[Adam Berton]

CV

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[education]

[Master of Architecture], University of Utah — 2024
Thesis: Refined Rubbish: The Case for Design-Enhanced Salvage Material

[B.S. Architectural Studies], University of Utah — 2022

[academic + teaching experience]

[Architecture Lecturer]
University of Colorado Denver — Fall 2025–Present
Lead upper-level undergraduate studio (studio III) of 15 students focused on site-specific architectural research and design responses. Guided students through the development of architectural arguments, site analysis, conceptual development, drawing, modeling, and presentation. Teaching practice emphasizes the relationship between theoretical inquiry, material considerations, and site-specific design. Continuing relationship with the department with plans to teach additional studios.

[Shop Technician]
University of Utah School of Architecture — 2022–2024
Mentored students and faculty in wood and metal fabrication, digital fabrication, architectural modeling, furniture design, and full-scale construction. Supported students in developing fabrication strategies, material processes, and safe and effective use of shop equipment.

[Teaching Assistant]
Intro to Architecture, University of Utah — Fall 2022
Worked with Professor Michelle Howard to introduce students to contemporary architectural history and theory. Assisted with lectures, student discussions, and evaluation of written work.

[Teaching Assistant]
Advanced Architectural Design Workshop, University of Utah — Spring 2023
Worked with Professor Ashley Lordanov to help students develop architectural communication through drawing, modeling, representation, and presentation.

[professional practice]

[Project Manager / Designer]
RealArchitecture / UnrealConstruction, Denver, CO — 2016–Present (full-time since 2024)
Work within a design-build practice focused on housing and small-scale commercial projects, coordinating projects from design through construction. Develop architectural design and construction documentation, coordinate subcontractors and construction activities, and fabricate select custom architectural components. Work across the boundary between architectural design and physical construction, with an emphasis on understanding how design decisions are realized through materials, labor, assemblies, and building processes.

Also contribute to the ongoing maintenance and management of properties within the firm, performing regular maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and material upkeep. This work has developed a practical understanding of building longevity, material deterioration, repair, and the continued care required to extend the useful life of existing buildings.

[Off-Grid Specialist / Cabin Caretaker]
Colorado Rockies — Ongoing
Repair, renovation, and maintenance of remote off-grid properties while developing independent power and building infrastructure. Work includes renovation of kitchens and bathrooms, plumbing, flooring, tile, finish carpentry, forestry, and general property maintenance.

Currently developing a new micro-hydroelectric generation system, coordinating equipment selection and system design for turbine, generator, and power production. Also involved in the design and construction of a 4,500-square-foot off-grid lodge at the property, including a low-power, high-efficiency hydronic heating system and coordination of trades and construction.

[Material Salvage Volunteer]
George’s Architectural Salvage, Salt Lake City — 2020–Present
Assist with material salvage, sequencing, sourcing, organization, and reclamation. Developed an ongoing research relationship with the salvage operation that became the basis for my M.Arch thesis, examining how architectural salvage can move beyond a retail model toward a community-oriented material resource.tion.

[selected design+build projects]

[Workshop / ADU]
Denver, CO — 2024–2025
Designed and developed a detached workshop with the potential for future conversion to an ADU. Developed the project from concept through permitting, construction, and completion, personally fabricating and constructing many of its components. The project employs a monoply framing strategy that leaves rafters and roof sheathing exposed while using exterior insulation to achieve a thin roof assembly. The design anticipates future adaptation through its structural and spatial organization.

[Timberline Lodge]
Colorado Rockies — Ongoing
Working on a 4,500-square-foot off-grid lodge as part of an ongoing cabin property development. Responsible for architectural design, coordination of trades, and development of building infrastructure. Current work includes a new micro-hydro power generation system and the design of a low-power, high-efficiency hydronic heating system.

[River View House]
DesignBuildUTAH — 2023
Participated in a collaborative design-build project in Bluff, Utah. Led a team in the design, fabrication, and installation of a counterweighted, hanger-style door for the project's sunroom, coordinating the transition from architectural concept through full-scale fabrication and installation.

[research + publication]

[Refined Rubbish: The Case for Design-Enhanced Salvage Material] — 2024
Self-published M.Arch thesis publication investigating architectural salvage as a material, cultural, and design practice. The research examines material supply chains, salvage economies, selective demolition, adaptive reuse, and the role of design in increasing the value and lifespan of existing materials.

The project proposes a neighborhood-scale “Salvage Library,” combining material storage, workshops, galleries, public space, and live-work studios. The publication was designed, printed, and bound by the author and serves as the foundation for an ongoing research practice focused on material reuse and alternative models for the building sector.

[Liberty Salvage] — 2026
Reformatted and further developed from the Refined Rubbish thesis research as an independent architectural proposal examining the transformation of an existing architectural salvage yard into a community-oriented material library and adaptive reuse facility. Awarded 3rd Place, Reconstruct Competition, Archiol.

[Independent Furniture Production] — Ongoing
Design and fabrication of bespoke furniture and sculptural objects using salvaged and conventional materials, investigating questions of material value, reuse, craft, cultural narrative, and transformation. Selected works have been built and sold independently and exhibited publicly.

[Member], Vexed Co. Artist Collective — 2020–Present
Co-founded and operate an artist collective focused on exhibition planning, community programming, and creative collaboration. Produce local exhibitions, pop-up events, and public programs connecting artists, designers, and creative communities. Secondary practice includes film direction and production, photography, and media documentation.

[exhibitions]

[Fine Furniture Exhibition], Salt Lake City Design Week — 2025, 2023
Exhibited a collection of furniture works developed through the transformation of salvaged materials.

[Forward Furniture], Dutch Design Week — Accepted Exhibitor — 2025
Selected to exhibit furniture work as part of the Forward Furniture exhibition during Dutch Design Week. Unable to complete and deliver the work within the exhibition timeline.

[ReSource] — Solo Exhibition, Salt Lake City — May 2024
Curated and produced a multidisciplinary exhibition within a temporarily available warehouse space, bringing together architectural drawings and models, collage, industrial design, furniture, sculpture, motorcycle rebuilding, and other material experiments. The work was connected through themes of reworking, salvage, appropriation, and the transformation of existing materials and ideas.

[skills + tools]

[Architecture + Design]
Architectural design, construction documentation, site research, adaptive reuse, material research, building envelope analysis

[Fabrication + Construction]
Woodworking, metal fabrication, furniture fabrication, finish carpentry, molding + casting, full-scale fabrication

[Heavy Machinery]
Proficient operation of skid steer, excavator, tracked loader, forklift

[Mechanical Systems]
Engine mechanics, small-engine repair, analog mechanical systems, pulleys, sprockets, linkages, mechanical assemblies

[Energy + Building Performance]
Micro-hydro power systems, turbine and generator systems, hydronic heating systems, building envelope testing, blower door testing

[Creative Production]
Film direction + production, photography, bookmaking, printmaking, exhibition production

[Software]
AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Adobe Creative Suite

[Certification]
Certified Passive House Tradesperson

[last updated]

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