University of Oregon — B.Arch

Rashmi Bhatia

Architecture • Design • Art

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About

Designing spaces where beauty meets structure

I am a first-year architecture student in the University of Oregon's 5-year B.Arch program, with two semesters of intensive design coursework completed. My work bridges hand-crafted techniques — graphite, charcoal, physical model building — with digital tools like AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.

Before Oregon, I completed a 4-week Architecture Summer Career Workshop at Cal Poly SLO, trained at Ichen Art Academy for three years, and founded a graphic design business, Brushmi's Designs. As a Distinguished Eagle Scout, I bring discipline, leadership, and community-mindedness to everything I create.

2 Semesters
4.1 GPA — Dean's List
20+ Projects

ARCH 202 — Design Skills

Foundations of Architectural Representation

This course transformed my perception of the built environment, highlighting the minuscule architectural details that many overlook. By engaging with techniques like orthographic and paraline projection, color media, and physical model making, I came to understand how aesthetic beauty can coexist within a structurally sound, livable space.

Line, Tone, Color, Perception - Sheet 1
Assignment 01

Line, Tone, Color, Perception

Explorations in graphite and colored pencil examining fundamental elements of visual perception and architectural representation.

Graphite & Colored Pencil 11" x 17"
Line, Tone, Color, Perception - Sheet 2
Assignment 01 (cont.)

Line, Tone, Color, Perception

Further investigations into how line weight, tonal value, and color interact to create depth and spatial understanding.

Graphite & Colored Pencil 11" x 14"
Analytical Diagrams - Digital
Assignment 02

Analytical Diagrams

Digital diagramming exploring architectural analysis through abstraction. Translating spatial relationships into clear visual communication.

Adobe Illustrator 11" x 17"
Analytical Diagrams - Physical Model
Assignment 02 (Model)

Analytical Diagrams — Physical Model

Three-dimensional interpretation of analytical diagrams, translating 2D analysis into a physical cardboard and paper model.

Paper & Cardboard 10" x 8" x 4"
Orthographic I
Assignment 03

Orthographic I

Plan, section, and elevation drawings rendered in graphite. Understanding how buildings are documented through precise orthographic projection.

Graphite 19" x 25"
Orthographic II
Assignment 04

Orthographic II

Advanced orthographic projection exploring more complex building forms and the relationship between plan and elevation.

Graphite 14" x 11"
Paraline Projection I
Assignment 05

Paraline Projection I

Axonometric and isometric drawings combining graphite precision with colored pencil to reveal three-dimensional spatial relationships.

Graphite & Colored Pencil 18" x 24"
Perspective Projection I
Assignment 06

Perspective Projection I

Perspective drawing enriched with paper collage, bringing depth and materiality to architectural visualization through mixed media.

Graphite, Colored Pencil & Paper Collage 18" x 24"
Orthographic III - AutoCAD
Assignment 07

Orthographic Projection III

Transitioning from hand to digital: precise orthographic drawings produced in AutoCAD, bridging traditional skills with industry-standard tools.

AutoCAD 18" x 24"
Digital Collage
Assignment 08

Digital Collage

Compositing imagery in Photoshop to create evocative architectural narratives through layering, texture, and digital manipulation.

Adobe Photoshop 11" x 17"
Paraline Projection II
Assignment 09

Paraline Projection II

Advanced paraline drawing in graphite demonstrating refined technique and deeper understanding of three-dimensional representation.

Graphite 14" x 14"

Architecture Studio

Design Studio — From Concept to Model

Studio coursework ranging from photographic composition and diagramming to physical model building, city design, and live-work structures. These projects explore materiality, light, spatial sequence, and the relationship between people and the built environment.

Framed Composition
Photography

Framed Composition

De-objectifying everyday imagery through careful framing and composition, rendering objects practically unrecognizable and unique in their own way.

Photography 2024
Diagramming
Analytical

Diagramming

Exploring intricate structural details through stippling and cross-hatching on transparent paper, reimagining how objects are perceived.

Transparent Paper & Markers 14" x 17"
Surface-Plane
Model Building

Surface-Plane

Exploring the dynamics of surface planes through triangular forms, creating a sense of movement with floating elements that evoke balance and tension.

Bristol & Applicator Sticks 7" x 3"
Light Box
Model Building

Light Box

Examining how light transforms space. A sun-shaped cutout casts light while purple paper behind a Bristol moon creates atmospheric color — demonstrating light's impact on the built environment.

Cardboard, Bristol & Construction Paper 8" x 9" x 4"
Site Integration
Model Building

Site Integration

Intentional structure placement with a sun-lit pathway, light box on a hill, and applicator sticks symbolizing trees — integrating architecture with landscape.

Chipboard & Cardboard 12" x 24"
Long Span Bridge
Collaboration • Model Building

Long Span

A functional 3-foot bridge built entirely from applicator sticks. The hexagonal base piece was replicated and connected to create a structurally sound, aesthetically cohesive span capable of rolling a basketball across.

Applicator Sticks 3 ft span
[RE]Defining City - Cataracta
Collaboration • Urban Design

[RE] Defining City — Cataracta

A sustainable rainforest city where humans and animals coexist. Featuring eco-friendly homes, treehouses, gondola systems, hydroponic farming, and wind/hydro turbines. Complete with map, diorama, and physical model.

Bristol, Construction Paper, Wood & Cardboard Map + Model + Diorama
Live-Work-Share
Model Building

Live — Work — Share

A to-scale live-work structure featuring an innovative triangular solar panel walkway, open gable roof, and pyramidal side roofs — designed for living, working, and sharing with loved ones.

Basswood, Bristol & Applicator Sticks 4" x 7"
Little Black Sketchbook
Personal

Little Black Sketchbook

My most prized possession. I take it everywhere — whenever I see something interesting, I sketch it. I'm more likely to remember the beauty of a place I have drawn than simply photographed.

Pen & Paper 6" x 4" — Ongoing

Fine Art

Charcoal Portraits

Trained at Ichen Art Academy, I've created over 35 oil paintings, charcoal drawings, and digital art pieces. These charcoal portraits hold deep personal meaning — each capturing not just a likeness, but the warmth and spirit of the people I love.

Nani - Charcoal Portrait

Nani

A portrait of the light of my life, my grandmother. Her wrinkles represent her everlasting smile and her eyes shine with pride. She is what I see when I hear the word love.

Charcoal • 12" x 14" • 2023
Bliss - Charcoal Portrait

Bliss

She represents the feeling of wind running through your hair — absolute calm and contentment. Light moves across her face while dark values define her characteristics.

Charcoal • 12" x 14" • 2022
Ms. Khan - Charcoal Portrait

Ms. Khan

A memorial portrait for my friend whose mother passed away. I hoped to capture her mother's warmth and patience. This piece taught me that art can heal — and that everything I create should have meaning and purpose.

Charcoal • 12" x 14" • 2024

Skills & Experience

Tools, Training & Background

Design Software

  • AutoCAD
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Rhino
  • Revit
  • Procreate / Canva

Hand Techniques

  • Graphite Drawing
  • Charcoal Portraiture
  • Colored Pencil
  • Oil Painting
  • Physical Model Building
  • Paper Collage

Architecture Skills

  • Orthographic Projection
  • Paraline / Axonometric
  • Perspective Drawing
  • Site Analysis
  • Concept Modeling
  • Digital Collage

Other

  • JavaScript / Python
  • Graphic Design
  • Photography
  • Teaching
  • Leadership

Education & Experience

2025 – Present

University of Oregon — B.Arch

5-year professional architecture program. Dean's List, 4.1 GPA. Active in AIA student chapter and South Asian Cultural Alliance.

Summer 2024

Cal Poly SLO — Architecture Summer Workshop

4-week intensive in design fundamentals, structural engineering, site/community planning. Final gallery exhibition.

2023 – Present

Brushmi's Designs — Founder

Graphic design business specializing in logos and merchandise. Clients include school teams, student coalitions, and a medical podcast.

2021 – 2024

Ichen Art Academy

Mastered charcoal portraiture, oil painting, and digital art. Created 35+ pieces across multiple media. AP Studio Art Bootcamp.

2019 – 2025

Boy Scouts of America — Distinguished Eagle Scout

Co-founded an all-female troop (60+ members). Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Eagle Project: community mural at Fremont Christian School.

Contact

Let's Connect

Interested in collaboration, opportunities, or just want to chat about architecture and design?

✉ bhatiarashmi857@gmail.com ★ @brushmiii