Portfolio 2026 // Architecture + Urbanism
Open to Work
01 // Cover Page
Elara
Voss
Architect · M.Arch Columbia University · 8 Years Experience
Projects Completed
47+
Awards Received
12
Countries Built
6
Residential Design
Civic Architecture
Adaptive Reuse
Urban Planning
02 // Selected Works
Project
Portfolio.
Six projects spanning residential, civic, cultural, and commercial typologies — each representing a distinct design challenge and response.
Hudson Valley, NY · 2025
Meridian House
Private Residence
4,200 sf
2025
View Project →
Portland, OR · 2024
Civic Library
Public Infrastructure
28,000 sf
2024
View Project →
Detroit, MI · 2024
The Foundry
Adaptive Reuse
62,000 sf
2024
View Project →
Chicago, IL · 2023
Heliodor Tower
High-Rise Residential
185,000 sf
2023
View Project →
Seattle, WA · 2023
Watershed Pavilion
Cultural + Landscape
8,400 sf
2023
View Project →
Brooklyn, NY · 2022
Seam Studio
Creative Workspace
12,000 sf
2022
View Project →
03 // Design Process
How I
Work.
A rigorous, iterative process from first site visit to final punch list — maintaining design integrity at every stage.
Discovery
Site + Context Analysis
Every project begins with rigorous site investigation — topography, solar access, wind patterns, circulation, views, and the social fabric of the neighborhood. I believe architecture is always a response to a specific place.
Tools: Physical site visits, GIS mapping, shadow studies, pedestrian flow analysis, community stakeholder interviews.
Synthesis
Concept Development
The concept phase is where constraints become generative. I develop 3–5 distinct conceptual approaches through sketch, model, and diagram — testing each against the program, site, and client values before committing to a direction.
Tools: Hand sketching, physical study models (1:200 to 1:50), parti diagrams, precedent research.
Development
Design Documentation
From concept approval through construction documentation, I maintain the integrity of the design idea while resolving every technical detail — structural coordination, envelope performance, material specification, and contractor RFIs.
Tools: Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, energy modeling (IES VE), specification writing.
Realization
Construction Administration
Design is only complete when built. I am a regular presence on site — reviewing submittals, responding to RFIs, and ensuring the built work honors the intent of the drawings. I have administered over $120M in construction value.
Experience: Weekly site meetings, submittal review, change order negotiation, punch list, certificate of occupancy.
04 // Technical Competency
Skills +
Software.
8 years of progressive responsibility across all project phases — from schematic design through construction administration.
Software Proficiency
Revit
BIM95%
Rhino + Grasshopper
Parametric90%
AutoCAD
Drafting98%
SketchUp
3D Modeling85%
Adobe Creative Suite
Visualization92%
V-Ray / Enscape
Rendering88%
IES VE
Energy Analysis75%
Bluebeam Revu
Documentation90%
Project Typologies
Residential Design
Single and multi-family, Passive House, luxury custom homes
Civic + Cultural
Libraries, community centers, pavilions, public spaces
Adaptive Reuse
Historic preservation, industrial conversion, mixed-use
Commercial
Office, workplace, retail, hospitality
Licenses + Credentials
LEED AP BD+C
NCARB Certified
AIA Member
Passive House Designer (PHIUS)
WELL AP
NY Licensed Architect
Career Highlights
Construction Value Administered
$120M+
Projects Published
14
Speaking Engagements
8
Years Experience
8
05 // Professional Profile
About
Elara.
Elara Voss
Architect, M.Arch
Based in
New York, NY
Education
Columbia GSAPP, M.Arch 2016
Undergraduate
Cornell AAP, B.Arch 2014
Languages
English, German, French
Design Philosophy
"Architecture is the art of making space that outlasts its brief. I design buildings that will be inhabited, modified, and loved by people I will never meet."
I am an architect with eight years of progressive experience across residential, civic, cultural, and commercial typologies. My practice is grounded in rigorous site investigation, material honesty, and a deep commitment to sustainability — not as a certification checklist, but as a fundamental ethic of building.
I have worked at three internationally recognized firms — SOM, Studio Gang, and Snøhetta — where I led projects from schematic design through construction administration. I am seeking a senior role at a practice where design excellence and social responsibility are inseparable.
Selected Publications
Architectural Record, March 2025 — Meridian House
Dezeen, October 2023 — Watershed Pavilion
Metropolis Magazine, 2024 — The Foundry
Interior Design Magazine, 2022 — Seam Studio
Career Timeline
2016
Junior Architect
SOM — New York
High-rise residential and mixed-use
2018
Project Architect
Studio Gang — Chicago
Civic and cultural typologies
2020
Senior Architect
Snøhetta — New York
Cultural and landscape integration
2023
Design Lead
Freelance + Competition Work
Independent practice and competitions
2026
Available
Seeking Senior Position
Ready to join a design-forward practice
06 // Get In Touch
Let's
Connect.
I am actively seeking senior architect positions at design-forward practices. I am available for interviews immediately and can start within 4 weeks.
Available for New Opportunities
Direct Contact