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Amanda Skalik

Welcome, I'm Amanda Skalik, Licensed Architect and Designer.


  1. News
    WELCOME TO MY WEBSITE! Here you can learn about my achievments and read the news from my life. Enjoy your stay!

    August 2011

    + Camping four hundred miles from home in cold rainy weather, slightly less than ideal holiday weekend but all was saved when we lucked upon a drive-in theater! Watched Cars 2 in the most fitting environment. We left at intermission (and consequently impregnated with the most catchy 1950's jingle): "let's all go to the lobby, let's all go to the lobby, let's all go to the lobby - to get ourselves a treat!".1, 2, 3 and EXTRA.

    July 2011

    + Went up north for a long weekend to the Apostle Islands. Lucked out and got what seemed to be the last camping site in the area, and what a view we had. Perfect sunrises and a sneaky trail down to the lake for a private swim in the crystal clear water of Lake Superior. But, why do MEN think they need to get as close as humanly possible to the edge of a cliff, as if you are really going to get a better view.. + I think we finally trained the cat not to MIOAW in the middle of the night. The power of a water bottle, willingness to get out a bed and precision aim :)
    Older entries...Q3/2011, Q1/2011

    March 2011

    + Jakub and I were able to check-off another item on our bucket list, The Bridges of Madison County 1, 2, 3, 4. The weather was poor but after spending a few years in Scotland we learned not to let the damp weather slow us down. Winterset is home to some of Iowa's few rolling hills, it was very picturesque and of course mildly romantic if you've seen the film "Bridges of Madison County". We recommend a quick stop at the bridges if you are in the area, it was worth the extra effort. + I just finished reading the Hunger Game trilogy by Suzanne Collins, which my good friend recommended to me. It was an awesome, extremely engaging science fiction - romance - mystery, if you could imagine that combination. I couldn't put the books down, I was consumed by the story. Now, moving on to John Irving's The World According to Garp. + I can't believe we delayed it so long ! We finally bought Cuisinart blender/ food processor (BPA-free of course). Here's my first creation: The Blend & Dash ("I woke-up late" breakfast smoothie). Click here to discover the sensational taste of it :) + We adopted a CAT. Our family grew by one, black, crazy creature with some character. She keeps us entertained all the time. In fact, all the time is a bit too much :)
    1/2 banana 2 heaping spoons of high fat low sugar organic vanilla yogurt 2 big spoons of all natural apple sauce Small handful of blueberries 1 big splash of "not from concentrate" organic O.J. 4 ice cubes Directions: Quickly (you're late to work, remember?) and in no particular order dump ingredients into a food processor. Blend and dash.

    March 2011

    + I'm NCARB certified! With this piece of paper my architectural title will be recognized in other states and in Canada.

    December 2010

    + I passed all the Architectural Registration Exams. I'm a Licensed Architect :) + We paid off last installment of my student loan. Wow, majority of people achieve this in second half of their lives... + Jakub arrived from Poland. Seven months apart is far too long. Never again.
  2. About me
    I'm Amanda and I'm an Architect and Designer. Architecture- professionally, Design/ Art- when I'm feeling inspired. I have several years of professional experience at architectural offices in USA and UK. That taught me to perceive architecture from a multitude of different perspectives; not limited to local codes, current trends or context only. As for my art, I prefer not to take it too seriously; my goal is to create objects and to arrange spaces for my audience's amusement; with the simple purpose to make you smile. Healthy living, baking, traveling and reading are some of my greatest interests. I am also learning the polish language, which is considered one of the most difficult languages. But, impossiblity is nothing. I also love the newest addition to our family, Wioletka Kotka (our cat). She enriches our everyday life and brings us much amusement with her crazy shenanigans. ;)
  3. Resume
    QUALIFICATIONS + NCARB Certified. + Registered Architect - State of Iowa. + Master of Fine Art - Edinburgh College of Art. + Bachelor of Architecture - Iowa State University. OBJECTIVES + Broadening my knowledge in sustainable design and renewable sources of energy in architecture. + Working in a team environment with fluid communication and easy flow of ideas and knowledge. + Gain experience in LEED design and administration with the intention to become LEED AP.
    Read full resume...
    PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IX 2009 - Current - Novak Design Group PLC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA Architect Oakhill Jackson Housing Building A - 75,000 sq ft (52 residential units) Building B - 63,000 sq ft (45 residential units) + Developed and refined schematic design documents. + Reviewed and evaluated the project in the context of relevant local and federal building codes, including ADA requirements. + Assisted in the coordination and integration of consultant documents including structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. + Collaborated in the preparation of an accurate and consistent set of architectural construction documents. + Assisted the Project Architect with Contract Administration. Linn County Public Service Center 74,000 sq ft + Collaborated with the design team and consultants to complete a full set of construction documents. + Assisted with the coordination and isssue of addendum. + Assisted the Project Architect with Contract Administration. Foth - Cedar Rapids Office Relocation, Interior Improvement + Acted as project liaison for landlord, tenent, realtor, design architect and general contractor. + Coordinated issuance of bidding documents and addendum, facilitated negotiations. + Responsible for Contract Administration. VI 2007 - VII 2008 - 3DReid, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK Part II Architectual Assistant Travelodge Hotel 4250 sq m + Developed and coordinated drawings for Building Warrant. + Coordinated and produced detailed drawings for construction. + Organized and issuing detailed design drawings for tender. DeVere Luxery Spa 1400 sq m + Developed feasibility and presentation package, including proposal drawings, vizualizations and existing site analysis for luxery spa, cafe and aquatic therapy clinic. Aldi Retail Store (Southern Scotland Locations) + Developed and coordinated drawings, documents and applications for Planning Submissions and Building Warrants. + Coordinated and produced detailed design drawings for construction. + Attending monthly design team meetings. X 2004 - IX 2006 - InVision Architecture, Waterloo, Iowa, USA Architectural Assistant VGM Homelink National Referral Center 58,000 sq ft + Developed a project work plan that included tasks and responsibilities for each team member, personal requirements and schedule. + Coordinated and cross referenced all documents including consultants documents. + Managed and coordinated review of contractor submittals. + Organized, attended and documented monthly design team meetings and field observations. Waterloo Center for the Arts, Youth Pavilion 20,000 sq ft + Prepared a full set of construction documents accurately conveying the design development drawings. + Coordinated and cross referencing all documents including consultant's documents. + Processed and drafted change orders, requests for information and architects supplemental instructions. + Managed and coordinated review of contractor submittals. College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University 80,000 sq ft + Prepared design development drawings. + Identified conflicts between building systems and coordinated the work of consultants in resolving these issues. V 2003 - IIX 2003 - Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck, DesMoines, Iowa, USA Intern Iowa State University, Memorial Union Addition 15,000 sq ft + Researched and documented existing site conditions. + Constructed a physical model for client presentation. EDUCATION 1998 - 2004 - Bachelor of Architecture. NAAB - Accredited Program. Iowa State University. 2006 - 2008 - Master of Fine Arts. Edinburgh College of Art. ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS 2007 - Florida Inside Out Magazine, Shrink This House Architectural Design Competition, "Hurricanes Shrunk this House", Group Entry. 2006 - Future Academy Architectural Workshop. An interdisciplinary experiment with an intended collaboration between art, architecture and space. 2005 - Architectural Design Convention Exhibition, Boston, BSA, "In the Pursuit of Housing Design Competition and Build Boston Residential". 2004 - Nominee for RDG Prize in Architectural Design Competition, based on performance and creative innovation during the final year of Bachelor of Architecture. 2004 - Hagar Qim Mnajdra World Heritage Park Temple Conservation, International Architectural Design Competition, Malta, Group Entry. 2004 - International Architectural Design Exhibition, Valetta, Malta. 2004 - 2006 - Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects. 2003 - Architectural Rome Exhibition, Gallery 181, College of Design. 2002 - Nominee for BWBR + ISU Prize in Architectural Design Competition, based on outstanding performance and development as an architect into the total profession. 2001 - 2003 - Mentor and design critic for lower level design reviews. SOLO ART EXHIBITIONS 2008 - 56 Perpendicular to 28, 3DReid, Edinburgh, Scotland. Honorable mention. 2008 - 98 Strings Attached from the Ceiling to the Floor, Sleeper Gallery, Edinburgh, Scotland. Honorable mention. GROUP ART EXHIBITIONS 2007 - 3 Hour Panic, Tent Gallery Evolution House, Edinburgh Scotland. 2007 - Freshly Squeezed, Krisni Hrodik, Piran Slovenia. Honorable mention. 2007 - Uberfluss, Deutzer Brucke, Koln, Germany. 2007 - The Lines Between, Caledonian Hall Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland. COMPUTER SKILLS Auto CAD Architectural Desktop Revit Sketchup Viz Render AccuRender Final Cut Pro Adobe Photoshop + Adobe Illustrator MS Office LANGUAGES English - Native Polish - Beginner
  4. Architecture

    Linn County Public Service Center, Cedar Rapids, IA + Total floor area: 4,000 sq ft, 4-story. + Scheduled completion - I/2012. + Key Program Elements: Departments: Board of Supervisors, Planning and Development, Treasurer, Recorder, Civil Attorney, Assessor, Auditor, Human Resources. PERSONAL INVOLVMENT

    Linn County Public Service Center PERSONAL INVOLVMENT

    + Collaborated with the design team and consultants to complete a full set of construction documents. + Assisted with the coordination and issue of addendum drawings and documents. + Assisted the Project Architect with contract administration. + LEED "Silver" Certification.

    Oak Hill Jackson Housing, Cedar Rapids, IA + Building A: 1 level parking + 3 levels residential (52 residential units). Total floor area - 75,000sq ft. Project Completed. + Building B: 1 level parking + 3 levels residential (45 residential units). Total floor area - 63,000sq ft. Project Completed. PERSONAL INVOLVMENT

    Oak Hill Jackson Housing PERSONAL INVOLVMENT

    + Developed and refined design development documents. + Evaluated and applied local and federal building code. + Asassisted with the integration and coordination of consultants' documents and implemented a 'fast-track' schedule for the completion of a full set of construction documents achieved in 3 month schedule. + Assisting with contract administration.

    VGM Call Center Expansion, Waterloo, IA + Total floor area: 58,000 sq ft, 3-story. + Project completed - IV/ 2007. + Key Program Elements: 3- story Open Atrium, 2- story Open Office, Private Offices, Theater, Grille, Lounge. PERSONAL INVOLVMENT

    VGM Call Center Expansion PERSONAL INVOLVMENT

    + Coordinated a team in the production of multiple construction document packages. + Administered and integrated consultants' documents. + Assisted with contract administration. + Attended monthly design team meetings. + Performed site observations and prepared field reports and reviewed contractor submittals. + Project was substantially completed before schedule, no claims or disputes filed.

    Waterloo Centre for the Arts, Phelps Youth Pavilion, Waterloo, IA + Total floor area: 20,000 sq ft, 3-story. + Project completed - X/ 2007. + Key Program Elements: Travelling Exhibition Gallery, Permanent Collections Gallery, Ceramics Studio, Gift Shop, Art House Cafe. PERSONAL INVOLVMENT

    VGM Call Center Expansion PERSONAL INVOLVMENT

    + Produced a full set of construction documents. + Assisted with contract administration. + Processed change orders, requests for information, architect's supplemental instructions. + Managed and reviewed contractor submittals.

    Lockard Office Building, Cedar Falls, IA + Total floor area: 14,000 sq ft, 2-story. + Project completed - XI/ 2006. + Key Program Elements: Open Office, Private Offices, 2- story Open Entry, Employee Gym, Locker Room. PERSONAL INVOLVMENT

    Lockard Office Building PERSONAL INVOLVMENT

    + Produced a full set of construction documents. + Assisted with contract administration. + Processed change orders, requests for information, architect's supplemental instructions. + Managed and reviewed contractor submittals.
  5. Design
  6. Contact me

    Telephone 001 319 210 8373

    Email amanda.skalik@gmail.com

    Address Cedar Rapids, Iowa

  7. Links
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