model testing of materials

Research Interests

Techniques for translating complex digital geometries and visual effects into physical form handling space with a strong focus on CNC fabrication and rapid prototyping technologies as a basis for these techniques

Developing a pedagogical strategy focused on technique development as a means of self expression. Through the incorporation and mastery of many technical skills we can find the freedom to design with greater focus and clarity. Taking this emphasis on technique from the academic environment to the professional realm provides greater opportunity for agile and innovative architecture.

Design and development of Internet based applications to engage students and mentors in networks of social learning.

Professional Experience

Associated Fabrication LLC. 72 n 15th street. Brooklyn, NY 11222. 718.387.4530. (06/2007 – 06/2010)

Production Manager & Shop Manager

Coordinate personnel, materials and resources for the completion of multiple scale fabrication projects.
Coordinate and maintain scheduling for machine time and resources for all projects.
Design and implement strategies to increase productivity and efficiency.
Budgeting and estimating for material and supply orders to maintain an efficient shop environment.
Maintain CNC, thermoforming and other shop equipment in good working order.
Oversee safety and responsible behavior of shop employees.

Architect_Designer_Fabricator

Design and fabrication of prototypes for multiple architectural, furniture, and art projects.
Fabrication consulting for architects and artists with an aim to maximize production efficiency while attaining the highest level of design intent.
Development of drawing standards and CNC templates.
Architecture and furniture design and fabrication.

Eiko Ishioka & Yoshiko Sato. New York, NY. 212.228.2832 (07/2007 – 01/2008)

Costume Designer

Designed costume scheme chosen for the Beijing Summer Olympics 2008 opening ceremonies.
Extensive research and development of costume designs, materials, and fabrication.
Directed design teams for multiple costume schemes.
Assisted with a course at Columbia University related to the project.

Columbia University GSAPP. Carlito Bayne. New York, NY. 212.854.2524 (09/2006 – 05/2007)

3D Printer Manager & Output Shop Assistant

Organized and trained student employees to use Dimension and ZCORP 3D printers.
Established and performed a maintenance schedule for 3D printer operation.
Trained new employees on the use of laser cutters, plotters & 3D printers.

Studio Commonwealth. Zoe Boira Coombes & F. David Boira. Brooklyn, NY. (summer 2006)

Designer

Design of CNCed canvas form for: Closer: Commonwealth vs. Kenzo Minami. (11/2007)
Featured in Surface Magazine: Depth Perception by Mario Cordero Lopez. 19/06/2007

Craig Nealy Architects LLP. Craig Nealy. New York, NY. 917.342.0060. (05/2005 -09/2005)

Intern Architect

Designed theoretical projects resulting in large retail design contracts.
Participated in design process of NYC residential projects, including:

Site Survey, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Bidding, & Construction Administration.

Columbia University School of Journalism. Dan Reshef. New York, NY. (09/2004 – 09/2006)

Computer Support Technician

Assisted in deploying & maintaining a school wide computer infrastructure for faculty and students.
Provided technical support and training for faculty and students.
Testing of new network and system configurations to advance the technological capabilities of the school.

ROLINET et ASSOCIES. Marc Rolinet. Paris, France. 33.1.44.42.0110. (06/2003-07/2003)

Architectural Design Consultant

Intense charrette to advance to final running for large scale redevelopment of Chamblais, Swizerland city center.

Published Works

Academic Publications

Wigley, Mark (2005), Columbia Architecture, Columbia Architecture, Planning, and Preservation/ Abstract 04/05, NY: Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation of Columbia University.

Wigley, Mark (2006), Columbia Architecture, Columbia Architecture, Planning, and Preservation/ Abstract 05/06, NY: Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation of Columbia University.

Wigley, Mark (2007), Columbia Architecture, Columbia Architecture, Planning, and Preservation/Abstract 06/07, NY: Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation of Columbia University.

Mario Cordero Lopez(2007) Surface Magazine, Depth Perception 19/06/2007

Research Publications

Dry, Carolyn (2002), Final Technical Report, “A Proposal to Commercialize a Sintered Coal Ash/Flux Material for Building Panels”, 00-1/3.1B-1.

Computer Skills

Digital Design

Maya. Rhino. 3DStudio Max.

Prototyping & Fabrication

Laser Cutting. 3D Printing (Zcorp & ABS Dimensions SST).
MasterCAM X5. CNC Mill/Router Operations. RhinoCAM.
Corian and plastics thermoforming. Carpentry.
Solidworks(basic).

Digital Drafting

AutoCAD. Rhino 4. ArchiCAD.

Video Editing

Adobe Premiere Pro. Adobe Aftereffects. Boujou 3.

Publishing/Presentation

Adobe CS5 (Photoshop. Illustrator. InDesign. Acrobat. Flash).

Programming

MEL Scripting. Maya Expressions. C-Language. Ruby. HTML. CSS.

Web Development

Ruby on Rails. HTML. CSS. Flash.

Office Productivity

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).
Libre Office (Linux).

Skills

Fabrication

CNC Router control. Shop Operation and Maintenance.
Production Management. Shop Management.
General Carpentry and Mill Work. Installation. Construction.
Prototype Design and Fabrication/Construction/Implementation.

Web Development

Ruby on Rails back end development.
HTML (HAML) and CSS (SASS) front end design.
Flash front end design.

Languages

English (primary).
German (basic reading, writing, speaking).
French (basic reading, writing, speaking).

References

Mr. Jeffrey Taras. Principal. Associated Fabrication. 718.387.4530. jeffrey[at]associatedfabrication[dot]com.

Mr. Hernan Diaz Alonso, Principal Architect, Xefirotarch. 213.613.1210. hdiazalonso[at]xefirotarch[dot]com.

Dr. Carolyn Dry PhD. Architect & Research Scientist. Natural Process Design. 612.920.6916. drycementmixer[at]aol[dot]com.

Mr. Carlito Bayne. Output Shop Director. Columbia University GSAPP. 212.854.2524.

Mr. Craig Nealy. Principal Architect. Craig Nealy Architects LLP. 917.342.0060. cnealy[at]craignealy[dot]com