Houston Zoo
Galapagos 2023
Interpreted architectural drawings and references to construct and texture multiple new exhibits for the zoo’s new Galapagos expansion. The new habitats for this phase of the expansion included tortoises, iguanas, crabs, seahorses/eels, penguins, as well as several other areas dedicated to immersing the public. In addition, sculptures were fabricated to replicate a realistic intertidal zone for the sea lion habitat and additional public areas. The role also required working with and overseeing other contractors to ensure quality of aesthetics and function is met, which also entailed solving problems that were not addressed in original drawings to ensure access and safety for animals and keepers. My role changed after the completion of the project to attend to the entirety of the exhibit design department, organizing the workspace and fulfilling work orders to ensure AZA accreditation, while also working closely with architects, contractors and PMs for future projects.
The project required a very close eye for detail to ensure the environments were as close to that of the Galapagos as possible. To achieve this this, the architect (SHR Studios) provided detailed reference photos for each exhibit that was tasked to construct. As lead artist, I took that assignment a step further and closely studied additional photos that came up from web searches from that particular region. Great care was taken to ensure a realistic and authentic experience was produced for each and every habitat in order to properly immerse the public. Displayed below is a series of photos showing references followed by the work that was executed during various phases of the project.
Pantanal 2020
For the Pantanal expansion I served as the foreman for COST Inc, who were contracted to construct footings and establish the armature and structure for multiple habitats and public’s areas. In this role, I managed multiple crews, solved problems on the fly and reported to the superintendent to provide documentation and progress updates. In the latter phases of the project, the zoo’s exhibit department experienced staffing issues. As a result, myself and other members of the crew were tasked to assist with finish textures for unfinished habitats. These exhibits included, jaguar, mixed species, howler monkey, river otter, and public areas. In 2022 the expansion received top honors in the exhibit category for the AZA
