Hi there! My name is Natasja McHenry-van Veelen. I have completed my Bachelor of Architectural Studies and am currently in my final year of study, completing my Masters of Architecture (Professional) at Victoria University of Wellington.
I am a creative thinker, passionate about architecture, design and art - I am able to visually communicate well, with an eye for craft and detail. I am aware that I will be constantly learning throughout my career and therefore enjoy taking a bold approach with my designs and experimenting with a range of different mediums, and design approaches.
My thesis is focused on the relationship between painting and architecture. Focusing on the Art Deco Quarter in Napier City I am exploring how to design for the city in a way that is inspired by the cities unique architectural atmosphere, in a new way that looks towards the future.
Painting is chosen as my primary medium due to my own background of painting as well as Napiers colourful and bold Art Deco architectural language. My design work is inspired by the work of Louis Hay, a prominent Napier architect following the earthquake, who used painting for his architectural representation and whose practice designed many buildings in the area. I am exploring how painting can be used throughout the design process to create an architectural outcome.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Dougan Larkworthy TEAM Architects, Napier (Summer 2023-2024)
A summer position in Napier, Dougan Larkworthy TEAM Architects focus is on Educational Architecture in the Hawkes Bay Region. Using Archicad for a range of projects I did tasks such as:
- Light masterplanning: Summarising cultural history, condition assessment, Geotech, and traffic reports. Exploring siting and layout for proposed new school block.
- Roof Detailing: Measuring school blocks on site. Designing for new roof pitch and shape. Creating plans, and sections of existing and new roofs. Detailing for new roof. Specification sheets using MasterSpecs.
- Plans, elevations, sections, finishes schedules, lighting schedules, door schedules, fencing proposal and renders for a range of educational projects.
Sheeran Associated Ltd, Hastings (Summer 2022-2023)
I worked over summer as a Junior Architectural Designer with this Hastings NZ building firm. Sheeran Associates Ltd specialises in providing affordable housing through Papakāinga developments on ancestral Māori lands. I created a booklet of standardised floor plans for the firm to show clients. I designed these residential houses using sustainable and affordable design techniques, in compliance with the building code. I primarily used Revit, Twin Motion and Indesign.
Tutoring:
ARCI212: Architecture Design Integration I ( 2023, 2024)
Studio-based design paper exploring people-environment relationships, integrating knowledge gained in the Human Environmental Science course. Architecture is examined as a means for modifying human environments in ways that affect comfort, efficiency, mood and meaning.
ARCI211: Architecture Design 1 (2024)
Studio-based design paper introducing issues, concepts, vocabularies and strategies of architectural design. Exploration and representation of architectural ideas in a range of media.
SARC121:Introduction to Built Environment Technology (2022)
An introduction to fundamental structural and constructional principles for designed environments, with particular emphasis on establishing an understanding of the mutual dependencies between design intentions, structural performance and construction materials and systems.
Cabrillo Architecture ( Summer 2020-2022)
This was a part time position (25 hrs/wk) over my summer breaks. Cabrillo is a small architecture practice specialising in bespoke residential architecture in both California and New Zealand. In addition to drafting construction details and interior elevations, I participated in graphic presentations for client meetings, both renders and drawings. I also helped with project specifications and sourcing of products, creating online project filing systems via Dropbox, Pinterest and Houzz.