Rachel Kao

LEED Associate / Designer

Rachel is inspired by architecture’s ability to positively impact people’s lives and elevate the human experience. A hands-on designer, she is drawn to the inherent beauty and complexity of raw materials and interested in figuring out how they work together to construct a cohesive whole. Whether she’s producing architectural drawings, woodworking, welding, or leatherworking, she approaches projects with the same enthusiasm, dedicated to uncovering their potential.

Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California Berkeley, double minoring in Structural Engineering and Sustainable Design. During her coursework, she held various internships and studied abroad in Denmark and Japan, cementing her affinity for minimalistic design. She earned her Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia. While in graduate school, she worked as a designer for both residential and commercial firms, including at WRNS Studio, producing drawings and 3D models, as well as compiling research and documentation.

Rachel returned to WRNS in Spring 2019 and is excited to expand her repertoire while working on larger scale projects across a variety of sectors. During her free time, she likes to make things by hand and go hiking with her dog. Fun fact: Rachel was a silver medalist at the US National Synchronized Figure Skating Championships and a finalist at the Harvard Invitational for Ballroom and Latin Dancing.

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