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derek wendt he/him
Architect | Illustrator | JEDI Specialist
AIA | NCARB | LEED Green Associate
Derek Wendt is an architect and illustrator in Seattle.
Derek is a passionate architect and sensorial designer with a strong belief in collaborative and integrated design process. He brings a deep commitment to creating deliberate projects for the people to engage with the environments and impact the way they feel, hear, think, and behave.
Derek has 6+ years of experience with a diverse architectural background in aviation, civic, interiors, multi-family residential, hospitality, sustainable design, signage and wayfinding, and facilities operations.
Being a deaf architect has helped Derek develop his integrity and perseverance, and ambition for the art of inclusive design and space planning. Derek has been a champion for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committees for several years, working with firm leadership to formalize the commitment to embedding JEDI policies into their practices.
Derek offer graphic design and illustration skills as a freelance and as support for the employers’ marketing teams.
architecture
Seattle Monorail Westlake Station | VIA
Seattle, WA | under construction
The Seattle Monorail connects Westlake Center and Seattle Center, shuttling residents, commuters and tourists between two terminal stations located in major business/civic campuses in Downtown Seattle and the original site of the 1962 World’ Fair. The monorail stations, now over 50 years old, were identified as needing reconfiguration to best meet today’s usage demands.
Derek played the role of project designer and architect for the Westlake Station modernization.
Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center | Alliiance
Stevens Point, WI | seeking funds
The Schmeeckle Reserve campus, while reflecting their purpose and place, is inspired by the forests of north central Wisconsin, and their purpose of enabling discovery, respite, and stewardship.
The flagship structure which will provide flexible, multi-use indoor/outdoor classrooms, exhibits, nature-based retail, offices, and trailhead support space.
Derek played the role of project designer.
South Exit-Facade Expansion | Alliiance
MSP Airport | 2020
Derek served as a designer and provided construction administration for this new security exit in Terminal 1’s Concourse G, which began in 2018 as part of the improvements associated with the ticketing hall and baggage claim levels. The new south security exit replaced the existing one that was disruptive to passenger traffic flow and caused many backtracks and confusion. The project’s major challenge was to maintain the dynamic traffic flow and avoid disruption, especially during the two national sports events in Minneapolis. Derek’s role was as a designer on many elements of this project, including signage and wayfinding, information desk, vertical transportation, and security breach control.
FANA 305 Tower | VIA
Bellevue, WA | on the board
The newest tower to mark Bellevue’s growing skyline, FANA 305 is an exciting new mixed-use development that integrates retail and residential uses all in one project. The proposed design is a slender tower with a sleek profile and its inclusive mix of uses represents the many goals envisioned by Bellevue’s Downtown Livability Initiative.
Derek played the role of architect in the early design phase for below-grade permit.
Spire Luxury Condominiums | VIA
Seattle, WA | under construction
Spire is a 440’ tall, highrise multifamily tower that enhances Seattle’s ever-expanding skyline while offering an energetic and welcoming pedestrian environment at its base. The project is located within a tight and complex site at the borders of Seattle’s Uptown, South Lake Union, Denny Triangle and Belltown neighborhoods. This elegant and slender tower acts as an architectural exclamation point to the junction of these fast-growing urban communities. The design of the tower was inspired by Downtown Seattle’s recent boom in urban renewal, much of which is taking place within Spire’s immediate vicinity.
Derek assisted in the construction administration.
Target Center Renovation | Alliiance
Minneapolis, MN | 2017
Alliiance led the renovation of the Target Center, an urban multi-use arena that is home to the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx. The project includes a dramatic new entry and enhanced exterior, concourse refresh, new technology, arena improvements, new clubs, and premium space improvements (including technology upgrades).
Derek played he role of project designer for the final construction documenation phase.
Baggage Claim-Ticketing Lobby Reno | Aii
MSP Airport | under construction
Derek served as a project designer for the renovated baggage claim and ticketing lobby levels in Terminal 1, which began in 2018 as part of the operational improvements. This project refreshed an outdated baggage claim area and ticketing lobby with brighter materials and increased passenger experience. Derek’s role was as a designer on many elements of this project, including signages and baggage claim carousels.
Food Court Expansion | Aii
MSP Airport | 2020
The new food hall expansion replaced the existing dimly lit and small food court with new floor to ceiling custom-made window wall and brighter materials, increasing passenger experience. This new food court situated in the center of Terminal 1, a main anchor to an excellent food service program that supports and invites local restaurants to sell and serve travelers at MSP Airport.
Derek played a role in the construction administration.
The Shoreham | DJR
St. Louis Park, MN | 2016
The Shoreham is a mixed-use building with two tenant spaces along Highway 7 and 148 residential units above. The building is located on a major corridor in St. Louis Park within walking distance of Lake Bde Maka Ska and access to the Cedar Lake Trail. Walk out units line 31st Street and lower the building scale to fit the neighborhood street. Amenities include a pool deck, fitness room, and yoga studio.
Derek played the role of project designer.
Minne Brewery
Minneapolis, MN | 2015
A conceptual self-paced project to design the branding and architectural space for an imaginary microbrewery. I found an abandoned mechanic garage on Minnehaha Avenue, and decide to recycle and expand this structure. I like the idea of engaging the community with urban environment, with the outdoor patio and a viewing of the brew process. Minne Brewery took its name from being located on 'Minne'haha Avenue in 'Minne'apolis, 'Minne'sota. Minne also serves as a suffix for beer labels (i.e. MinneHop Hop, MinneSota, MinneHapolis).
DoubleTree by Hilton | DJR
Minneapolis, MN | 2016
Located on the corner of Huron Blvd and Essex Street adjacent to the University of Minnesota campus, the DoubleTree by Hilton is a 5 story, 141 room full service upscale hotel. It offers a 4,000 sq. ft. restaurant and bar, heated indoor pool and workout facility for guests. The 6,500 sq. ft. ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows is one of the most impressive spaces in the city.
Derek played the role of project designer during the construction documentation.
Laguna Apartments | DJR
Minneapolis, MN | 2016
Laguna Apartments is a six story 45 unit boutique apartment building located in Uptown Minneapolis. The 74,540 square foot building with two levels of enclosed parking replaced four houses and a surface parking lot. Laguna is a smaller apartment building which sets it apart from other projects.
Derek played the role of project designer during the final phase of construction documentation.
Obama Presidential Museum
Chicago, IL | 2016
This was a design competition entry for the Obama Presidential Library and Museum through the Chicago Architectural Club. The 'O' logo used in his 2008 presidential campaign is the inspiration behind the design of Barack Obama's Presidential Library, providing panoramic view of the Chicago skyline. The library is attractive at all corners, with the bridge stairway, corner ramp at the intersection, train cutout tunnel, and the river perspective, all giving opportunities to enter the site and/or structure. The whole structure will serve as both a library, community spaces, commercial, restaurant with rooftop garden, and a museum to honor Barack's rise to become American's first African American President.
Wonders of Life Roof Rehabitilation | WDW
EPCOT | 2010
Derek served as a designer to study the feasibility of replacing the existing glazing on top of Wonders of Life Pavilion in EPCOT due to leakage.
Mission: SPACE Floor Feasibility Study | WDW
EPCOT | 2010
Derek served as a designer to study the feasibility of replacing the attraction floor materials in the ride simulation rooms due to excessive wear and tear.
Aural Journey
Western Europe | 2017
Awarded Remick Professional Development Award, an office scholarship, to visit, research, and report on sensorial design in Western Europe, including the following:
Arup's Sound Lab in Amsterdam
Berliner Philharmonie
Elbphilharmonie
Judisches Museum - Berlin
KKL Luzern
Paris Philharmonie
Pierre Boulez Saal - Berlin
Washburn School of Law | SHW Group (Stantec)
Berkley, MI | 2011
A contract work for SHW Group (now Stantec) to build a physical model and assist with drawings. They entered the design competition to build the new School of Law at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
SOUND: a phenomenology of aural architecture
Master's Program Thesis | 2011
I have a natural tendency to see sound. I was born profoundly deaf and grew up with hearing aids. I was enrolled at an oral deaf program, learning how to hear and speak. Having the ability to travel to both physical worlds of sound, i.e. deaf and non-deaf, it brought to me a new perception of architecture. I can perceive how architecture is celebrated with and without auditory. This rare cognitive ability gave me a chance to advocate the awareness of acoustic design and aural architecture. Phenomenologically, I can visualize a space, open or occupied, in detail. As a deaf person, I am inspired to investigate how sound can be aesthetically influenced and relevant in architecture.
Some photos and information above are affiliated with architecture firms listed as following: VIA Architecture, Elbphilharmonie, Alliiance (Aii), DJR Architecture, Stantec, and Walt Disney World Resort.
illustration | graphic design
Independent Queers
A book cover design for Philip McAdoo's research on LGBTQ educators in independent schools.
Black@Earthjustice
A branding project for the task force that focuses on empowering the voices nad suporting the Black community in and out of Earthjustice.
CARE@Earthjustice
A branding project for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion task force and initiative at Earthjustice.
Detroit Works Project's Long-Term Planning
An animation video produced for the City of Detroit's Detroit Works Project, a process to create a shared, achievable vision for the future of Detroit.
Christmas Card
A family Christmas card created on Illustrator for the grandparents of kids shown.
DEI Infographics
An infographic project for an anonymous source to visually show the report within their office and to track their EDI initiatives.
String Circus
A branding project for the aerial and acrobatic performance troupe in Twin Cities.
Minne Brewery
A self-paced graphic design work for the imaginary brewery in Minneapolis. Architectural rendering is shown above in the 'architecture' section.
Los Angeles Sharks
A self-paced graphic design work for the imaginary Los Angeles sports team.
derek simply is a freelance shop providing graphic design and illustration for many types of works including web design, branding, infographics, book covers, and architectural renderings.
The goal of each project is to have a strong rapport with you and simply find the best design. Inquire about collaborating a project!
Information as of February 2021
Copyright © 2021 by Derek simply. All Rights Reserved.