CONTACT
+61 405 562 195
alexgraf7@gmail.com
I am a graduate of architecture with almost 10 years experience in the residential field where I have had the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of design and construction; client meetings, concept design, digital and physical modelling, managing planning permits and engineering, documenting, quoting, and lending a hand to carpenters and concreters on sites, as well as participating in many on site discussions with builders and different trades. The more I have learnt, the more I have come to thoroughly enjoy the whole process of designing and creating buildings and spaces. Being a part of the completion of projects, when the initial ideas and concepts come to life, never fails to give me immense joy. I have experience working in large teams for multiple studio projects whilst studying at Monash University, working in small teams in my current job, and working autonomously on solo projects. I am a fast learner, dedicated and hard-working, and I thrive on solving problems. My goal is to become a registered architect (not there yet), and then see where this wonderful profession may take me.
WORK EXPERIENCE
STEVE HANSON DESIGN
2013 - Present
A custom residential design and build team located in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne. Steve has a passion for passive solar design and the use of rich and raw materials and textures. I was offered the job just before completion of my studies to work alongside Steve to assist with digital modelling, the end of the design stage and to have sole responsibility for the documentation of all projects. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on job sites alongside all trades, particularly carpenters, during the construction of some of our projects, which was invaluable experience.
www.stevehansondesign.com.au
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VICTORIA
2019
HFHV is a not-for-profit charity which builds houses for families struggling to break out of toxic rent cycles. I was engaged as a volunteer to create colour and material palettes for their pending and future projects. I then assisted in guiding each family through the colour choice process, enabling them to develop a sense of ownership over their new home.
MONASH UNIVERSITY
2012
In the 5th year of my studies I was a reliable and consistent presence in our studio spaces and was therefore offered employment to periodically clean the lenses of the laser cutters during out of office hours.
IAN HARTLEY ARCHITECTS
Dec 2011 - Feb 2012
A small firm based in Chirnside Park, Melbourne, specialising in residential, places of worship and educational architecture. I was employed over a summer break during my studies to assist with Town Planning applications in Revit, preparing tender applications and designing new logos, signs, folios, and website layouts.
EDUCATION
MONASH UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
2008 - 2010
Design/Build studio - BBQ Shelter at the Kinglake Temporary Fire Relief Village
Semester abroad at the Monash Center in Prato, Italy
MONASH UNIVERSITY
MASTERS OF ARCHITECTURE
2011 - 2012
Design/Build studio - Sealight Pavilion, Docklands
OXLEY COLLEGE
2002 - 2007
Visual Communication and Design (Dux), Physics,
Specialist Maths, Math Methods, Accounting and English.
SKILLS
SOFTWARE
ArchiCAD
Rhinoceros
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
3dsMax
Revit (basic)
AutoCAD (basic)
STRENGTHS
Problem solving
Attention to detail
Digital modelling
Physical model making
Photo realistic rendering
Construction experience
Working in either teams or autonomously
Integrity
Hard working
Positive attitude
INTERESTS
Woodworking projects
Piano playing
Knitting
Cocktail making
Bushwalking
Kickboxing
Youth work volunteering
Reading
Travelling
Skiing
Church
REFEREES
STEVE HANSON
Director of Steve Hanson Design
(current employer)
+61 418 321 078
sh@stevehansondesign.com.au
RHYS & KATHY THOMPSON
Mount Martha clients
Rhys: +61 429 030 422
REFERENCE
STEVE HANSON DESIGN
P.O. Box 532, Lilydale 3140, Australia
Ph. +61 418 321 078
sh@stevehansondesign.com.au
www.stevehansondesign.com.au
1 July 2022
Regarding Alex Graf
Alex came to work for me straight out of University in 2013. From the start she was very easy to work with, had a very good work ethic and applied herself well to any and all tasks she was given. She developed very good design, documenting and model building skills and was always an asset on site when we were collecting information about an existing building. She was also good at writing up scope of works reports and detailing material lists if required.
She has always been hard working and an asset to the office. I always knew she would want to find a more challenging role and develop her design skills further but I am very sorry to see her go.
I am delighted to be able to recommend her to anyone who may be considering employing her.
Regards,
Steve Hanson
REFERENCE
R & K Thompson
Mount Martha
28 June 2022
To Whom it May Concern,
Re. Alex Graf
Alex was a pleasure to work with. We are thrilled with the outcome of our house and will engage her for another project in a heartbeat.
She very easily grasped a deep understanding of our brief, down to the smallest details, and turned that into a design that we had not been able to dream of.
Alex made the design process smooth and simple, explaining everything incredibly well as we went along, and managed the planning permits, engineering, and everything with ease. Nothing we threw at her was too difficult, even extending the lift to the top floor mid-way through documentation, and this made us feel valued and heard. The documents Alex provided were thorough and everything had been thought through, making the building process a breeze. If the builder ever suggested changes to simplify his work they never eventuated as clashes would be found that Alex had already anticipated. It was easier to just follow the drawings.
We love our new home. It is such a joy to live in. We would highly recommend Alex to any client or firm.
Yours faithfully,