Design, Illustration, Architecture
I am a New York City-based, Lagos-born learner, spacemaker, storyteller, designer, creator, and illustrator showcasing my work online as @ureunbothered.
My creative practice uses organic shapes and bold colors as tools to center and celebrate the necessary rest, care, and tenderness that is rarely associated with blackness, especially black womanhood. Through my works across a variety of design media including architecture, illustration, and technology, I explore elements of my personal life, aspirations, and identity.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation where
I was the recipient of the Lucille Smyser Lowenfish Memorial Prize award for the most outstanding student in the final semester design studios. I currently serve as a Board of Director at Ubuntu Education, Inc. whose mission is to decolonize and recalibrate how architecture is being taught, designed, and experienced in order to pave way for more equitable and socially conscious design globally.
I currently work as a designer at 2x4.
For partnerships and job opportunities, or just to say hi, feel free to get in touch at ure@urechioguguo.com.
Education
2019 - 2021
Columbia University
Master of Architecture
2013 - 2017
University of Texas at San Antonio
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
2017
Università degli Studi di Urbino
Semester Study Abroad
Skills
Technical - Metal Welding, Model Making, Hand Drafting, Sketching, Laser Cutting, CNC Milling, 3D Printing, Woodworking
Digital - Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD, Unreal Engine, Procreate
Language - English (native), Igbo (basic), American Sign Language (basic, fingerspelling)
Work Experience
2021 - Present
2 x 4 Inc., Junior Designer
Conceptualizing, strategizing, designing, and presenting graphics, architectural, and branding ideas to multinational clients in collaboration with the 2x4 Space/ Architecture Team.
2018 - Present
Urechi Oguguo LLC, Founder + Illustrator
Collaborating with clients to conceptualize and tell compelling stories of/for their business,brands, or personal identities through vibrant illustrations and designs.
2020 - 2021
Columbia University GSAPP, Events Assistant
Created posters, schedules and other program event collateral. Edited the GSAPP website and provided technical assistance during/ in preparation for GSAPP Lectures and Discussions.
2020 - 2020
Barnard College | Advanced Architectural Research+Design, Teaching Assistant
Provided design mentorship to students and assisted Karen Fairbanks in conducting her senior architecture studio course at Barnard + Columbia College.
2019 - 2021
Columbia University GSAPP, Makerspace Assistant
Handled and maintained the machinery and equipment in the workshop. Assisted with student workflow through the workshop space.
2018 - 2019
Overland Partners, Architectural Intern
Created schematic design sketches for a architecture and landscape design projects. Presented ideas to and discussed design decisions with clients. Created pristine site-models for large scale design projects.
2018 - 2018
Participation Studio (PARTS), Designer
Designed posters, fliers, way-finding and exhibition design materials for several community events. Helped facilitate design charrettes at local community meetings around the city of San Antonio.
Leadership/ Involvement
2020 - Present
Ubuntu Education Inc., Design ‘InDuna’ + Program Coordinator + Director
Assisted in building a curriculum for the annual Summer Abroad program, and led with outreach to students from around globe to collaborate on a design for a home for the Ngcobo Family in Durban, South Africa. Serving our mission to decolonize and recalibrate how architecture is being taught, designed, and experienced in order to pave way for more equitable and socially conscious design globally.
2020 - 2021
Columbia University GSAPP, Black Students Alliance
Served on the Board as Social Chair
2016 - 2017
UTSA College of Architecture, American Institute of Architecture Students Served on the Board as Studio Culture Chair
Awards
2019 - 2021
Columbia University Avery Scholarship
2017 - 2018
AIA Component Scholarship
2017 - 2018
San Antonio Masonry Contractors Component Scholarship
Exhibitions
2019
RAW Artists Showcase. San Antonio, TX