Check out the article below to read about Rolling Greens’ amazing transformation!
Who can forget a name like Almarine Kitchens? Our former intern is back and we couldn’t be happier about it!
Almarine rejoined our team in July as an Architectural Associate where she has jumped into a number of projects helping with everything from developing design options to construction site walks. She enjoys taking a project from schematic ideas to concrete realities. We like the sound of that!
We must have an attraction to the talent graduating from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo because Almarine, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, adds to our firm’s Mustang pride. Founding partner Rocky Rockefeller and RKA design associate Alex Alvarez are Cal Poly Architecture grads, too.
Read on to find out more about Almarine. And if you have a minute, check out her favorite Instagrammer @gandyworks for a little inspiration!
Name: Almarine Kitchens
RKA Title: Architectural Associate
Degree(s) & From Where: Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Professional Affiliations: AIA
Where do you find your creative inspiration? I enjoy storytelling and writing. The story is the background and motivation of every idea; finding and telling the story helps to make things real and give reason to every move that follows.
What keeps you inspired? I stay inspired through curiosity and a desire to learn. I am always questioning how things work, how I could make them better or how I can use this new knowledge to solve a different problem. Always looking for new things to learn ensures that I am always growing and inspired to pursue new ideas.
What's your favorite building in L.A.? I favor The Getty Center for its clean details and exquisitely executed craftsmanship. The entire place is cohesive and everything from the connection of the handrails to the shape of the trees has been thought out and maintained with the greatest of care.
What do you love most about working at RKA? Working at RKA is a continual learning experience. It’s encouraged to take on new tasks and gain new knowledge whenever there is a need or opportunity. I have always felt like a valued member of the team and that everyone is here to help.
We’re pleased to have the talents of Laura Kapp on the RKA team as a new Architectural Associate. She joined us in July and has been upping our rendering game ever since.
Laura recently received her Masters of Architecture from the University of Southern California and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council as well as the AIA.
Learn more about Laura’s creative side and where she thinks the craft of architecture is going.
Welcome to the team, Laura! We’re happy you’re here.
Name: Laura Kapp
RKA Title: Architectural Associate
Degree(s) & From Where: Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a minor in Graphic Arts Technology from Ball State University; Masters of Architecture from the University of Southern California
Professional Affiliations: AIA & USGBC
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
My creative inspiration comes from observing different art forms, such as furniture design, collage art, fashion, sculpture, and film (to name a few). I especially enjoy seeing art that interprets traditional materials in radically new ways or that creates interesting juxtapositions.
Jorinde Voigt's work is one of my more current obsessions. She creates captivatingly intricate paintings that live somewhere between diagram, art, and environment. I admire the way she is able to craft art that feels both mathematical and yet also deeply emotional and ephemeral.
Tell us a passion of yours.
Fabrication is a huge passion of mine and one that I inherited from my grandfather. As he did, I love making things with my hands and learning the temperaments of different materials. I'm also fascinated by digital fabrication technology and enjoy thinking up new ways to put my 3D printer to use.
What's your favorite building in L.A.?
Art museums are sacred places to me and I'm completely infatuated by the Broad. It's a simple concept, a museum "vault" covered by an elaborate "veil" facade. However, depending on the time of day and the season in which you visit, the sun interacts with the facade to give you a completely new experience each time.
Where do you see the future of architecture?
I believe architecture will become increasingly more customizable, affordable, and sustainable as it continues to embrace new technologies. My hope is that with these newly integrated technologies, architecture will become more accessible and exceptional design will become the new norm.
What do you love most about working at RKA?
I love the positive work environment and being surrounded by so many talented and hard working people.