Christopher Polson

Architectural designer and artist from Boston specializing in high spec residential and large-format mixed media sculptures. Currently residing in the bustling port city of Auckland New Zealand, Christopher was born in Connecticut and comes from a long line of craftsmen. His great grandfather, Alexander, was a master craftsman who handmade Steinway pianos in New York around the turn of the century, you can find some of Alexander’s tools still in use at Christopher's workshop imbibing a tradition of handmade items from generations past. His Grandfather Walter was a die-maker for Wallace Silversmiths and in his free time made intricately designed fishing lures from the same process, many of those lures can be found swimming around the studio as a symbol of inspiration and folly. It was through Walter, and the Saturdays spent in his workshop, that he found a passion for tinkering and exploring. "My grandfather’s workshop was a treasure trove of tools, broken items and parts, I was often given something to fix that my grandfather gave up on, it was the mystery of how it worked and how it was put together that captured my imagination." That initial experience drove him towards a career in Architecture, "It was the parts that make a whole and how the spaces worked and fit together, the design process was a big puzzle." Christopher has a great sense of spatial relationships and a good mind’s-eye for 3D processing, coupled with the ease of understanding new technologies and a keen sense of materials and methods proved that Architecture was a great fit. Christopher started studying architecture at age 14 and was one of the first students to ever use AutoCAD in his hometown, and even before traditional CAD programs, he learned programming and plotting from an early age, keen on the knowledge of creating objects with a computer. Christopher studied Architecture at Wentworth in Boston (BARCH) and during this time studied abroad in Europe focusing on architecture's roots to modern masters. Pairing this experience and the crucial understanding of form and function, along with technical know-how, he also has a diverse teaching and mentoring background. From holding an adjunct professor position in an accredited architecture program to coaching at professional levels of skiing these experiences have given him a strong foundation for management in an office setting.  Christopher also has furthered his studies at Massachusetts College of Art, focusing on sculpture and form. After 20 years of solely practicing architecture, in firms both large and small, Christopher decided to draw back on his experience in sculpture, his works often resemble his love of nature and science, focusing on the preservation of life on this amazing planet, as well as his passion for fiction, the surreal and just a general admiration of everything creative. You can find his pieces at galleries and private collections as well as public permanent installations. All his sculptures are custom designed and can be commissioned for interior or exterior applications.

Over 20 years of industry experience and a strong knowledge of high specification residential design & construction management with additional experience on commercial & institutional projects. These project types include, but are not limited to, mixed use, apartment buildings, schools, gallery spaces, street front, retail, office & laboratory layouts. Interested in sustainable design, urban design, and civil planning as well as landscape design and open space planning. Also, with an extensive and diverse teaching background that is well suited for the management and mentoring of others within a team environment or one-on-one situations. Well versed in building information modelling using Autodesk Revit and a past contributor in the Autodesk participating design panel program. Experienced with Photoshop and other presentation layouts including animations and walk-throughs. Well organized and efficient with the ability to quickly learn new programs and office procedures. Good communication and relationship management skills honed from past managing and teaching experience with the ability to navigate between different learning types in a team environment. 

• Complete understanding of the design process with a diverse knowledge of architecture, building methods and materials. Able to manage the building design process.

• Experience in assisting with consent processes and working with clients to establish the brief and scope of projects. Also experience in advising clients on timeframes and costs associated with design options and changes of scope during the design process. Understanding that the client is the focus and their satisfaction is crucial to a project’s success.

• Experience with managing a design team and planning projects as well as setting up schedules and timelines to maintain proficiency and productivity.

• Experience carrying out site investigations and accurately documenting existing conditions.

• Experience with navigating statutory and regulatory building requirements quickly and efficiently.

• Experience at researching building materials, products and methods of construction.

• Proficient at generating drawings and accurate, high quality details.

• Communicates well in a collaborative team environment as well as when coordinating with other building disciplines and clients. Able to follow instructions accurately and delegate responsibilities to team members efficiently.

• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of building information modelling, able to quickly learn new programs and implement updates of existing ones.

• Excellent design skills with the ability to convey ideas to clients or within a team environment.

• Highly creative, with an eye for detail and the ability to visualize three dimensions easily.

• Well organized in all aspects of the work environment. Able to achieve clarity and accuracy through self-discipline.

• Excels at problem solving and the ability to make good judgements.

• Respectful, reliable, honest, sociable and engaged.

• Revit - Autodesk Participating Design Panel

• Revit - Autodesk Beta Tester

• Boston Revit User Group

• Habitat for Humanity