Nelson Hyde Chick
1534 Jones St. vertland@aol.com (415) 771-5162
San Francisco, CA. 94109
February 27th, 2006
Hello:
My name is Nelson, and I am looking for my big break into architecture, but I am coming at it from an odd tangent, which is making my task a little difficult. Even though I am literally coming at this from off the wall, I know I could make a substantial contribution to the firm that takes a chance with me.
I have many years experience in various construction trades: I have done everything from building foundations to shingling roofs. I have done everything except plumbing. Most of my experience has been in crafting furniture and cabinetry, and my portfolio brims with this type of work.
One day I decided that I would make a better designer than builder, so I went to Berkeley and earned a degree in architecture. While at Berkeley I took an unusual course load. I became fascinated with the thought of vegetation being an integral component of architecture. The aforementioned is why I took a minimum of architecture courses and as many structural engineering and landscape architecture classes as I could. Upon graduation I decided that I wanted to become a Vertical Landscape Architect. Unfortunately, the infrastructure for the practice of vertical landscaping didnt exist yet, so there werent any vertical landscaping positions available.
I know that architects work long hours, but I needed time to develop vertical landscaping, which is why I didnt try to break into architecture when I first graduated. I became a builder again because I knew I could make good money and still have time to develop the tools I needed to make vertical landscaping a reality. To that end I have built an experimental wall, written a business plans, and been awarded one patent and have a few more in the works. I have also become involved with the politics of architecture by joining and becoming active in numerous organizations that help shape the urban environment.
I would bring the following to your firm:
Excellent CAD skills gained through the execution of numerous patent drawings.
A deep understanding of the construction trades and the people who work in them from being one of them.
The ability to manage others from running carpentry shops.
An ability to design vertical landscapes, which would make your firm the first in the nation with that type of design capability.
My ultimate goal is to open a firm that specializes in vertical landscaping, which I have already registered as Vertical Landscape. But I believe before I can successful do this I need to actually work for an architecture or landscape architecture firm to gain the experience I need to make my dreams of creating urban greenscapes a reality.
Is there anyone out there who would like to take a gamble on me?
Sincerely,
Nelson Hyde Chick
OBJECTIVE:
CAD Drafter / Designer
SKILLS:
Experienced with AutoCAD (AutoDesk) drafting software.
Skilled with the following visual manipulation software: PhotoShop, PageMaker, Illustrator.
Journeyman ability in the following trades: cabinetmaking, carpentry, and concrete.
Ability to install, maintain and design ornamental landscapes.
Strong model making skills.
Can draw and read construction plans.
Design ability that ranges from furniture to landscapes.
Manage co-workers and supplies.
Competent with Microsoft Office business automation software.
EXPERIENCE:
Built high-end furniture for corporate America.
Designed and built custom furniture for recording studios.
Worked building displays for trade shows and entertainment venues.
Constructed and installed custom cabinets for high-end homes.
Installed cabinetry for various hospital projects.
Oversaw the construction and installation of large tradeshow projects.
Worked with designers to install visual merchandising displays.
Supervised a crew of ten artisans in the following disciplines: sculpture, painting, photography and silk screening.
Led lighting crews retrofitting buildings to high efficiency lighting.
Worked with designers to design, build and install high-end interiors.
Generated shop drawings and material schedules for workers in various trades.
The development of commercial properties.
CAREER HISTORY:
06-2004 to 1-2006 Designer / Builder / Developer Arbor, San Francisco, California
06-2003 to 12-2003 Music Furniture Builder Omnirax, Sausalito, California
12-2001 to 12-2002 Furniture Builder Vida, Brisbane, California
05 -2000 to 08 -2001 Exhibit Builder General Graphics Exhibits, San Francisco, California
06 -1998 to 05-2000 Exhibit Builder / Project Manager Sparks Exhibits and Environments, San Carlos, CA
02-1995 to 06-1998 Shop Foremen / Builder / Store Planner Macys, San Francisco, CA
& 1-1986 to 8-1989
06-1994 to 01-1995 Lighting Crew Foreman Vital Lights, San Francisco, CA
12-1991 to 02-1993 Cabinetmaker Otto Designs, San Francisco, CA
EDUCATION:
B.A., Architecture, University of California, Berkeley
Supplemented studies in architecture by taking classes in Landscape architecture to nurture a love of nature.
Studied structural engineering to better understand the built environment.
INTERESTS:
Horticulture
Raised on a farm prior to attending college, which instilled a desire to have and nurture a garden. My current garden was originally abandoned and in poor health when I discovered it and have since nourished it into a thriving environment.
Environment
A love of the natural world has manifested itself by becoming involved with the following organizations: Sierra Club, SPUR (San Francisco Planning and Urban Development), Greenbelt Alliance, Greenpeace, National Arbor Association, Nature Conservatory, and Urban Ecologist.
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