Manuel J Hernandez is a Licensed Architect at Design Seed, Inc with over 15 years of experience in architectural project design, preparation of construction documents, construction management, and on-site construction supervision. His project experience includes healthcare, commercial, educational, residential, and municipal works.

Manuel’s Credentials

·       Bachelors of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2000

·       Licensed Architect, State of Illinois

·       Licensed General Contractor

·       City of Chicago Registered Energy Professional (REP)

·       Certified Lead Paint Renovator

Project Experience //Markets

North Grant Park Renovation, Owner, Chicago, Illinois.

Production Manager for the renovation and general landscaping recreation for the park area bounded by Columbus, Lake Shore Drive, Randolph, and Monroe Streets. The space is scheduled to include items such as water features, exterior skating rink, illuminated walkways, concession stands, and public facilities. The garage located directly below this parcel of land is scheduled to undergo complete renovation.

Permit Reviews, Town of Cicero, Cicero, Illinois.

Project Manager that provided Building Code reviews for the Town of Cicero as a sub-consultant.  Project types include high rise mixed use structures, assisted living, medical centers, museums, storage buildings, multifamily residential, single family residential, retail and restaurants, to name a few. 

Permit Reviews, City of Chicago, Illinois.

Project Manager that provided Building Code reviews for the City of Chicago as a sub-consultant for Developer Service plan Reviews.  Project types include high-rise mixed-use structures, medical centers, multifamily residential, and commercial.

Truman College Gymnasium Upgrades, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

Architect for the renovation of a 17,000 square foot area including gymnasium, fitness center and lobby space. The scope included providing new air handling units with energy recovery to add cooling for the spaces, upgrading the electrical service, structural modifications to accommodate the new mechanical units, and new lighting in the lobby. 

North Eastern Illinois University, New Central Utility Plant, Chicago, Illinois.

Architect for the addition of new 12,000 square foot Central Utility Plant to house the new electrical service generators, for the expanding University campus buildings.

Renaissance New York Hotel 57, Renovation of the flagship boutique hotel, New York, New York

Product Manager for the flagship renovation of this Midtown Manhattan boutique hotel with contemporary guest rooms in European style.  The hotel houses 183 guest rooms, 19 suites, fitness center lobby, lounge and restaurant.  The custom products in these areas included architectural finishes, furniture, lighting, artwork and custom fireplace with hand blown glass.

Renaissance New York Times Square, Renovation of hotel, New York, New York

Product Manager for public space renovation of this contemporary boutique hotel.  Custom products included architectural finishes, custom fiberglass elements, furniture, lighting and artwork

South Shore Club, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Architect for various private Luxury Residnces on this 50 acre development contaiing walking paths, a 5,000 square foot club house with swimming pool, private yacht club on the shores of Lake Geneva. 

Roco-Ki Beach and Golf Resort, Destination resort development, Macao Beach, Dominican Republic

Architect on a 33 acre resort development containing private residences, residential condo’s various hotel sites, conference center and golf course. 

Affiliations

Arquitectos, President (2015 – Present)

Chicago Parks Foundation - Auxilary Board Member (2015 - Present) 

Member, American Institute of Architects Chicago (2000 - Present)

Rebuilding Together, Metro Chicago, House Captain (2009 – 2013)

Habitat for Humanity, Illinois volunteer and Global Village participant (2002 – Present)