This letter and my attached resume are submitted in response to your ad regarding the Architectural position opening. I believe that my background matches very well with the requirements of the job, as I understand them from the brief description.
I have served as a Project Architect on numerous project types including: manufacturing, retail, residential, multi-family, club houses, small commercial, and residential development design. I have been responsible for the management of all aspects of a project including site analysis, programming, design, coordination of the various engineering disciplines and architectural staff involved in a project, maintaining quality control of all products/projects, and construction administration.
I encompass a thorough understanding of programming for designs, which incorporate square footage, cost targets. Review plans for structure simplification, value engineering, accuracy, coordination and completeness. I have acquired a strong construction background which gives me the knowledge and know-how to answer the day-to-day questions regarding clarification of drawings, corrections and field errors.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this position with you in more detail, including specific contributions I can make to this new and exciting opportunity. Please let me know if there is additional information I can provide that would lead you to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
Michael Katsaitis
102 Glass Springs Lane
Franklin, TN 37064
615-595-0749 (Home)
615-394-5845 (Mobile)
http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkatsaitis
Michael V. Katsaitis
Objective: To employ my professional training of architectural design and construction administration in the area of architectural planning and development with a dynamic and growing company.
Overview
• Twenty years experience within the commercial and residential building industry.
• Understanding of various construction types including, retail, manufacturing, detached single family and multifamily projects.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and construction techniques.
• Value-engineering and affordable design with style.
• Goal oriented self-starter with strong interpersonal, managerial and negotiating skills.
Experience
November 2008 to Present: Astikon Architecture + Construction, Franklin, TN
Principal: I have reestablished my own design - build firm working on a variety of projects with a portfolio that is growing to include Custom Residential, Multi-Family, Traditional Neighborhood Developments, Light Commercial and Architectural Interior projects throughout the Middle Tennessee region. I possess a proven cost effective design talent and have a keen eye for detail, with a thorough knowledge of residential construction, general codes requirements, and design preferences throughout the country. I have a comprehensive understanding use and applications of CAD drafting software and related computer operations.
My designs are influenced by the specific and unique needs of the client and the context of the environment. I am inspired by historically and classically designed and well-proportioned vernacular architecture. With my twenty year’s of experience, I am able to offer creative, insightful solutions to multi-faceted projects. I am proactive and strive for excellence not only in the design and the construction details of the project, but also in the communications and coordination with the client, the contractor and the supplier.
November 2007 to November 2008: Southern Land Company, LLC, Franklin, TN
Senior Designer: This position was responsible for guiding custom residential design and commercial clients and projects through all design phases concluding with construction phase. It allowed me to become familiar with and determine this broad scope of projects.
• Met and discussed the needs and began the development of a preliminary site strategy and site planning issues.
• Developed concept plans that described the nature and scope of work, and determined a square footage estimates for each project.
• Discussed finish materials and product preferences.
• Expanded the detail drawings that further described the nature and scope of the project’s progress and clarify materials, finishes as well as lighting, cabinetry, and fixtures.
• Assisted filling with all relevant authorities for issuance of a building permit.
• I assisted in reviewing any correspondence from contractors and helped the client negotiate the final contract with the contractor.
• At times I assisted the client who desired to be their own General Contractor, achieving great cost savings, as well as having total control of the project.
January 2007 to November 2007 : Phillips Builders, Nashville, TN
Director of Planning and Design: This position was responsible for managing the home design, estimating, purchasing and scheduling.
• Managed the Planning and Design department.
• Coordinated all drawings for the company, kept abreast of the design projects underway as well as the future design needs.
• Created programs for designs, which incorporated square footages, room count, required options, flex spaces, cost targets and detail requirements.
• Reviewed plans at schematic and check set stages for accuracy and completeness with staff. Discussed and suggested changes to simplify structure and reduce cost (Value engineering).
• Managed the preparation and review of construction drawings and takeoffs for all new plans, as well as for on-going production, revisions, and new elevations of existing plans, including setting goals and keeping schedules.
• Prepared complete takeoff information, estimates and budget for each floor plan and optional elevation.
• Procured answers to day-to-day questions regarding clarification of drawings, specifications, corrections and field errors.
November 1997 to May 2000 & December 2001 to January 2007: Beazer Homes, Nashville, TN
Vice President of Planning and Design: Responsible for developing the required programming beginning with market studies through final construction, for all series of homes ranging from 1,200 to 5,700 square feet, with a total volume of 750 homes a year.
• Projects ranging from multi-family town homes, detached single family, clubhouses, community centers, and development entrance designs.
• Duties include developing a series of sketches or schematic designs, showing general arrangement of rooms and possible approaches for approval and consideration of all department heads coordinating drawing information and specifications with the estimating department. Constantly looking for ways to improve systems, methods, and procedures as well as the creative work. (i.e. exterior elevations, better floor plan layouts, and building standards in an economical manner and value engineered)
• Prepared Construction Documents and Specifications and managed three architectural interns. Held quarterly employee reviews. Maintained existing and revised drawing files of house plans with approximate 38 active products.
• Worked effectively and efficiently within tight schedules. Interacted with other departments such as sales and marketing and especially the construction department.
• Also provided construction administration services, making site visits often, reviewing, critiquing and modifying existing and new plans. Coordinated with construction superintendents and framers to resolve problems and to solve field quandaries.
May 2000 to December 2001: Artech, Inc., Nashville, TN
Project Manager: Was responsible for directing all facets of design and construction management from initial owner meeting to site selection and analysis through design development to final punch-out and occupancy.
• Implementing my organizational skills I guided the homeowners through the construction process, selection of materials, and maintaining the overall project’s budget.
• Prepared Schematic Design packages from owners programming, studied models, cost estimate break-down, construction documents and provided construction administration services.
1993 to 1995 and 1996 to 1997: Looney Ricks Kiss Architects, Inc., Memphis/Nashville, TN
Project Manager: Responsible for building high-level residential projects including several residences for Neo Traditional Developments in Memphis, Indianapolis and Celebration Station in Orlando Florida. Also I initiated the multi-family division with architect Paige Close for several multi-family developments in Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX and Franklin, TN (Jefferson at Cool Springs). I developed many skills such as, communication, time management, construction administration, and leadership.
1995 to 1996: Larry E. Belk Designs Nashville, TN
Project / Office Manager: Initiated the Nashville office for Larry E. Belk Designs a national residential design firm based in Memphis. Marketed home plans from the top national residential firms such as Frank Betz Associates, Design Basics, Donald Gardner Architects and others. Also I completed several high-end residential projects, from initial meeting with owner to construction administration.
1991 to 1995: Pediment Group Memphis / Nashville, TN
Owner / Freelance: Started my own design firm, upon the completion of my undergraduate degree specializing in custom and speculative home designs, design of additions and remodeling, and design of light commercial structures. I directed all facets of construction, leading to the completion of the projects, from early schematics to estimating and taking off materials. I have continued to work on freelance projects.
1990 to 1991: Faxon Gillis Homes Memphis, TN
Head Designer: As the head designer, I developed designs, conceptualizations and renderings of floor plans, elevations and layouts under the tutelage of the head architect.
1988 to 1990 Beazer Homes (Phillips Builders) Nashville, TN
CAD Operator / Draftsman: Created construction documents from architect’s sketches.
Most of the documents were perfected with the use of “AutoCADâ€.
Phillips Builders was purchased by Beazer Homes in late 1989.
1987 to 1988: Weatherbilt Homes Cookeville, TN
Technician: Served as a Technician for a Structural Engineer. Created shop drawings for truss and wall panel layouts with the use of Integrated Computer Graphics software. I was involved with the construction method of the pre-fabricated homes incorporating those methods into working drawings.
Education and Associations
1998: Attended Harvard University Cambridge, MA, studied Custom Residential Design
1992 Graduate, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, BS in Architecture
1990 Graduate, Nashville State Technical Institute, Nashville, TN
AAT in Architectural Engineering Technology
American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Associate Member
American Planning Association - Professional Member
National Association of Home Builders - Associate Member
Construction Specifies Institute - Associate Member
References available upon request
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