Sharon Porter - Curriculum Vitae
Colorado – Porter Design Build LLC
Architect and General Contractor offering residential design/build services for new construction speculative homes as well as custom homes for clients.
Providing full service project management, from conceptual design through final construction walkthrough, integrating interior design and landscape design, while managing budgets and schedules throughout process. Specializing in thoughtful decision making toward the goals of balancing budget choices with quality/durability considerations, and artistic joy with energy efficiency.
Boutique small-scale land developer, acquiring choice parcels of land for subdividing into extraordinary single family home lots.
Hiring and managing a variety of geotechnical and civil engineers, surveyors and excavation contractors, and navigating the approvals and permitting processes from HOA Design Review Boards, to City Planning and Public Works Departments, to the City Planning and Zoning Committee and City Council, to neighborhood stakeholders.
Colorado – Professional Realtor
The #1 Top Producing Broker in 2021 within R1 Colorado Durango Office, transacted over $10M real estate closings that year. Agency Representation of Buyers and Sellers, closing accumulated values of over $20M. Specializing in high-end residential, small scale commercial properties and developer opportunities. Architectural services provided on select transactions to assist with business strategies, site planning, building designs and county approvals processes for entitlement procurement.
Colorado – Boutique Developer
Successful creation of an eight lot subdivision, Painted Wall Subdivision, which is nested under The Bridges Golf and Country Club subdivision located in Montrose Colorado. Seven large residential lots in the Painted Wall Subdivision are currently remaining available for sale, each with a full set of utilities already stubbed in (water, sewer, electricity, natural gas, and three choices of fiber optic internet providers). Custom home design services are available to the lot purchasers.
New Mexico – Equity Development Projects
Harner Hacienda, Taos NM – A design-build project with a silent financial partner on the renovation of 200 year old historic adobe home in downtown Taos. Project scope was a complete renovation of all materials and systems, retaining only the original 24” thick adobe walls. Rock foundations were stabilized, all new plumbing and electrical was installed, all interior finished and fixtures were provided. Scope of work included all design and general contracting, and prep for speculative sale.
Porter Properties, Taos NM – land acquisition of two parcels plus lot-line adjustment to create a 2-lot subdivision, followed by the design-build of two speculative single-family homes in Arroyo Seco NM, with sales prices of $550K and $750K. Scope of work included all planning, design, construction, landscaping, interiors, and prep for speculative sales.
Case de la Tierra, Taos NM – real estate search and land assessment leading to Option Agreement for purchase of 13.75 acres adjacent to the municipal boundary of the Town of Taos, for the purpose of building 48 residential condominium units, at an average of 1350sf, clustered on 7-acres with the remain land donated to the Taos Land Trust for permanent open-space. Scope of work included applications for city annexation and rezoning with a Planned Unit Development Overlay zone. The project was designed to address multiple sustainability goals such as water conservation, passive solar energy utilization, non-toxic construction materials, etc. Though the project did not come to fruition, the projected cost of $11.3M included land acquisition, soft costs of design and legal fees, hard costs of construction, construction financing costs, and final sales and marketing costs.
New Mexico – Architecture/Development Client Projects
Arroyo Park Subdivision, Taos NM – a master-planned “green” community comprised of 35 home sites on 54 acres, of which 30 acres are reserved as dedicated open space for recreation and the preservation of local petroglyphs. Arroyo Park includes 12 patio homes and condominium homes, and larger home sites of 1.5 to 3.5 acres each. Homes are located on private roads providing a secluded sanctuary for children, pets and people of all ages.
Taos Women's Health Campus, Taos NM – Sharon assembled a team of stakeholder representatives and lead an initiative to attract and procure a charitable land grant, to serve as the physical and financial foundation of a new women’s health center. After securing 8-acres of prime land directly across from the Taos hospital, the scope of work included master site planning of the entire parcel for a campus of related medical services, and re-zoning the parcel ... despite opposition from neighbors which was overcome.
Fa Yun Monastery, Monk’s Campus in Taos, NM – Sharon provided master planning and architectural services for this Taiwanese Buddhist Monastery, including site analysis of their 50-acre original homestead property surrounded on all 4 sides by National Forest and located at 10,400 feet altitude; she provided full architectural services (programming and schematic design through construction) for $10M of improvements including a new assembly hall for meditation, supporting offices and a common dining facility with a licensed commercial kitchen. The project also included renovation of many historic structures on the land for use as residential quarters for the 50 monks who call this tranquil facility home.
Fa Yun Prajna Monastery, Nun’s Campus in Penasco NM – Sharon assisted the owner in searching for the right parcel of real estate and analyzing its property value ... leading to the purchase of a $2.5M property consisting of 280 acres adjacent to National Forest with 17 existing buildings. Sharon then provided architectural services consisted of energy audits and winterization of the existing summer-only buildings, plus full architectural services for construction of a new 5000-sf meditation hall with affiliated offices and residential quarters.
Sandia Canyon Spec Home, Arroyo Hondo NM – land acquisition, surveying and site planning leading to the design of a high-end speculative single family home taking advantage of the 360 degree mountain views. The home construction cost was estimated to be $800K - the land and home design were sold before construction.
Holland Homes, Taos NM – partnership with Robert Holland: scope of work included a research and feasibility study, establishment of the financial pro forma, and analysis of land acquisition for the development of 8 single-family homes on 1 acre, 1400sf each. The total project budget of 1.85M included land purchase closing costs, soft costs and design fees, construction costs, financial costs, marketing and sales costs.
Calle Palomita Condos, Taos NM – Sharon provided feasibility research and programming services to assist in the establishment of a development budget and housing sales price targets, in order to qualify for state grant funding of Affordable Housing near the Taos Youth and Family Center.
Suskiewich Plaza Taos NM – Sharon provided full architectural services, schematic design through construction administration, of a 4800-sf commercial office building, plus tenant fit-up design and construction for incoming tenants.
El Torreon, Taos NM – Sharon provided site planning service for this mixed use residential/commercial complex, with a new restaurant as the anchor tenant. Then Sharon provided full architectural services (schematic design through construction administration) of the restaurant including state licensing of the commercial kitchen and interior design with all FF&E design and procurement.
Pattison Condominiums, Taos NM – Sharon provided a feasibility study and conceptual designs for an 8-unit residential condominium project, in support of a PUD application with the Town of Taos Planning and Zoning Commission.
Franzetti Subdivision, Taos NM – Sharon provided site analysis and a real estate feasibility study for a mixed-use subdivision on 28 acres of riverfront property, for seven 3-acre high end home sites including road and utility research and layout. Project included design through construction of the first home and a light industrial/office complex on the site.
Ragone Properties, Taos NM and Sun Valley ID – Sharon provided real estate site analysis and feasibility studies for the purchase of several residential properties, followed by programming full architectural services (design through construction administration) of several single family homes for speculative sale.
New Mexico – Commercial Architectural Client Projects
Northern NM Midwifery Center, Taos NM – OBGYN medical office complex with an attached midwifery center, including birthing tubs in each quasi-residential birthing room.
The Inn at Snakedance, Taos Ski Valley – Support to Construction Manager for complete renovation the historic Hondo Lodge at the base of the ski runs, plus construction of a new 60-room hotel.
SMU Dallas, Taos Campus – feasibility and detailing for renovation of historic structures on campus.
Taos Center for the Arts – feasibility study, programming and schematic design of performing arts studio.
Blue Fish Clothing Stores, Taos NM and Santa Fe NM – design and construction of innovative interior design using all organic motifs and materials, including provision of FFE retail displays.
Taos Ski Valley Inc, Retail Clothing and Equipment Store – interior design renovation with provision of FF&E for TSV clothing and equipment sales store with boot-fitting, ski service and rentals.
Phoenix Office Complex, Taos NM – design through construction of strip mall with variety of retail, office and service professional commercial tenants.
Taos Lutheran Church, Taos NM – new construction of a community church with commercial kitchen, with purchase of modular building shell followed by interior finishes and furniture selection.
Ramona's, Taos NM – a Bakery, Delicatessen, Dance Hall and Liquor Store; schematic design through construction.
KTAO, Taos NM - 100% solar powered local radio station; renovation of offices and recording studios.
Karsin Recording Studio, Taos NM – design, detailing and construction of acoustical recording studio.
The Bavarian Hotel and Restaurant, Taos Ski Valley – complete renovation of existing log structure with 8 hotel rooms, a public restaurant, bar and commercial kitchen.
Taos Spa and Tennis Club, Taos NM – renovation of women’s locker rooms and spa treatment rooms, including all commercial interior FF&E, schematic design through construction.
New Mexico – Custom Home Architectural Client Projects
Over 200 Custom-Home Clients - Sharon has had the distinct honor and pleasure of providing architectural services to over 200 custom-home clients, whom she is happy to be friends with today. The projects ranged is scope and scale from small additions and renovations, to new construction of multi-million dollar homes in prestigious neighborhoods.
Massachusetts, Boston - Rothman, Rothman, Heineman, Project Architect
Outpatient Clinic at Beth Israel Hospital – Schematic Design Through Construction/Occupancy
Tenant: Reproductive Health, Phlebotomy Lab, Psychology Offices, Exam Rooms, Waiting Area
Massachusetts, Cambridge - The Architects Collaborative, Project Architect
The American Embassy in Cairo – Design emphasis on defensibility, security and privacy issues
Use Groups: Ambassador's Residence and 34-unit Marine Security Guard quarters. Residential "hotel-like" rooms, with living and recreational areas, kitchen/dining facilities, coordination of mechanical, structural and interior FF&E.
Massachusetts, Boston - Stopfel Miller, Project Architect
Richards Memorial Public Library – Programming, design through construction documents, interior renovations including new elevator, monumental stair, custom circulation desk, tunnel connecting separated basements. Design emphasis on lighting, preservation of historic elements, and creation of a playful scale in the children's wing.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - Technical Detailing of window replacement, design emphasis on climate control to protect the art from moisture and UV damage, as well as vandalism and theft.
Massachusetts, Boston - Huygens Dimella Shaffer, Project Architect
Village Falls Condominiums – Schematic Design through Construction and Occupancy; 122 units, mixed use, steel frame, high rise, underground garage: schematic design through construction administration, coordination of all consultants and drafting staff, shop drawing review, weekly construction observation, job meeting attendance, detail clarification, quality control, billing/additional service review.
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for the Aged – a Continuing Care Retirement Community: Developed Feasibility Study, Project Programming, Site Selection Analysis, and Schematic Design incorporating input of PhD Geriatric Psychology consultant. Program included 225 units of independent and assisted living and a 60-bed nursing home, plus mixed uses in the campus with country club-style amenities.
Peabody and Brown Law Offices – Space Planning and Custom Interior Design with emphasis on custom casework for file storage and luxury waiting room.
Massachusetts, Cambridge - Cole and Goyette Architects and Planners, Architectural Intern
FAA Funded Public Schools Renovation – Construction Detailing for replacement for historic windows in schools under the flight paths near the airport, with design emphasis on acoustical isolation of the classrooms. Responsible for managing drafting staff, design development, contract documents, cost estimating, specifications, and product research.
Texas, Austin - Kolb and Associates, Architectural Intern
Custom and Speculative Residences – Design and drafting of approximately 30 single family homes, plus oversight of builder quality control. Responsible for surveying and analyzing lot features, schematic design through design development and construction drawings including structural, electrical and mechanical specifications for design-build subcontractors.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Architecture, with Honors
School of Engineering, Honors Program
Oxford Urban Design Study Abroad Program, England
Permaculture Design Certificate, by Scott Pittman and Jason Gerhardt
Advanced Permaculture Design Certificate, by Sandy Cruz
Professional Licenses - 1989 to present
NCARB Architectural Certificate #39,593
Colorado Architectural License #401,568
New Mexico Architectural License #2855
Texas Architectural License #15053
Massachusetts Architectural License #7931
Colorado Real Estate License #FA100078870
Professional Affiliations
American Institute of Architects
International Conference of Building Officials
Architectural Design Instructor, Boston Architectural Center
Student Board Representative and Maintenance Director for the Inter-Cooperative Council, Austin TX - a non-profit student housing alternative at UT Austin. Responsible for maintenance of seven historic large Victorian houses, and three apartment buildings with 200 student members.
Durango Area Association of Realtors
Montrose Association of Realtors
Colorado Real Estate Network Member
R1 Colorado LLC, current real estate managing broker
Architectural Publications
AIA Journal: Architecture
Texas Architect
New Mexico Magazine