Jason Van Nest

Helping designers graduate from old Representational habits toward Simulation thinking -- in architecture, construction, manufacturing, & art.


Architect
Educator
Technologist
Artist

Curriculum Vitae


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I am an architect, educator, tech wonk, design strategist, and team leader.

This CV aims to document an varied track record of being an inventor, driver, or catalyst for innovation within the built environment.

The work outlined here describes a portfolio of award-winning work (or profitable ventures), achived by cultivating highly effective teams.

Future work will continue to advance these leading edges of the AEC industry: joining a strong technical skill set with a entreprenurial mindset to nurture value where most fruitful.



Education



2002 - 2005
Developed all upper studio coursework by first making novel design tools with Processing Java Applets - exporting work to architectural platforms for review.
Was the first Teaching Assistant for the newly developed course: ARCH 2226a & 2226b Design Computation. Would later return to teach the course.
1995 - 1999
Graduated with Honors after maintaining a HOPE Scholarship (3.2 GPA minimum) for (4) four years of study. Also earned a Certificate of Building Construction, with dedicated study of euntrpreurship in the AEC industry.


Teaching Experience



2010 - Present
Associate Professor of Architecture New York Institute of Technology Manhattan, NY, USA
Lead the development, testing, adoption, and improvement of curriculum adjustments to feature BIM & VDC workflows (in both design and technical courses) across all appropriate undergraduate and graduate curricula. Tenure and promotion granted in May, 2016.
ARCH 221
Building Construction I


(5 Semesters) The course introduces building construction and materials, and their interrelationship with the environment. Masonry and wood construction and material systems are studied in light of both their inherent physical properties and their assemblies and integration with other systems, including the influences of site and climate. Historical references frame the development and use of the materials, while comparisons with relevant contemporary buildings provide analysis of disadvantages and/or advantages of each. There is also a parallel introduction to the basic techniques of graphic representation of the language of construction methods, and methods of designing and detailing.
ARCH 222
Building Construction II
(2 Semesters) The course introduces building construction and building materials, and their interrelationships with the environment. Steel and concrete construction and material systems are studied in light of both their material properties and integration with other systems, including the influences of site and climate. Examination and analysis of both historical and contemporary references frame the discussions of material selection and use. Also covered are basic techniques of graphic representation used to convey design intent, construction details and methods.

ARCH 291
Parametric Performance
(5 Semesters) The elective course introduces...

ARCH 291
Parametric Tools for Architects
(5 Semesters) The elective course introduces...
ARCH 294
Parametric Furniture Design
(1 Semester) The course articulates parameters and rules to identify the relationship between design intent and design response as related to the human form. Focus on woodworkers’ use of specific parameters to test size, scale, component behaviors, and joint responses. Focus on the use of additive and subtractive rapid prototyping techniques for weekly iterations of deisgns.

ARCH 294
Parametric Studio Workshop
(4 Semesters) The elective course is taught in parallel with ARCH 501 Comprehensive Design, and offers advanced instruction the parametric tools used in contemporary practice, to aid in the application of design computation in a studio environment.

ARCH 272
Environmental Site Planning
(4 Semesters) This course introduces concepts of land use development with respect to the environmental impacts of project construction and post-construction performance. Also introduced are factors to consider when proposing human interventions in the ecology of the earth, including climatic parameters of sun, wind, water and biomass, as well as human parameters such as zoning, landscaping, use, and noise, and building with its auxiliary exigencies. Students will analyze sites, form land-use plans, organize vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and assess the mutual impacts of the above on a given project. Through case studies, a visit to a public hearing and a final semester project, students will learn how community involvement and local regulatory agencies affect the site planning and development.

ARCH 327
Construction Documents
(22 Semesters) Modern methods of construction drawing development, purpose, and organization through the use of computer-aided design and drawing. Study is directed and guided in the preparation of a complete set of drawings: plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, and an introduction to specifications through digital media.

ARCH 340
Visualization II
(2 Semesters) Continuation of ARCH 240 to develop skills with advanced drawing and multimedia techniques as well as state of the art digital skills. The emphasis is on working with a wide range of techniques available to the architect and on the graphic art of presentation.

ARCH 402
Comprehensive Design Studio
(2 Semesters) This studio is a semester-long design of a moderate size public building with public indoor and outdoor spaces. Its scope includes integration of structure, building enclosure, foundation, heating/cooling systems, site conditions and selection of exterior and major interior materials. Optimum use of daylight, climatic considerations and issues related to sustainable design are to be considered in relation to the US Green Building Council criteria to qualify for a 'Silver Rating'.
ARCH 423
Project Integration Studio
(8 Semesters) Students working in teams generate and develop the design of a small-scale building. In the process the students incorporate the guidelines as described in the phases of service of the Professional A.I.A. Agreement. The design of a harmonious relationship between the site and building is stressed. Emphasis is placed on creativity in the process of integrating all building systems (spatial, structural, mechanical and electrical) in the design.

ARCH 474
Real Estate Finance
(3 Semesters) This course outlines the owner’s expectation of the construction manager in the development process. The history of real estate finance is presented, then topics of project feasibility, zoning issues, and project financing are presented and discussed by means of case studies.

ARCH 476
Modern Construction Technologies
(3 Semesters) In this course students study the history of modern technological developments in construction methods and techniques. The latest innovations in the means and methods of construction are explored, including value engineering programs. The course uses a case study and an internship/externship format.

ARCH 481
Professional Practice
(4 Semesters) Introduction to the problems involved in the practice of architecture and building. A study of the personal, ethical, and legal interrelations of the architect, engineer, owner, builder, and artisan. An analysis of the organization and administration of an architectural practice, and the various legal forms under which it can be organized. Study of building laws, codes, and zoning and their application. Supervised externships in offices.

ARCH 501
Architectural Thesis Studio I
(1 Semester) This work continues to contribute to the leading edge of the AEC industry -- joining a strong technical skill set with a entreprenurial mindset to nurture value where most fruitful.

ARCH 501
Architectural Thesis Studio II
(1 Semester) This work continues to contribute to the leading edge of the AEC industry -- joining a strong technical skill set with a entreprenurial mindset to nurture value where most fruitful.



2011 - 2012
Returned to teach the course I helped develop, launch, and TA: Design Computation. Was one of the youngest alumni to ever invited to return and teach at the Yale School of Architecture. 


ARCH 2226a
Design Computation I
This seminar introduces design computation as a means to enable architects to operate exempt from limitations of generalized commercial software; to devise problem-specific tools, techniques, and workflows; to control the growing complexities of contemporary architectural design; and to explore forms generated only by computation itself. Topics include data manipulation and translation, algorithms, information visualization, computational geometry, human-computer interaction, custom tooling, generative form-finding, emergent behavior, simulation, and system modeling. Using Processing, students develop computational toolsets and models through short, directed assignments ultimately comprising a unified, term-long project.

ARCH 2226b
Design Computation II
Continuation of study from ARCH 2226a Design Computation. Extended study in JAVA-based apps, for creating extended computational toolsets.



2008 - 2010
Adjunct Professor 
NY School of Interior Design
Manhattan, NY, USA
The school actively recruited me -- needing a licensed architect capable of integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows into the curriculum.

The collaboration emphasized customization of BIM workflows to align with the professional output expected from interior designers.

Each lessons’ further focus was on establishing and nurturing both present and future contractual relationships.



ID 236
Contract Documents II
(2 Semesters) Contemporary methods of construction drawing development, purpose, and organization through the use of computer-aided design and drawing.

ARCH 626
Contract Documents
(2 Semesters) Modern methods of construction drawing development, purpose, and organization through the use of computer-aided design and drawing. Study is directed and guided in the preparation of a complete set of drawings: plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, and an introduction to specifications through digital media.




Service



2021 - Present
Elected from the ranks of tenured faculty, and tasked wih the faithful execution of the following responsibilities:
    • Preside at all Senate meetings.
    • Preside at Executive Committee meetings.
    • Serve as a faculty representative to the Board of Trustees.
    • Chair the Budget, Finances, and Resource Allocations Committee.
    • Serve ex officio as a member of all standing committees.
    • Perform such other duties as are appropriate to the office.
2022 - Present
Elected to help the organization expand the knowledge base essential for high-performance building professionals and engage the community to build a clean economy.
2012 - 2018
Board of Directors
MacDowell 
New York, USA
  • 2016-2018 NYC Space Design Task Force 
  • 2018 NYC Space Launch Task Force
  • 2014-2018 Development Committee 
  • 2017 Presidential Search Committee 
2010 - 2018
President - Fellows Executive Committee
MacDowell
New York, USA
  • Elected Emeritus Member: 2019 - present
  • Service: advise Board of Directors on Colony policies and initiatives.
  • Growth: added Regional Liaison and Emeritus positions to sustain new roles.
2023 - Present
  • Elected after delivering two addresses to the general membership [1] [2].
  • Developing membership Design Guides for best practices with BIM lighting software. 
  • Elaborate Technical Memorandum for industry-standard shared parameters shared between BIM lighting files.



Technology Implimentation (BIM // VDC // Off Site // Modular)


2022 - present
Startup Aimed at Affordable Housing Solutions:
A startup with a focus on reducing both cost and carbon footprint to facilitate affordable housing. Key initiatives include the development of a modular kitchen, bathroom, and utility room product line tailored for IBC Type II & Type V construction classes. Pioneering as the first in the nation to offer Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for such products.

Strategic Collaborations:
  • Co-development of an installer network to mitigate adoption risks for Real Estate Developers, their General Contractors (GCs), and lenders.
  • Co-development of software designed to enhance the customer experience by creating a data-rich environment for the management of the installer network, on-site logistics, and interactions with lenders.

Funding Rounds:
  • 2023 Friends Round (~$150k).
  • Participation in the LaunchVT Accelerator 2023 Cohort.
  • Establisment of a Storefront Laboratory (143 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, USA) in which to build early prototypes.
  • Upcoming 2024 Seed Round with a funding goal of $1.5M.

Current Pitch Deck:
Always availible on LOGIC’s About Us page.


2016 - 2022
MiTek Modular Building Solutions, Inc., Chesterfield, MO 2020 - present
    • Undisclosed Modular Project (completed 2020) Lebanon, PA, USA.
    • Undisclosed Modular Project (completed 2021) Various locations, USA.

Jaklitsch | Gardner Architects PC, New York, NY, 2021.

Amie Gross Architects, Long Island City, NY, 2021.

Morris Adjimi Architects, New York, NY, 2016 - June 2017
    • 260 Bowery (competed 2020), Manhattan, NY, USA.
    • The Girard (completed 2018), Center City Philadelphia, PA, USA.
    • 540 West 26th Street (completed 2018), Chelsea, NY, USA.
    • Undisclosed Skyscraper (completion tbd), NJ, USA.

Sage & Coombe Architects, New York, NY, 2018 - present.
    • North Waterfront Park Outdoor Theater (completion 2022), Wilmington, NC, USA.
    • Mulberry Commons Bridge (completion 2022), Newark, NJ, USA.
    • Mulberry Commons Phase 3 (completion 2023), Newark, NJ, USA.
    • Undisclosed Project (completion tbd) NY, NY, USA.

Edelman Sultan Knox Woods, New York, NY, 2017 - present
    • Reaching New Heights Residence (completed 2018) The Bronx, NY, USA
    • Archer Green (completion 2021) Jamaica, NY, USA

David Helpern Architects, New York, NY, 2014 - 2020.
    • AC Hotel, Times Square (completed 2020), Manhattan, NY, USA.
    • 12 Fifth Avenue (completed 2018), Manhattan, NY, USA.

TRA Studio, New York, NY, 2020 - 2021
    • 967 Nostrand Avenue Mixed-Use Midrise, Brooklyn, NY, USA
    • Undisclosed Project, Brooklyn, NY USA.

Alloy Development, Brooklyn, NY, 2017 - 2018.

Life House Group, New York, NY, 2018 - 2018.

EP Engineers, New York, NY, 2017 - 2018.

Biber Architects, New York, NY, 2016 - 2017.

OBRA Architects, New York, NY, 2016 - 2016. 

2011 - 2018
Founder
Mobilis Modeling
Manhattan, NY, USA
Selldorf Architects, New York, NY, 2016 - 2019.
    • The Frick Collection - Addition & Expansion, NYC, USA.
    • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, CA, USA.
    • Private Artist Studio (Midrise) - NYC, USA.
    • Private Townhouse(s), Consolidation, Renovation - Upper East Side, NYC, USA.

SHoP Architects, New York, NY, 2013 - 2015.
    • 11 West 57th Street (completion 2021) NYC, USA.
    • Pier 17 (completed 2018) NYC, USA.
    • East River Waterfront (partially completed 2015) NYC, USA.
    • Domino Sugar Master Plan, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
    • Empire Landing (completed 2019) Staten Island, NY, USA.
    • Botswana Innovation Hub (completed 2020) Gaborone, BW.

Gluck+, Harlem, NY, 2014 - present.
    • 145 Central Park North (completed 2020) Harlem, NYC, USA.
    • THE STACK (completed 2014) Manhattan, NY, USA.
    • Private Residence (completion 2021) TN, USA.
    • Private Residence, NY, USA.

Macrea-Gibson Architects, New York, NY, 2012 - 2018.
    • PS 313 (completed 2016) Queens, NY, USA.
    • PS170 (completed 2016) Brooklyn, NY, USA.
    • PS 196Q Addition, Queens, NY, USA.

Goldstein Associates Architects, Boston, MA, 2011.

2009 - Present
BIM / VDC Consultant
AP3D Consulting
Manhattan, NY, USA
Cooper Robertson Partners, New York, NY, 2015 - 2018.

Cook Fox, New York, NY, 2012.

Diller Scofidio + Renfro, New York, NY, 2014.

Deborah Berke & Partners, New York, NY, 2014 - 2015.
    • Cummins Indy Distribution Headquarters (2017), Indianapolis, IN, USA.
    • Brook Street Residence Hall (2022), Providence, RI, USA.

Jeffrey Beers International LLC, New York, NY, 2017 - Present.

Ethelind Coblin Architects, New York, NY, 2013 - 2014.

HWKN, New York, NY, 2014 - 2015.
    • Pennovation Center (2016), Philadelphia, PA, USA
    • Journal Squared (P1 completed 2017), Jersey City, NY, USA

Ricci Greene Architects, New York, NY, Aug 2013 - Oct 2013.

Lubrano Ciavarra Architects, New York, NY, 2015 - 2017.
    • Terminal 5 - TWA Hotel Addition (2019), JFK Airport, NY, USA
    • Grand Concourse Academy Charter School (2019), The Bronx, NY, USA

Office of Visual Interaction (OVI), New York, NY, 2012 - 2013.

Switzer Group, New York, NY, 2011 - 2012.

Yablon Architects Group, New York, NY, 2019 - 2020.