Occupation: ArchVis - Creative Director (3DA Studio)
Biography:
Hi, I am Russell Thomas (a.k.a. TheAllusionist) and this is one of my sites. I originally started 3DAllusions.com as an online portfolio and to learn how to set up a website and an online forum to support the CG and Architectural/Design community. The forum took off and then the online portfolio became the much needed main site for the community that was growing. Now I have had to start a completely different site for an online portfolio for our studio, so things have come full circle.
Professionally, I am a graduate of Washington State University's School of Architecture and have been doing architecture since 1992. Recently I decided to focus on CG, so I quit my job and have started up a studio working with a few artist I greatly respect.
I have varied interest and have been using CAD from day one. I started doing architectural visualization via computer renderings for the most part and some forms of traditional illustration. This led to an interest in all things CG and I have dabbled in character creation as well as archtectural visualization. I have also done architectural and character animation in an effort to round out my experience. I was a frustrated artist and chose architecture since it combined art and science for which I have aptitudes for. Right out of college I did a graphic novel in rough draft form and DC comics showed interest in the project, but by this time I was staying busy doing architectural work and did not have time to pursue the relationship.
Early on I got into 3D modeling, I used DataCAD and Visual Reality, two programs you probably have not heard of. I wrote some articles for magazines and news letters focusing on the benefits of visualization. This led me to do consulting work and setting up CAD software for firms. I started my own design studio where I did High-End luxury homes and light commercial design. At a certain point I wanted to do more than residential work so I contracted out to architectural firms doing work on educational, medical and civic projects. I gained a reputation as a hired gun of sorts and helped implement CAD programs like Architectural Desktop and CAD standards in addition to doing Construction Documentation for various firms. I decided to move to the larger metropolitan area of Seattle, Washington in order to get exposure to larger projects. At this time I started working as a full time employee at firms as I jumped around getting experience in all types of architectural projects.
I am torn between all my interests and have never found my exact niche, I do architectural renderings, but enjoy creating art in other genres and thus my attention wanders from one interest to another.
Resume
3DAllusions LLC - 8/2007 - Present - Seattle, WA - (206) 938-7719
CEO/Creative Director
Design studio creating digital artwork such as computer generated 3D models, photo-realistic renderings, desktop publishing and construction documents for corporate, developers, jurisdictional community development departments and architectural firms. Handled all Contracts, accounts payable, Client negotiations and delegation of work and staffing. Run one of the top five English-speaking architectural visualization sites in the world, the largest mental ray file repository in the world and established as an expert in the industry. Software used: 3DS Max, XSI, Modo, Vue xStream, AutoCAD Architecture, PhotoShop, Adobe After Affects, Vray, mental ray, Maxwell Render, SketchUp…. Pencil and pen, colored pencil and marker…………
( www.3dallusions.com www.3dastudio.com www.mrmaterials.com )
Sclater Partners Architects - 8/2004 - 7/2007 - Seattle, WA
Project manager
Handled day-to-day operations of Barnes & Noble account as well as retail and office building projects. Performed leasing plans, BOMA calculations, etc. for large-scale projects. Assisted in CA of 2.5 million square foot mixed-use project (Lincoln Square). Performed Due Diligence and master planning for numerous studies. CAD software used: AutoCAD and Revit.
Sechrist Design - 7/2003 - 8/2004 - Seattle, WA
Project manager/Designer
Working within a nationally acclaimed Design firm specializing in high-end residential and condominiums. Job functions include interior and exterior architectural design as well as color, material and hardware selection. Instituted CAD standards within the firm while handling network administrative duties. CAD software used: AutoCAD Architectural Desktop and AutoCAD.
Emick Howard & Seibert - 10/2002 - 7/2003 - Seattle, WA
Project manager/Job Captain
Working within an award winning Architectural firm specializing in credit unions and banks. Job functions include site analysis and due diligence studies in addition to construction documents for TI’s and shell work. CAD software used: AutoCAD.
RBA design - 11/2001 - 10/2002 - Seattle, WA
Project manager/Office Manager/Network & CAD Administrator
Managed team members in efficient production of architectural documents, while handling construction administration of ongoing high-end residential, educational, retail and commercial projects. Standardized deliveries system. Instituted AutoCAD Architectural Desktop and CAD standards within the firm while handling network administrative duties. CAD software used: AutoCAD Architectural Desktop.
Baylis Architects - 9/1999 - 11/2001 - Bellevue, WA
Project manager/Job Captain
Working within an award winning design orientated Architectural firm, managing team members in efficient production of architectural documents, while handling construction administration of ongoing retail and commercial projects. CAD software used: AutoCAD.
C.A.H.D. (Computer Aided Home Design) - 1994-1999 - Yakima, WA.
Owner
Started residential and light commercial design studio fully CADD automated. Produced design and construction documents, models, computer generated models, hand renderings and photorealistic renderings for contractors, clients and architecture firms. Specialized in high-end custom homes. CADD software used: AutoCAD and DataCad.
KDF Architecture - 1998 - Yakima, WA.
Independent Contractor/C.A.H.D.
Worked with Principals and Project Architects on various projects, created presentation and construction documents. Firm specializes in medical and educational buildings. CADD software: AutoCAD and Architectural Desktop.
Wardell Architects - 1997 - Yakima, WA.
Independent Contractor/C.A.H.D.
Worked with Principals on various school, military and government projects, created presentation and construction documents. CADD software: DataCad.
Kline Construction, Inc. -1993-1996 - Yakima, WA.
Designer, Project Manager, Construction Administrator and Estimator
Produced in house design and construction documents for high-end custom homes, remodels, additions and commercial projects. Performed construction management duties including cost estimating, scheduling, subcontractor negotiations and site administration. CADD software: DataCad
Education:
Washington State University- 1988-1992
Graduate of the School of Architecture five-year program. Courses of interest: Structures through statically indeterminate equations and deflection theorems, AutoCAD classes through AutoLisp and customizing, design presentation, rendering, materials and construction. Completed fifth year thesis at the Spokane branch campus using AutoCAD.
Career Objectives:
Seeking employment within a design orientated firm offering a wide variety of creative experiences and a chance to become an important member of the team. Special interest: Computer facilitated architectural design and construction documentation, integration of hand art and computer image enhancement and architectural visualization.
