1

Project 3
Ashley Mehr
Professor D. Baird
2015, November 28

Table of Contents
Title Page .................................................................. 1
Cover Letter.. 3
Writing samples
Technical description- a document explaining the basic use
of the SketchUp software.. 4
Technical Instructions- A document explaining how to use
basic functions of the SketchUp software. ... 6
Project 1- a document that I did at the beginning of the
course about the career of an architect...... 8
Resume.. 14
References...... 15

Ashley Mehr
ashleymehreportfolio.weebly.com
ashley.mehr1027@gmail.com
2015, November 21
To the director of the program,
I am applying for the opening in your program in the department of architecture. I am applying
because I see an opportunity to be an asset your program.
I am a very organized person who gives great care in attention to detail. I love to learn new
skills and I learn them quickly. I have a general knowledge of various computer software and
programs. I have some familiarity with the InDesign software, but I am confident that I can learn
more of the software quickly. I am proficient in Microsoft word, Microsoft excel, Microsoft
PowerPoint, and SketchUp. I am self-motivated and I can work independently as well as in
teams in both volunteer settings as well as in professional settings. I can set good, achievable
goals and I know how to achieve them.
I have graduated from high school and I am currently in college, majoring in architecture with a
focus on green design and sustainability. I hope to gain experience to be an architect
professionally. I have a desire to gain more skill and to refine my current skills.
I have been trusted in positions of leadership. I was able to lead my swim team in high school
as one of the captains. In school I reached the goal I had made to achieve an advanced diploma.
In Junior High I was part of the RYLA program created by the Rotary club, which taught many
youth the qualities of an excellent leader. I have been part of a program in the LDS church which
involved those with special needs, called special needs mutual bringing them together to have
fun and do different activities in a safe and exciting environment. During my time as a
missionary I was in charge of helping and leading several other sister missionaries. Also, in this
mission we were asked to help in the community through a minimum of 10 hours of service each
week.
While I was working for the Canyons school district I was trusted with closing and counting
the money that was earned that day. Also while working with for the Salt Lake County I was
entrusted with closing and managing the facility and employees while the manager was not there.
I know that I will be an asset to your company. I know that I will be able to be an addition to
your program through my skills and personality.
I look forward to your response and I am certain that I will be an excellent addition to your
program. Thank you for reading this and taking me into consideration.
ashley.mehr1027@gmail.com. (801) 995-1292

Sincerely,
Ashley Mehr

Running head: ARCHITECTURE: THE FOUNDATION OF THE FUTURE 1

Architecture: the Foundation of the Future

Ashley A. Mehr
Project 1 English 2100
Salt Lake Community College

Table of Contents
Title page..1
Abstract3
Introduction..4
Methodology4
Results..5
Discussion on Results..6
Conclusion and Recommendations.7
References...8

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Abstract
The career of an architect has several aspects to it and they may not be exactly what you think.
There is the technical side and there is an artistic side. Meaning that there is a place for everyone
In architecture. Architecture is what makes us different in this world. It creates and carries
Cultures through time. It shows who we are and who we can become. It shows how we grow and
improve as we go into the future.
Keywords: Architecture, culture, organization

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Introduction
The profession of an architect is one of skill, beauty and necessity. Each of us use some
sort of structure in every aspect of our lives. We live in homes, work and learn in buildings, we
even park our cars on structures created by architects. Almost everything we do and experience
is influenced by the structures we are around and depend on. My purpose for this document is to
inform other students of the influence of architecture. In the hopes that they too will understand
the gratification that comes from this profession. I have started on my way to becoming an
architect myself and although I dont know as much as some I will be adding my personal
thoughts and opinions of architectures importance.

Methodology
I found my information through the internet, books and personal interviews. First I went
on to google and searched the key words relation between culture and architecture. I got many
articles stating basically the same thing that architecture influences and builds our society. Then I
tried to learn a little more about the work life of an architect, so I searched architectural firm
cultures. This was very intriguing because there wasnt very much material that was quite what
I was looking for. There was one website for a firm in Chicago that was very insightful about
their particular firm. I also searched the field I plan to specialize in, green design and
sustainability. I did this by researching the top firm in Utah called Architectural Nexus inc., this
gave me an idea of what green architecture could be in only a few years.
I also searched through some books. I found two that applied the best to what I am trying
to accomplish with this paper. The first is why architecture matters by Paul Goldberger. This
book was very eye opening within its first few pages by almost redefining what architecture
means to humanity. The second is a book I am using in school to learn more about the basics of
what architecture is and who architects are. It is called Becoming an Architect: A Guide to
Careers in Design by Lee W. Waldrep. This clarified what architects do in their daily lives and
what I can do to become a successful architect.

Results
In the book why architecture matters Paul Goldberger describes architecture as a
coexistence (pg. 7) by being art and not art, at once (pg. 8) through the ages. This is
significant because architecture is set between art and practicality (pg. 6). This means that
architecture becomes more than just a shelter over your head, it changes to something that
defines a culture and people. We can see this when we go to a city, we can see the diversity
within the buildings. We can see the hand of each architect in the buildings, but there is still a
carrying theme for the time period. You can see which are from the same era, both ancient and
modern. The evolution of culture is carried through time by the structures we have created and
used.
Communication is essential, especially in architecture. Whether it be through emails,

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memos, meetings, team projects, communicating with clients, the paper work for building sites
or communicating an idea or philosophy through the building itself there are hundreds of ways
that communication makes day-to-day life easier. All of the communication in a firm is what
makes all of the buildings we see possible. A single structure is not the work of one person, but
rather a group of people investing themselves in making our lives simpler.
On the website of the Thomas Shafer Architects company they talk about the culture of
their firm and say As a tightly-knit team, were all personally invested not just in the success of
the firm, but of each other. This idea of the firm being a team rather than being based on a
competitive atmosphere. Later they state we pride ourselves on our ability to communicate and
work collaboratively, and this applies to all aspects of our work. Making an atmosphere of
open atmosphere and teamwork is something. This same idea, being a general feel from other
articles
about different firms. Although it is understood that this varies in degrees under different
leadership and management styles.

Discussion on results
Architects are conceivers of buildings and supply concrete images for a new
structure as it is said in the book Becoming an Architect (pg. 2). What does architecture mean
to you? For me it means that everything we do to live, work and entertain is all done within a
structure of some sort. The experiences we gain in this life can sometimes be linked to a building
in which it was had. Childhood memories, educational opportunities and our homes plus so much
more has given us a chance to create memories we carry through our lives. The buildings we
inhabit are things that shape us, whether we are aware of it or not. Architecture is a language. It
is one that can speak to us without words, and yet can convey a philosophy or define a time of
people, as it says in why architecture matters (pg. 4) if you were an architect you understood the
language well and could write in it. Meaning that architects understand this unspoken language
and can recreate it to bring people together. It can bring already sustained life meaning (why
architecture matters, pg. 2).

Conclusion and recommendations

In short, the places we live our lives are what make us who we are as a whole and
individually. The masterpieces that are still around today are like pictures of the past. They give
us a window into a time not yet forgotten. What will the future understand of us through their
windows? What will they see of our societies and our cultures? What will they know? I ask that
each of you takes the time to appreciate the details of life around us. Everything from a park you
enjoy to the sky scrapers that tower over you. Each piece has a part to play and whether or not
you are listening could influence the person you become. Continue to learn from the present as
well as the past. Learn to grow and change the influence of architecture, make it a language you
can understand and use to improve the lives of others.

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References

Goldberger, P. (2009). why architecture matters, Pennsylvania: Yale University Press.

Hubpages (2009). Hubpages. Retrieved 2015, September 15 from
skunk120.hubpages.com/hub/Architecture-and-Culture
Shafer, T. (2005). Thomas Shafer Architects. Retrieved 2015, September 15 from
shaferarch.com/firm/culture
Waldrep. L. (2014). Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design. New Jersey: John
Wiley & sons, Inc.

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Ashley Mehr
ashleymehreportfolio.weebly.com
ashley.mehr1027@gmail.com
(801)995-1292

Summary
This program offers the opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and skills in
architecture, helping me to be an asset to the workforce.

Education
June 5, 2013 High School Diploma, Hillcrest High School
Graduated with 3.0 GPA
August 2015 Salt Lake Community College
Area of study includes Architecture with a focus in green design and sustainability

Work Experience
June 2015 - August 2015
Lifeguard and swimming instructor, Salt Lake County
Taught people how to swim in a safe, fun, and constructive atmosphere
Enforced the rules of the pool and kept the lives of those enjoying the pool safe
November 2009- October 2013
Lifeguard and swimming instructor, Canyons school district

Skills
Languages
Spanish, some American Sign Language
Software
Microsoft word, Microsoft excel, PowerPoint, InDesign, SketchUp
Qualities
Self-motivated, ability to lead, hard worker

Awards, Activities, Service

October 2013- April 2015 served an LDS mission
Serving the community of San Jose California
Serving different peoples and cultures
Member of the RYLA- a small group of youth leaders in the Rotary Club in Midvale
In high school was captain of sports team
Served in a special needs church group

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References
A2 SketchUp [2015] A2 SketchUp. Retrieved 2015, November 28 from
a2sketchup.com
Rumbelow, M [2013] Think BIM. Retrieved 2015, November 28 from
revitall.wordpress.com
SketchUp Tips [2015] SketchUp Tips. Retrieved 2015, November 28
from sketchuptips.wordpress.com
World Start [2015] World Start. Retrieved 2015, November 28 from
www.worldstart.com
3D warehouse [2015] 3D Warehouse. Retrieved 2015, November 28
from 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com