CURRICULUM VITAE
education
Master of Architecture
Columbia University New York, NY | May 2009
independent study: Ornamental Connectivity: Form, Fabrication, and Data Environments
Master of Science in Urban Planning
Columbia University New York, NY | May 2006
masters thesis: The Quasi-Public Good: The Ethics of Information in New York City Planning
Bachelor of Arts in Art: Architecture and Urbanism
Smith College Northampton, MA | May 2002
special studies: The Pruitt-Igoe Paradox
special studies: set design for The House of Bernarda Alba
research experience
Temple Hoyne Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture
associate research scholar New York, NY | February 2009 - present
Researching the status of public housing as a built social infrastructure in the United States while preparing a dossier of research
Spatial Information Design Lab, Columbia University
research assistant New York, NY | February 2006 - May 2009
Perform geographic information systems analysis and map design within various projects in the SIDL. Major projects have included Architecture and Justice and an investigation of recidivism in post-Katrina New Orleans.
Network Architecture Lab, Columbia University
research assistant New York, NY | July 2007 - May 2009
Book projects have included The Infrastructural Cityand The Philip Johnson Tapes. Additional work within the lab has consisted of fulfilling day-to-day operations and research needs, including drafting a press-pack for the NetLab.
Smith College Department of Art
research assistant Northampton, MA | September 1999 - May 2000
Research 19th-century Boston firm Peabody and Stearns through written and graphical materials. Compiled and archived findings in a searchable database.
selected additional work experience
PRE
founding partner New York, NY | June 2008 - present
Founding partner in a New York-based architecture and planning design collaboration.
"Underdome" at Van Alen Institute
project manager New York, NY | February 2009 - present
Research, document, and help organize Erik Carver and Janette Kim's Fellowship Project, Underdome.
Freelance Geographic Information Systems Analyst and Cartographer
New York, NY | May 2006 - present
Analyze raw geospatial information using GIS software and design maps for various clients. Maps have been produced for book and magazine publication as well as for public education and advocacy purposes.
URBAN Magazine
editor New York, NY | December 2004 - December 2005
Chose the topic explored in each issue. Coordinated writers and staff. Selected and edited articles. Oversaw production, redesigned magazine layout and website.
NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development
intern New York, NY | June 2005 - December 2005
Compiled and managed vacant land and current project inventories. Created presentation materials, including GIS maps and graphics. Assisted project development and programming.
teaching experience
Teaching Assistant: Advanced Architectural Studio Columbia University | Fall 2009
Teaching Assistant: GIS and Planning Support Systems Columbia University | Spring 2009
Teaching Assistant: Geographic Information Systems Columbia University | 2006 - 2008
Teaching Assistant and Writing Instructor : Architectural History University of Limerick | 2008
Teaching Assistant: Introduction to GIS Columbia University | Fall 2005
*Leah has also appeared on multiple GIS and Architectural Studio course reviews.
publications
Urbanisms: Working with Doubt, Princeton Architectural Press, 2009.
by Steven Holl; Maps contributed.
"Upset Ethics," Crisis, Urban China Bootlegged by C-Lab for Volume, February 2009.
with Aaron Davis
"Upset Ethics," Urban China, September 2008.
with Aaron Davis
The Infrastructural City: Networked Ecologies in Los Angeles, ACTAR, 2008.
edited by Kazys Varnelis; Maps contributed.
"Design in the Age of Intelligent Maps," Adobe Think Tank, July 2008.
with Kazys Varnelis
"Fair Play and Forced Forfeiture" URBAN, Spring 2006.
"An attempt at Rational Planning" The Question of New Orleans, Columbia University, 2006.
with Clare Newman
"Advocacy on Madison Avenue" URBAN, Fall 2005.
"The Tie that Binds" URBAN, Fall 2005.
editors' introduction
"Predicting, Preempting, Recovering, Rebuilding," URBAN, Spring 2005
editors' introduction
"It's All About the Spin" URBAN, Spring 2005.
with Elizabeth Kays
awards and positions
William Kinne Fellows Prize Columbia University | Spring 2009
Charles Abrams Urban Planning Thesis Prize Columbia University | Spring 2006
Smith College Academic Honor Board, chair | 2001-2002
Dean's List Smith College | 1999-2001
STRIDE Scholar Smith College | 1998-2000
skills
Software and Computer Languages
ESRI ArcGIS; Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Premiere, AfterEffects, and Flash; Autodesk AutoCAD and 3dsMax; Rhinocerous; Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and Access; SPSS; Mastercam; HTML; ActionScript; Python
Language
Working knowledge of written and spoken Spanish
Miscellanea
Arc Welding; Basic Carpentry; CNC milling
websites
www.leahmeisterlin.com
www.pre-office.com
www.spontaneousarchitecture.net