CARMINA FERRERAS
SAY IT LOUD - North Carolina Exhibitor
North Carolina Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The drive that I see in the people that I work with. A teacher's work ethic, contractors who work tirelessly to meet deadlines, & local architects who are building a firm (at times also raising families) all inspire me to give back through design.
CARMINA FERRERAS
Bio:
The great designer, Carmina Ferreras received her Math Education Bachelor's degree from NC State University, and is completing her last year in the MArch program at NC State. With experience from Tonic Design, LS3P, and CANNONstudio, her projects ideate from their cultural environment, and covers a range from residential and commercial buildings in downtown Raleigh to faith based and educational builds. Cultural and historical context along with the community plays a deep role in every phase of her design process.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
At 8, I built a diorama in class, & my teacher said, "Chase this." Once I acknowledged my passion for precision, working with my hands, & beautiful solutions that solved problems with people, I knew this was a profession I could do impactful work.
What do you do?
I teach math + drawing architecture. I like to dance and sing. I also hike and snowboard. I am a proud dog mom to my mini dachshund, Penny. I am currently part of a great team helping design Durham Academy's Middle school campus with CANNONstudio.
What excites you in the work you do?
When an idea in my mind is able to come into fruition and is built for the community to experience. Seeing students and teachers use their new spaces as teaching and bonding moments is truly an exciting outcome that drives my designs process.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The drive that I see in the people that I work with. A teacher's work ethic, contractors who work tirelessly to meet deadlines, & local architects who are building a firm (at times also raising families) all inspire me to give back through design.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Having experience in the educational field and successfully transition into design to help that field. My professors, studio mates, and twice receiving the AIA Triangle Honor award helps support and solidify my decision to be in the profession.
Featured Project Name:
Raleigh Innovation Space - The Raleigh Thread
Featured Project Location:
Downtown Raleigh - Southern Gateway
Featured Project Completion Date:
Unbuilt - Project made in Fall Semester of 2020
Role in Featured Project:
Designer
Featured Project Description:
The Gateway studio includes a site analysis & masterplan of the 55-acre site between Dix Park & Downtown Raleigh. Lowering Western Blvd + introducing a pedestrian greenway thread that passes community buildings & green pockets from the park to downtown connects the once divided neighborhood. Anchoring the site, I designed an Innovation space with a “learn, think, do” mentality. The library & distributed double height study spaces make it a resilient space for the community to grow together.
