About Me
Hi there!
Welcome to my website! A little about myself: Growing up, I’ve always wanted to use my artistic skills to help people from communities like the one I grew up in but never knew where that could take me, until I took a career aptitude test my senior year of high school. Seeing architecture as one of the top 3 career path matches took me by surprise but I decided to run with it to see where it can bring me. It was during my collegiate years where my passion for architecture evolved and expanded my view of the world. I received my Bachelor of Science in Architecture and later a Master of Architecture from Andrews University. Since then, the work I’ve done drove me to becoming a better designer & influencer to people around me and my community. Throughout my career, I’ve worked as a designer on a range of projects including educational, civic, residential and institutional work. I’ve gained valuable experience in client/architect relations, project development, and project delivery. Outside of the corporate world, I’ve been involved and volunteered in several organizations including the Boston Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (BosNOMA), the Boston Society of Architects (BSA), The Voice Inc, and many others. I’ve also started my own organization called Revive My Turf, which you can learn more about here. All in all, I hope this platform gives you a glimpse of my approach on making this world a better place through transformative design, community service, and education.
Best,
Perla Durandis, LEED GA, NOMA
Resume
WORK EXPERIENCE
SGA
2022 - 2023
Designer
FREELANCE DESIGNER
2021 - Present
ICON ARCHITECTURE
2015 - 2021
Designer
MARTIN D. SMITH, ARCHITECT, L.L.C.
2014 - 2015
Architectural Intern
BKA ARCHITECTS
2013
General Office Assistant
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY TERRACE CAFE
2012 - 2014
Front of house & back of house worker
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
BOSTON SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS (BSA)
2019 - Present
KidsBuild Volunteer; Kindergartener Architecture Teacher with Boston Public School Learning Services; Critic & Presenter for City Summer Internship - Apprentice Learning Program
CALUNAH - NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER
2021
ESL Instructor
REVIVE MY TURF
2016 - Present
Educator & Mentor
THE VOICE, INC
2016 - 2021
Educator and Mentor
BOSTON CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MINORITY ARCHITECTS (BOSNOMA)
2015 - 2020
Communications Director
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
2012
Volunteer for house construction built in Boston for Haiti earthquake survivors
EDUCATION
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY - MASTERS OF ARCHITECTURE
2014 - 2015
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY - BACHELORS OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE
2010 - 2014
AWARDS
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - CALUNAH
2021
AIA HENERY ADAMS CERTIFICATE OF MERIT
2015
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FROM ANDREWS UNIVERISITY - SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, ART, & DESIGN
2014
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in Project Management & Development, Site Analysis & Documentation, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Project Procurement & Contract Administration
Experience in Institutional, Educational, Civic, Cultural, Renovation & Adaptive Reuse Project Types
Able to thoroughly & creatively apply concepts in design
Able to research & understand the context of communities and the importance of client needs throughout design and construction
Knowledgeable in Sustainable Design, Budgeting, Specifications, Programming, & Detailing
Able to maintain positive client relationship throughout project development
Able to develop technical drawings and details for different project types
SKILLS
SPEAKING ENAGEMENTS
Guest Critic for Northeastern - Masters Research Studio (2023)
Guest Critic for MassArt - Architectural Design II Course(2022)
Guest Speaker for TabithAvie 7th Annual Conference (2021)
Guest Critic for MassArt Architecture Youth Program (2020)
Panelist for BSA Race and Architecture Town Hall (2020)