Hello my name is
Jon McAllister
I am a
Designer / Carpenter
and this is
My Work
Who I am
My goal as a designer and carpenter has been to make my own contribution to the craft of architecture. Architecture and construction requires a breadth of knowledge that cannot be confined to a single skillset or manifesto. I have found it necessary to immerse myself within the field as a whole in order to emerge on the other side informed, inspired and capable. I am constantly searching for new ways to wander outside of my comfort zone in order to expand my sphere of knowledge. My goal as a designer and builder is to continually step into the mysterious in order to come out with an understanding. As Albert Einstein once said: "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead. His eyes are closed." My eyes are open.
- DegreeArchitecture
- Experience7 years
- Working atPrajna
Experience
-
2012--PresentDesigner / Carpenter
Carpentry and architectural design work from design conception through trim carpentry. All phases of design from concept sketches to working plans and sections. All phases of construction from foundations to framing to trim carpentry and everything in between.
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January 2012--August 2012Architectural Intern
Contributing to production through every phase of design, including model preparation, construction and finishing, design team development using Rhino, Microstation and Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. Chosen to act as Shop Manager for 2 weeks to coordinate work flow and oversee model design and construction.
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May 2010--August 2010Contractor / Carpenter
Contracted carpentry and general maintenance services around Richard Levine's house and studio, Raven Run. I also helped to maintaining the efficiency and "net zero" status of this pioneering passive home.
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May 2009--September 2009Contractor / Foreman
Acting as both Foreman and Lead Carpenter in this residential addtion, I was in direct contact with the project Architect (Michael Barry) at all times to make sure that the design scope and vision was maintained. I also coordinated material delivery, sub-contractor workflow and carpentry implementation.
Characteristics
Endlessly Curious
Approachable
Eager to Contribute
Reliable
Creativly Driven
Safety Focused
Design / Fabrication Skills
Some of my work
Klap residence
Client: The Klap Family
Location: Louisville, KY
Klap Residence
- Role:Foreman / Carpenter
- Client:Klap Family
- Year:2009
Green Roof Canopy
Client: Klausing Group
Location: Lexington, KY
Green Roof Canopy
- Role:Carpenter
- Client:Klausing Group
- Year:2014
Timber Frame Cabin
Client: Jody McKee
Location: Black Lake, Michigan
Timber Frame Cabin
- Role:Carpenter
- Client:McKee
- Location:Black Lake, Michigan
- Year:2013
Van Meter Residence
Client: Griffin Van Meter
Location: Lexington, KY
Van Meter Residence
- Role:Carpenter
- Client:Vanmeter
- Location:Lexington, KY
- Year:2014
Van Meter Master Suite
Client: Griffin Van Meter
Location: Lexington, KY
Master Suite
- Role:Carpenter
- Client:Griffin Van Meter
- Location:Lexington, KY
- Year:2013
Ringo Garage / Carport
Client: Jim Ringo
Location: Lexington, KY
Garage / Carport
- Role:Carpenter
- Client:Ringo
- Location:Lexington, KY
- Year:2014
Schorr Deck
Client: Schorr Family
Location: Midway, KY
Deck
- Role:Designer & Carpenter
- Client:Schorr Famly
- Location:Midway, KY
- Year:2013
Platform Bed
Birch platform bed with storage design and build
Platform Bed
- materials:Birch Stock & Plywood
- Role:Designer & Carpenter
- Client:VanMeter
- Year:2013
Car Rack
Roof top storage rack for 2005 Mazda 6 wagon
Car Rack
- materials:Ipe - Stainless Fasteners
- Role:Designer & Carpenter
- Client:Self
- Year:2014
Tynd Dining Table
Mahogany and cork dining table (seats up to 8)
Tynd Dining Table
- materials:Mahogany & Cork
- Role:Designer & Carpenter
- Client:Self
- Year:2015
Daiku Desk
Antique Poplar and Beech adjustable drafting desk
Daiku Desk
- materials:Antique Poplar, Beech, Glass
- Role:Designer & Carpenter
- Client:Self
- Year:2013
Closet
Sapele and mahogany custom closet
Closet
- materials:Sapele, Mahogany, Glass
- Role:Carpenter
- Client:Eva Ensmann
- Year:2016
Picnic Table
Hickory picnic top and bench with treated wood base structure
Picnic Table
- Materials:Hickory, Treated Wood
- Role:Carpenter
- Client:Self
- Year:2014
Parametric Planter
Learning to blur the lines between digital and analog fabrication techniques
Planter
- Studio:Independent Study
- Professor:Kyle Miller
- Year:2011
This independent study is an exploration of the applications of parametric software in both design efficiency and digital fabrication. It involved setting up a design problem, solving that problem by using Grasshopper and t-splines as the design interface, and then outputting the resulting design through digital fabrication. The fabrication aspect involved CNC outline cutting and custom carpentry techniques. The result is a design solution that maintains a healthy combination of both digital and analogue techniques.
Parametric Planter
Learning to blur the lines between digital and analog fabrication techniques
Planter
- Studio:Independent Study
- Professor:Kyle Miller
- Year:2011
This independent study is an exploration of the applications of parametric software in both design efficiency and digital fabrication. It involved setting up a design problem, solving that problem by using Grasshopper and t-splines as the design interface, and then outputting the resulting design through digital fabrication. The fabrication aspect involved CNC outline cutting and custom carpentry techniques. The result is a design solution that maintains a healthy combination of both digital and analogue techniques.
Facade Study Model
Facade Study Model
- Materials:zcorp 3d print / acrylic / laser cut bristol board
- Role:Intern
- Client:mOrphosis
- Year:2012
task: model design, construction, coordination build duration: may 2012 project program: eni research headquarters model purpose: facade structure and effects
Emerson College Construction Model
Emerson College Construction Model
- Materials:zcorp 3d print / acrylic / ball bearings / magnets
- Role:Intern
- Client:mOrphosis
- Year:2012
task: model design, construction, coordination build duration: february - march 2012 project program: intructional / administrative / residential model purpose: on-site reference sectional model
Suhe Creek Park & Art Museum
Suhe Creek Park & Art Museum
- Materials:SLA 3d print / acrylic / high density foam
- Role:Intern
- Client:mOrphosis
- Year:2012
task: model construction, coordination build duration: may 2012 project program: public park and art museum model purpose: competition model
Houston Museum of Fine Arts
Houston Museum of Fine Arts
- Materials:zcorp 3d print / acrylic / SLA 3d print
- Role:Intern
- Client:mOrphosis
- Year:2012
task: model construction, coordination build duration: January 2012 project program: Fine Arts Museum / Sculpture garden model purpose: Competition Model
Algae Research Facility
3rd year chip board model for Anne Filson's studio
Algae Research Facility
- Materials:Chip Board, Acrylic
- Professor:Anne Filson
- Studio:3rd Year Spring
- Year:2011
Parametric Facade
Z-corp and plastic 3d prints utilizing grasshopper to interface between macro design and micro aperture openings
Parametric Facade
- Materials:Z-corp, Plastic
- Professor:Kyle Miller
- Studio:4th Year Fall
- Year:2011
Cantilever / Counterweight
This structure utilizes both the drastic differences in the weights of the woods that are used (Ipe and Poplar) as well as a hinge and steel rod weight system paired with the sliding cantilever extension to create different moments of balance depending on the configuration of the elements.
Cantilever / Counterweight
- Materials:Ipe, Poplar, Steel cord, Steel Weights
- Professor:Tony Roccanova
- Studio:2nd Year, Spring
- Year:2010
Performa
Graduate project for a materials seminar that I was asked to help build as a first year student.
Performa
- Materials:Aluminum, Brass
- Professor:Mike McKay
- Studio:1st year, Spring (extra curricular)
- Year:2009
Contact Details
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