Shea Gilligan

Created in the spring of 2011, with partners Alok Shetty and Nathan Smith, founding members of the design team s^3. This is a shipping container which unfolds to accommodate 250 people. Its flexibility allows it to respond to different site conditions and one blackbox can change into each of the major theatre configurations.  The original design intention also allowed for different programmatic interiors, so the seats could be interchanged for a mobile clinic, or used as an accessory classroom. Status: Half-scale prototyping completed in 2015, full scale prototyping currently underway.

This was a quick render for a new facade proposal for The Nassau Brewing Company, the oldest historic brewery in Brooklyn.  Our intention was to pay homage to the rich past of the building, so the original windows and shell were kept respectfully visible, (though non-operable) and new window openings were punched through the historic facade, signifying a new life for the building. There are abstracted hops leaves etched into the existing brick to form a pattern that wraps the corner and creates another layer of communication about this unique building. 

Shea was editor-in-chief of sub_teXXt, the online journal of architeXX from 2014-2015.  The content generated by the journal aimed to change the dialog within and about architecture. Writing was used to promote the voices of the underrepresented, look critically at ways of harmonizing and negotiating the distance between academy and practice, and challenge the status quo which has marginalized women and minorities.  Photos shown here are of ArchiteXX's 2014 design action, Public Choices Private Spaces, which was exhibited at Parson's Gallery on Fifth Avenue, New York. Photos of PCPS exhibit by Ashley Simone. 

Schematic Design of this Videogame Company Headquarters. A 1970s office building in Santa Monica, California, into a more efficient work space with new amenities for the employees of interactive entertainment company activision/blizzard. The faceted intervention replaces the double-width central floor plates in the original building's figure-eight plan. After the northridge earthquake in 1994, a moment frame was built to help reinforce this central section. As the integral floors could not be altered without affecting the structural stability, they were completely removed. Without the supportive planes, diagonals which form an N in plan provide lateral bracing and a new system of spaces for communal interaction and relaxation has been inserted. Defined by a series of bifurcated floor plates, bends at columns intersections prevent buckling, and allow the space to double as staged seating and circulation. Upper levels are designated for use by the publishing division of Activision, while the entry level and its associated cafes and lounges are used by both company branches.  Professional Renders by Luxigon, professional model by Radii. Project Phase: Schematic Design. Design team member of team of 5, assembled by REX Architecture. Project Status: Unbuilt. 

Thompson Salon Soho is the new identity of the former Space Salon, owned and operated by Norman James and Janette Bower. This bustling hair salon downsized from a 2,300 s.f. space to around 1,500 s.f. yet maintained all of their main stylists, and faithful clientele. The space was designed to maximize efficiency and accomodate 12 cutting stations, 4 washing stations, 2 nail stations and a private waxing room. Project Phase: Schematic Design, Filing documents. Status: Completed 2014.

A 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2000 sf. ft. gut renovation. With views of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, this residence was a combination of two adjacent condominiums. Views of the bridge were maintained as feature of this condo. Project Phase: Schematic Design, Filing Documents, Design Development, Construction Documents, Construction Administration. Status: Completed 2014. 

In December 2014, I had an article published in a book, entitled Women in Architecture. My article, entitled "Networked Strength" provides context for what is happening globally for women in the field, and focuses on specific initiatives by ArchiteXX.  The article was printed in English and translated into Serbian. The book's Editor-in-chief was Milena Zindović and publisher was the Centre for Architecture Belgrade.

This house was designed in 1906 by architect Albert Faber.  The first few photos, were one taken for The New York Times Real Estate Magazine. The extent of this interior renovation included the expansion of the downstairs powder room into a full, modern bathroom, and the addition of a second kitchen and laundry room to the upper floor. The photos of the powder room with pedestal sink show the "before" photos, the full bath, with black hexagonal tiles, pebble shower floor and clerestory window in the new bath are the new design. There was demolition of some interior partition walls to create a more open floor plan on the upper floor. Project Phase: Schematic Design, Filing Documents, Design Development, Construction Administration. General Contractor: Modern Organic Construction Status: Completed 2014

Roof and rear addition to this single family residence. Project Phase: Schematic Design, Filing Documents, Design Development, Construction Documents, Construction Administration. General Contractor: Fullerton Xu Construction. Status: In Progress

2500 s.f. gut renovation of WindowFix Headquarters, including offices and a window display showroom.  Our concept was to create a "living room" showroom, so perspective buyers could experience what it might feel like, to be at home, sitting next to their new window.  The conference room was fit out with new energy efficient windows by Klearwall.  Windowfix promises to be a sustainability leader in terms of education and promotion for double and triple paned windows, which reduce energy loss and excess consumption.  Project Phase: Schematic Design, Filing Documents, Design Development, Construction Administration. General Contractor: Fullerton Xu Construction. Status: In Progress

One ongoing interest of mine lies the performance of design.  How much energy does a building use? How is that measured that and then how can we design to reduce it? The Passive House principles outline clear achievable means of designing  for energy efficiency, comfort and economic and environmental sustainability. The passive house is not a brand, it is an open source building concept.  Photos taken by me at the Passive House Academy Tradesperson Training Facility, Bronx NY.  

Pratt, Parsons, Syracuse University

House in Amagansett, New York. Duplex in Montauk, New York. Project Phase: Construction Documents. Project Status: Completed in 2013.

A monthly writing group is held and hosted by Sarah Rafson and myself to encourage more women architects to get their writings, ideas and drawings published. We offer writing exercises, copy-editing services and feedback ranging from general readability to strength of concept to audience appropriateness. 

Please read about my work and life experience, in text format here.