The document discusses various architectural projects by Jim Graham from Clemson University, highlighting his background, education, and experience in construction management and design. Key projects include the 3 DNA townhouse in Chicago, the Riverside Retreat House in Wyoming, and the Living Observatory in South Carolina, each with unique design elements that integrate with their natural surroundings. The document also describes a jewelry box design called the Nesting Cube, showcasing innovative craftsmanship and versatility.

1. Jim Graham
Clemson University
MArch 2012

2. Contents
Background 3
DNA Townhouse 4-5
Riverside Retreat House 6-7
Living Observatory 8-11
Nesting Cube 12
2

3. Background
Education:
Clemson University - Masters of Architecture Jun ‘09 - present
UNC Chapel Hill - Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication Aug ‘01 - Jun ‘05
Experience:
Winstar Homes, Raleigh, NC - Construction Manager
managed single family residential construction including purchasing, plan Apr ‘07 - Jan ‘08
revisions, scheduling, inspections, quality control, and customer care.
Fred Graham Construction Co., Wilmington, NC - Asst. Superintendent
Jan ‘06 - Feb ‘07
assisted in the management of single family residential construction site,
including scheduling, inspections, and quality control.
NBC Universal, Wilmington, NC - Art Department Production Assistant
Jul ‘05 - Jan ‘06
worked under production designer, organizing, copying, and distributing design
drawings amongst various departments.
Skills:
Computer Programs- AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhinoceros, Revit, Photoshop,
InDesign, Illustrator
Hand Drawing, Construction, Detailed Craftsmanship
3

4. DNA Townhouse
Chicago, Illinois
4

5. Two forms, one rectangular
Ground
of masonry, and one curved
of glass and steel, are fused
together to create this corner
townhouse that welcomes
First
the natural light in through its
expansive glass curtain wall.
A private courtyard is nestled
between the garage and main Second
part of the house.
Roof
Section
5

6. Riverside Retreat House
Snake River, Wyoming
This house was
designed to be a
remote getaway set
on the pristine Snake
River in Wyoming.
Its timber framed
foundation floor and
large timber columns
emulate the wooded
surroundings. The
bulk of the structure
floats above the large
chimney foundation
providing shelter for
the outdoor fireplace
without too much
disturbance to the
natural setting.
6

7. Section A
Section B
B
A
The above model was made
from wood, task board, and
Plexiglas using a laser engraver
to reflect materiality. 7

8. Living Observatory
South Carolina Botanical Gardens
The Goal of this project was to design
a night observatory and art exhibition
space that incorporated the landscape.
The building’s tower is designed to be
open to the public 24 hours a day to
allow amateur astronomers unrestricted
use of the observation deck.
8

9. The Living Observatory was named such
for two reasons. Part of its roof structure
appears to grow right out of the ground,
and is landscaped with the same natural
grasses found on site. Also, the myriad
of circulation routes and visual apertures
throughout the structure allow visitors
to observe as well as be among the
observed.
Northwest Elevation
The tower wall flares
outward to direct the
observer’s gaze towards
the stars, yet it is open
in front to allow visibility
of the live roof and deck
structures.
East Elevation
The whole
structure
seems to
emerge from
beneath
the ground,
similar to
the Cube
Garden
Study.
Section 9

10. First Floor Plan Second Floor Plan
(above roof)
C
B
A
10

11. View across the length of the
main gallery space. The lower
level has protected wall space
to display paintings. It also
serves as a reception hall for
deputing artists.
(B)
View across the gallery through Interior view of first
a window at the first floor of the two tower floors,
tower. which have tall
(A) ceilings for large
scale sculptures.
(C)
11

12. Nesting Cube
I designed and built this jewelry box to seamlessly fit
together to resemble a solid wood cube. The box is
made from quarter inch walnut which is mitered at
all edges to hide the joints. The modified splines
are accented using eighth inch basswood,
which reenforce the glued miter joints and
double as sidewalls on the interior of the
box.
The two pieces of the box
can be pulled apart to create
identical open containers
for keeping small items.
They also fit together
again to securely protect
its contents.
12

13. 1
2
3
4
12’ 5
6
111/4”
(x2)
At a larger scale, the nesting cube
becomes a versatile piece of furniture
with many different possible arrangements.
Two end tables can become two stools. Side by side
the pieces create one large coffee table. Storage is created
when the two pieces are fit together.
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