Drew Bakgaard
Drew Bakgaard is a trans-disciplinary designer with a background in Motion Picture Arts and trades - commercial concrete construction, blacksmithing and bronze casting. In his studios and classes students explore the many forms architecture can take at different scales and through different processes. A practicing architectural designer in Corning, NY, current personal work includes the intersectionality between architecture, fashion and digital fabrication through a post-colonial lens as a member of the Métis community.
Education
2022 M.Arch University of Washington -- Focus on experimental and trans-disciplinary design in biological systems and structures.
2010 BA - Applied Motion Picture Arts -- Acting & Production Design
Teaching Overview
Drew's pedagogy focuses first on the theory behind design, second behind a strong foundation in technical skills. As a trained visual artist and draftsperson, Drew teaches drawing, hand-drafting and model making as the foundation to a design student's education. Digital technical skills include advanced modeling in Rhino3D as well as photoshop and electroacoustics.
Professional Experience
Currently a practicing Architectural Designer at Anne Hersh Architect in Corning, NY. Drew brings over 10 years' experience in commercial concrete construction as well as experience in other trades including blacksmithing and bronze casting. Additionally, Drew worked for seven years in the motion picture industry most notably as a production designer and set dresser most notably on Interstellar (2014) and AMC's western series Hell On Wheels.
Research
Drew's research focuses on post-colonialism design as a Métis designer in near-body architectures (fashion) and far-body fashions (architecture). His current works in progress investigate traditional indigenous practices, merging them with contemporary digital fabrication processes.