Welcome
Welcome to Riley Thompson Architecture and Design, a portfolio for me to showcase my architecture, design, and other creative work. With my unique approach to combining functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, I aim to create innovative designs that not only meet but exceed your expectations. Please explore my portfolio and reach out with any questions or inquiries!
About
Welcome! I'm Riley Thompson, an architecture student passionate about redefining design boundaries. With a knack for innovative problem-solving, I'm driven to explore unconventional approaches in Architecture, Design, and Fine Arts.
My journey revolves around crafting designs that go beyond the norm, seeking imaginative and practical solutions that elevate spaces and structures. I'm dedicated to merging creativity with functionality, delivering unique and captivating designs that leave a lasting impact.
In my portfolio, you'll discover a collection of projects showcasing my commitment to thinking outside the box in every capacity.
Education
2021 - 2025
Candidate for a BA in Architecture and Design
University of Pennsylvania
I am currently a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a double major in Architecture and Design, with a minor in Fine Arts. In addition to these studies, I have dedicated a some of my elective courses to exploring Mechanical Engineering, adding a technical dimension to my studies. This diverse academic journey has equipped me with a blend of creative and technical skills, allowing me to approach design with a unique perspective. I'm eager to showcase how this diverse background influences my creative solutions in my portfolio.
Recent Projects
For this project, I designed a multi-use pavilion that functions as both a gallery and community gathering space. My primary goal with this pavilion was to create a space that not only integrated the structure and the pieces with the environment but also invited the viewer to interact with the space in a playful way. I designed a series of undulating and interweaving levels and surfaces to create a dynamic environment in which the viewer interacts with and almost becomes a part of the artwork.
This shirt is made up of over 130 granny squares, each attached to create a custom-fitting shirt.
Made up of 100% cotton yarn and using a 3.5 mm crochet hook, this shirt was created inspired by the crashing waves of the San Diego shore.
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In this project, I mapped and analyzed the motion of a backwalkover, noting key as- pects of the movement and the way in which the body shaped itself throught the motion.
My most recent architectural project is the West Philadelphia Tool Library Revamp Project, where I combined a bold initial design with a preservation of the existing building to achieve the client's goals while honoring their role in the community.
The watering bell is my most recent mechanical engineering project. I worked in a group to brainstorm, design, produce, market, and sell 30+ watering bells. This project took numerous iterations and prototypes, beginning from modeling and 3D printing all the way to the casting stage. I took head on the marketing and design for each bell, and produced many variations for different buyers, including plain bells and some themes as cows.
