Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Languages
Volunteers
Research
Timeline
Generic

Luis Daniel Vazquez Rivera

Chicago

Summary

Innovative Architect recognized for enhancing productivity and efficiency in project execution. Expertise in sustainable design, project management, and advanced 3D modeling techniques. Strong communication and problem-solving skills facilitate the integration of cutting-edge architectural solutions.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Architect and Interior Designer III

Smithgroup
Chicago
04.2018 - Current
  • Designer in healthcare sector
  • Presented final designs at customer review sessions prior to commencement of construction work.
  • Provided guidance on interior design elements such as furniture layout and fixtures selection.
  • Coordinated activities between architects, designers, engineers and contractors throughout the duration of a project.
  • Consulted with clients to discuss design options based on their budget constraints or aesthetic preferences.
  • Created blueprints, drawings and detailed schematics of proposed structures.
  • Developed plans and specifications for building projects to meet the needs of clients.
  • Assisted in the preparation of presentations used during client meetings or bid processes.
  • Conducted site visits to assess potential locations for new buildings.
  • Evaluated progress made by contractors during different stages of the construction process.
  • Inspected existing structures in order to identify design issues or areas that need improvement.
  • Drafted detailed drawings of structures, specifying dimensions and materials needed.
  • Monitored design processes from conceptual phase through construction.
  • Performed predesign phase feasibility or environmental impact studies.
  • Developed marketing materials and presentations to cultivate new opportunities.
  • Conducted on-site visits to construction sites to monitor plan compliance.
  • Encouraged team collaboration and motivated individual employees through positive reinforcement and technical recognition.
  • Collaborated with builders to confirm construction conformed to drawings and designs.
  • Created 3D or interactive structure designs using computer-aided design applications.
  • Consulted with clients to determine spatial or functional requirements of structures.
  • Directed technicians in preparing plan drawings or specification documents.
  • Monitored electrical engineers, mechanical engineers or interior designers to provide optimal structural designs.
  • Generated concept designs, collaborated with customers to gain feedback and directed entire design process.
  • Created oral and written presentations for project designs and proposals.
  • Established clear system operational specifications and formulated highly specific software requirements.
  • Reviewed contractors' schedules and submission of shop drawings and samples.
  • Streamlined and automated internal processes to improve overall workflows.
  • Developed aesthetic representations of structure and construction details.

Design Professor

Universidad Interamericana - Metro
San Juan
05.2015 - 05.2022
  • Design and Design Thinking courses
  • Provided instruction in a variety of courses, including lecture and laboratory classes.
  • Collaborated with staff members to design curricula for new courses or programs.
  • Provided guidance for student clubs or organizations focused on the discipline.
  • Advised students on academic issues and career paths.
  • Organized seminars, workshops or other events related to topics within the discipline.
  • Mentored faculty members in teaching methods and best practices.
  • Evaluated student performance through tests, quizzes, and other assessments.
  • Engaged with colleagues in scholarly activities at professional conferences.
  • Conducted research related to the field of study.
  • Developed and implemented course materials, such as syllabi, lectures, readings, assignments and exams.
  • Fostered relationships with industry professionals to create internship opportunities for students.
  • Developed and implemented innovative teaching methods to improve student engagement.
  • Structured assignments with clear goals and criteria for assessment.
  • Designed collaborative learning exercises to capitalize on students' resources and skills.
  • Integrated technology into regular classroom use for student engagement and learning.
  • Formulated well-structured syllabus of course content to detail learning goals and expected outcomes.
  • Maintained students' attendance records, grades and reports in strict confidence.
  • Administered and graded tests and assignments to evaluate student performance and monitor progress.
  • Advised students in personal matters, driving academics, attendance and behaviors.
  • Helped students make optimal educational and career choices to maximize learning and long-term vocational benefits.
  • Mentored and motivated students to increase class participation.
  • Built strong student rapport by driving classroom and online discussions and providing academic advisement.
  • Maintained student engagement through creative subject delivery and learning activities.
  • Delivered course lectures using modern technology to enhance student comprehension.
  • Developed syllabus of lectures, classwork and assignments and distributed to students on first day of class.
  • Improved classroom teaching methods by observing fellow educators and learning new techniques.
  • Adapted instruction methods to address individual student needs.
  • Provided letters of recommendation and other referrals to students pursuing further education programs or postgraduate employment.
  • Encouraged students to actively participate in class through positive reinforcement and engagement techniques.
  • Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
  • Tutored students requiring additional assistance in mastering concepts.
  • Collaborated with professors to manage education projects from start to finish.
  • Used exams, quizzes, and projects to assess how well students grasped learning material and concepts.
  • Cultivated collaborative and innovative learning environment to meet each student's unique educational needs.
  • Applied creative instruction methods to promote student learning objectives.

Project Associate

ATG a JLL Company
Lombard
05.2017 - 03.2018
  • Assessing and revising hospitals floor plan documents.
  • Developed and implemented project plans to ensure successful completion of projects.
  • Performed quality assurance testing prior to releasing products into production environments.
  • Identified and documented technical issues that arose during the course of the project.
  • Implemented Agile methodologies to improve team efficiency and project adaptability.

Education

Professional master’s - Architecture

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Urbana, Illinois
05.2017

Professional bachelor’s - Environmental Design

School of Architecture in The University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
05.2014

Summer Exchange Program - Fabrication

ELISAVA – Escola Superior De Disseny I Enginyeria De Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
07.2012

Professional Associate’s - Interior Design

University of Puerto Rico
Carolina, Puerto Rico
06.2010

Ph.D. - Design

Universidad De Palermo
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Skills

  • Marketing fundamentals
  • Job analysis
  • Office administration
  • Data entry
  • Desktop publishing
  • Change management
  • Organizational skills
  • Strategic planning
  • Leadership and control
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • AutoCAD and SketchUp
  • 3D rendering (V-Ray, Enscape)
  • Building information modeling (Revit)
  • Creativity
  • Self-motivation
  • Responsibility
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Team collaboration
  • 3D modeling
  • Construction oversight
  • Feasibility studies
  • Client consultation
  • Integrated design
  • Architectural design
  • BIM
  • Freehand sketching
  • Acoustic design
  • Site planning and design
  • AutoCAD expertise
  • Design development
  • Construction documentation
  • Lighting design
  • Site analysis
  • Design presentations
  • Technical documentation
  • Space planning
  • Building codes
  • Project planning
  • Microsoft office expert
  • Technical architecture design
  • Material selection
  • Building code compliance
  • QA and QC processes
  • Creative and artistic
  • SketchUp

Affiliations

IIDA (International Interior Design Association)

  • 2024-present
  • I founded a healthcare community with the goal of creating more inclusive, cross-disciplinary events that bring together organizations such as IIDA, AMFP (Association of Medical Facility Professionals), INOMA (Illinois Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects), AIA (American Institute of Architects), ThinkLab, CCAC (Chicago Central Area Committee), and others. The mission is to unite all sectors of the healthcare industry to foster connection, encourage continuous learning, and inspire innovation beyond the boundaries of what is known and yet to be discovered.

AIA Chicago Healthcare Knowledge Community:

  • Member since 2021
  • Co-Chair: 2022-2024
  • Secretary: 2021 - 2022
  • As co-chair, I led efforts to promote, educate, and engage with non-profit organizations in the healthcare industry. In 2023, we began supporting Imerman Angels by participating in their annual summer race, strengthening our commitment to community impact.

The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA):

  • Member since 2020-2022

Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I) at Smith Group:

  • Leadership role 2020-2023

Toastmasters International:

  • Member since 2019-2020

Accomplishments

  • 2022 30 under 30 by Interior Design Magazine

Languages

Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Full Professional

Volunteers

  • 2025 Design Build by INOMA: Established partnerships with manufacturers and contractors to secure donated finishes for the Design Build program, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities while supporting community-driven design
  • 2017 Project Pipeline Camp by INOMA: Volunteered to mentor and teach students, guiding them through the design process and exposing them to the broader world of design to inspire the next generation of creatives.
  • 2014 CERO Design: Collaborated with artists from Cero Design and Build Inc. to model full-scale prototypes of their urban furniture designs, which were later installed in public spaces in Miami, Florida.
  • 2014 Para-Sol Exhibition: Collaborated with La Respuesta Bar to curate an art exhibition centered around parasol umbrellas, featuring the work of multiple Puerto Rican artists and showcasing their unique artistic interpretations.
  • 2014 Casa Paoli: Collaborated with Casa Paoli, a Puerto Rican folkloric research center, to curate an exhibition on the history of traditional instruments in Puerto Rican culture, showcased at Museo de Las Américas in Puerto Rico.
  • 2014 Community Service at the Amazon: During this 14-day trip, I worked with three Kakataibo tribal communities in the Amazon, helping build essential structures and supporting educational initiatives by teaching local children.
  • 2010 Community Service at Lima, Peru: Assisted in gathering donated supplies for a 14-day service trip to Lima, Peru, where I supported and taught in teaching program for children across multiple communities. I also helped prepare and serve meals to nourish families in need, contributing to both educational and nutritional outreach efforts.

Research

  • INNAS ( Iniciativa de Investigacion y Actividad Creativa Subgraduada) 2012-2013: Accepted into a research program to investigate architectural elements that contribute to creating safe and secure school environments. The study resulted in the development of a survey assessing how specific spatial features influence perceptions of safety within schools. This research was presented at PESIC (Primer Encuentro Subgraduado de Investigación y Creación).

Timeline

Architect and Interior Designer III

Smithgroup
04.2018 - Current

Project Associate

ATG a JLL Company
05.2017 - 03.2018

Design Professor

Universidad Interamericana - Metro
05.2015 - 05.2022

Professional master’s - Architecture

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign

Professional bachelor’s - Environmental Design

School of Architecture in The University of Puerto Rico

Summer Exchange Program - Fabrication

ELISAVA – Escola Superior De Disseny I Enginyeria De Barcelona

Professional Associate’s - Interior Design

University of Puerto Rico

Ph.D. - Design

Universidad De Palermo
Luis Daniel Vazquez Rivera