This document provides a summary of projects from Jessica Laseak's undergraduate portfolio. It includes 8 projects ranging from a ninja dojo complex to a California spa. The projects were completed between 2012-2014 for various architecture and design studio classes. Each project section includes 1-3 images of the work and a 1-2 paragraph description of the objectives and details of the design.

1. JESSICA LASEAKU N D E R G R A D U A T E P O R T F O L I O
T E X A S A & M U N I V E R S I T Y

3. TABLE OF CONTENTS
NINJA DOJO…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1
DRAWING STUDIO I…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………3
THE SECRET ROOM………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
DRAWING STUDIO II…………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
HIPSTER HOME…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
SENIOR HOUSEHOLD………………………………………………………………………………………………….13
CALIFORNIA SPA…………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
CONVENTION CENTER………………………………………………………………………………………………..19

4. N I N J A D O J OF A L L 2 0 1 2 E N D S 1 0 5 P R O F E S S O R L E E I N D I V I U A L

5. N I N J A D O J O
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Each student had to create a complex for ninjas that included sleeping
quarters, a meditation tower and a training facility. While each student
was responsible for designing an individual complex, the class had to work
together to create a site plan and orient buildings to ensure privacy was
not compromised. It was also important that all of the buildings within the
complex resembled one another. This was achieved by composing similar
forms and using addition and subtraction to create rhythm between
structures.
F A L L 2 0 1 2 E N D S 1 0 5 P R O F E S S O R L E E I N D I V I U A L

6. D R A W I N G S T U D I O 1F A L L 2 0 1 2 E N D S 1 1 5 P R O F E S S O R Z A D I N D I V I U A L

7. D R A W I N G S T U D I O 1
ABOUT THE PROJECT
In the images shown to the right and left, students were asked to
replicate drawing styles. Students were given a line drawing of a
building on campus and had to apply specific materials to the
image on the left. In a second assignment, right, students were
given an architectural sketch and asked to draw an image in the
same style. People were Photoshopped in later to assist with visual
scale. For both assignments, it was important that students
focused on details and materials.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Students had to create a series of abstract drawings while
practicing different hatching styles or applying texture. Each sketch
had to apply or create at least three different textures.
F A L L 2 0 1 2 E N D S 1 1 5 P R O F E S S O R Z A D I N D I V I U A L

8. T H E S E C R E T R O O MS P R I N G 2 0 1 3 E N D S 1 0 6 P R O F E S S O R Q U I N O N E S I N D I V I UA L

9. T H E S E C R E T R O O MS P R I N G 2 0 1 3 E N D S 1 0 6 P R O F E S S O R Q U I N O N E S I N D I V I UA L
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Students were presented with the challenge of designing a conceptual
residence that contained a secret or hidden room with both an exterior and
interior entrance. In this design, the exterior entrance is located within a
maze on the ground level of the building while the interior entrance can be
accessed through a bedroom closet. Windows, interior walls and skylights
follow the pattern of the maze to provide a sense of continuity from the
ground up.
0’
4’ 8’
12’

10. DRAWING STUDIO IIS P R I N G 2 0 1 3 E N D S 1 1 6 P R O F E S S O R Q U I N O N E S I N D I V I UA L

11. DRAWING STUDIO IIS P R I N G 2 0 1 3 E N D S 1 1 6 P R O F E S S O R Q U I N O N E S I N D I V I UA L
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Each student was assigned a famous contemporary building and
was required to create a physical model as well as a rendering
showcasing important views. The rendering shown to the left is
Paul Rudolph’s Milam Residence. It was drawn using pencil, a
graphic pen and a black marker. The drawing was then scanned so
that the grass and sky could be added through Photoshop.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
These two drawings (above and left) are sections for The Secret
Room project. Each was completed using graphic pen and pencil in
some areas to depict shadows. The drawing shown above is a
latitudinal section at the center of the building. The section on the
left is longitudinal and is taken at the southern end of the building.

12. H I P S T E R H O M EF A L L 2 0 1 3 A R C H 2 0 5 P R O F E S S O R R O D I E K P A R T N E R

13. H I P S T E R H O M EF A L L 2 0 1 3 A R C H 2 0 5 P R O F E S S O R R O D I E K P A R T N E R
COURTYARD
CAR PORT
COVERED ENTRYWAY
LIVING
DINING
KITCHEN
0’ 16’ 32’
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Two students created a building from 3-5 shipping containers and determined the
building type and location. The project is a one bedroom home designed for
Portland, Oregon. The temperate climate is ideal for a container home because it
does not require much insulation that takes up valuable space.
THE FIRST FLOOR
Organization of space is critical in a small home. Public areas are on the first level to
ensure privacy on the second floor. To make the home feel open, large windows
open to the courtyard. Renderings are a mix of hand drawn and computer media.

14. H I P S T E R H O M EF A L L 2 0 1 3 A R C H 2 0 5 P R O F E S S O R R O D I E K P A R T N E R
0’ 16’ 32’
THE SECOND FLOOR
The upper level of the home is designed to provide privacy for the homeowners. An
office or studio space occupies the shipping container on the south side of the
home and the spacious master suite is located above the car port. There are several
windows on every façade of the building in order to let as much light into the space
as possible and allow it to feel larger and more open. The second floor also has
access to the stairway leading to the roof garden.
MASTER SUITE
STUDIO
COURTYARD

15. H I P S T E R H O M EF A L L 2 0 1 3 A R C H 2 0 5 P R O F E S S O R R O D I E K P A R T N E R
0’ 16’ 32’
THE THIRD FLOOR
The home’s third floor is designed to take advantage of Portland’s heavy rainfall. An
extensive rooftop system was installed on the roof to not only assist in draining water
off of a flat roof, but also to provide further insulation for the home. A large sitting
area in the garden allows homeowners to entertain guests while a smaller lounge
area is designed for a homeowner seeking alone time. Both lounge areas have views
of the landscaped property below.

16. SENIOR HOUSEHOLDF A L L 2 0 1 3 A R C H 2 0 5 P R O F E S S O R R O D I E K P A R T N E R

17. SENIOR HOUSEHOLDF A L L 2 0 1 3 A R C H 2 0 5 P R O F E S S O R R O D I E K P A R T N E R
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Students were required to create a
modern assisted living facility that
complimented the architecture of historic
downtown Bryan, Texas. The facility is
located within walking distance of several
shops and restaurants as well as a park
and a theater. The complex houses 12
residents and encourages seniors to be
social by providing several indoor and
outdoor communal spaces as well as a
multipurpose room where people from
the community could come in to interact
with the seniors. The client placed heavy
emphasis on the building having modern
touches without upstaging its
surroundings. This was accomplished by
combining local, traditional materials
with a complex, cascading roof system.
VIEW OF THE NORTH FAÇADE
SITE PLAN

18. SENIOR HOUSEHOLDF A L L 2 0 1 3 A R C H 2 0 5 P R O F E S S O R R O D I E K P A R T N E R
10’ 20’
MAIN PATIO
GARDEN

19. SENIOR HOUSEHOLDF A L L 2 0 1 3 A R C H 2 0 5 P R O F E S S O R R O D I E K P A R T N E R
SOCIAL LIFESTYLE
An active social life is incredibly important factor
contributing to a senior citizen’s overall health. This
assisted living facility is designed to encourage seniors
to interact with each other as much as possible.
Private rooms are small in order to entice the elderly
to spend time in the main living room, the patio or the
garden and socialize. There is also a multipurpose
classroom where people from the community can
come into the facility and engage with the senior
residents.
BEDROOM
MAIN LIVING AREA

20. C A L I F O R N I A S P AS P R I N G 2 0 1 4 A R C H 2 0 6 P R O F E S S O R M A F F E I I N D I V I D U A L

21. C A L I F O R N I A S P AS P R I N G 2 0 1 4 A R C H 2 0 6 P R O F E S S O R M A F F E I I N D I V I D U A L
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Students were challenged to create a spa suite in Desert Hot Springs,
California without using mechanical heating or ventilation. This project takes
advantage of the major daily temperature fluctuations in the desert by
combining a trombe wall with a insulating building envelope. The suite’s walls
are made of thick earth because it has a high specific heat which prevents
heat from entering the spa during the day but warms the room in the evening.
The metal building envelope makes this process more efficient because it
creates air pockets, which also have high specific heat, and greatly decreases
heat loss. The jagged shapes of the envelope are meant to symbolize people’s
chaotic, fast paced lives before they come to the spa and is juxtaposed by the
smooth, calming interior.

22. CONVENTION CENTERF A L L 2 0 1 4 C A R C 3 0 1 P R O F E S S O R C L A Y T O N P A R T N E R

23. CONVENTION CENTERF A L L 2 0 1 4 C A R C 3 0 1 P R O F E S S O R C L A Y T O N P A R T N E R
ABOUT THE PROJECT
After studying the town of Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy, students worked in
groups of three to develop an abandoned site into something that would
better suit the town’s needs. A convention center was the most viable option
because the down didn’t have a large gathering space for community events.
In addition to bringing the community together, the complex can also be used
to hold conventions, classes and accommodate travelers from outside of the
area and bring money into the local economy. The proximity to the train
station and a major road makes the site easily accessible and ensures a steady
influx of visitors.

24. CONVENTION CENTERF A L L 2 0 1 4 C A R C 3 0 1 P R O F E S S O R C L A Y T O N P A R T N E R
GROUND FLOOR
The convention center is a modern building but it also follows
traditional urban design practices. The convention center runs tightly
against the property line in order to maximize space on the interior
which is used as courtyard. The first level of the convention center
houses lobbies for both the hotel and the convention center. The
ground floor of the convention center houses the ticket office, coat
check as well as several administrative offices. The first floor of the
hotel has a breakfast area designed to seat fifty people, a fully
functional commercial kitchen and administrative offices.

25. CONVENTION CENTERF A L L 2 0 1 4 C A R C 3 0 1 P R O F E S S O R C L A Y T O N P A R T N E R
FIRST FLOOR
The lecture hall on the first floor can seat 240 people and has plenty of backstage
and storage space for performers or guest speakers. The hotel has 32 suites on
this level of varying sizes to accommodate travelers of many economic
backgrounds.

26. CONVENTION CENTERF A L L 2 0 1 4 C A R C 3 0 1 P R O F E S S O R C L A Y T O N P A R T N E R
SECOND FLOOR
In addition to a large lecture hall where formal business conventions can be held,
there are eight break out rooms on the second floor to allow attendants to meet
and interact with small groups. These classrooms can also be rented out
whenever there isn’t a convention and are able to accommodate a variety of
activities. The first floor of the hotel is duplicated on the second level for a total of
sixty four suites.

27. CONVENTION CENTERF A L L 2 0 1 4 C A R C 3 0 1 P R O F E S S O R C L A Y T O N P A R T N E R
THIRD FLOOR
The uppermost level of the convention center houses a restaurant that can seat
up to one hundred diners. The restaurant is oriented so that views of the tower
and the surrounding valley can be seen from every table. Visitors will be drawn to
the rooftop restaurant because it offers scenic views that are hard to come by at
other culinary establishments.