Bryan Samuel is an architect and the cofounder of the design collective, srs. architecture.
His work is characterized by a careful consideration of context and a commitment to problem solving, drawing on his experience designing for various typologies and climate conditions. An upbringing split between the near-perpetual dark of Norwegian winters and the heavy heat of Indian summers has instilled a deep appreciation for environmentally-responsive design strategies. This approach is evident in his portfolio that includes buildings in severe wildfire hazard areas, seismic zones, and snow country, where integrating environmental factors into the architecture is a prime consideration.
Bryan is motivated by conceptually challenging projects, as demonstrated by recent developments for a curved glass elevator cab for an American landmark and the headquarters for the world’s first human composting facility. Bryan’s expertise also extends across hospitality projects, tenant improvements, and most extensively in the residential sector, where he excels in crafting energy efficient homes and ADUs that integrate aging-in-place principles.
Outside of work, Bryan volunteers his time toward architectural mentorship at the University of Washington and the University of Maryland. When not immersed in architecture, you can find him riding his motorcycle or plunging into the pristine alpine lakes of the Pacific Northwest.
Olson Kundig, Seattle, WA, US, Architect
Served as project architect and designer for some of the firm's most unusual projects, ranging from the headquarters of the nation's first human composting facility to a custom designed elevator cab for a landmark building to a curving
underground cabin in a severe wildfire hazard zone.
Lead the construction administration process for a fast-track commercial industrial project.
Kahler Slater, Chicago, IL, US, Graduate Intern
Assisted in the design of a net-zero, passive house certified affordable multi-family housing project.
Square 134 Architects, Washington, DC, US, Project Architect
Designed and managed projects including a fifty unit mixed-use apartment and a forty bedroom exploration in co-housing.
Created a qualifications package and new business cards
Rebuilt the firm's Revit Standards
Studio Alliance, Washington, DC, US, Design Associate
Designed tenant improvements for corporate headquarters and law firms, from office space planning to joinery details.
Contributed VR panoramas, graphic designs, and written narratives for an RFP response that landed the largest client in the firm’s history.
Ballinger, Philadelphia, PA, US, Summer Intern
Developed construction details for an insulated metal panel system as part of a design-assist team for a hospital.
Constructed a laser cut hospital model with removable floor plates.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, US, MArch, Architecture
University of Maryland, College Park, MD, US, Bachelors, Architecture and Sustainability
Graduate Award for Design Excellence, 1st Place
Awarded to Bryan Samuel and Francisco Hernandez for their project "Bouazizi Opportunity Center"
AIA Chicage Award in Architecture, 1st Place
Awarded to Bryan Samuel and Shweta Krishnan for their project "Fields + Fabrics"
The jury, members of the AIA Chicago Foundation, agreed that “Fields + Fabrics” was their top choice. The jury thought that the project had a well-defined problem statement and that the overall design was strong and well composed. It was the clear winner.
Graduate Award for Design Excellence, 1st Place
Awarded to Bryan Samuel and Shweta Krishnan for their project "Fields + Fabrics"
The Donald E. Ferry Award, Scholarship
Awarded to a student who demonstrates outstanding potential for future achievement in the field of architecture.
Graduate Award for Design Excellence, Nomination
Nominated to the ARCH571 class for their design build project: "Allerton Nature Boxes"
