portfolio

Laura Higashi-Poynter

“Making Plans to Make Plans”

360.433.7549 [email protected]

i 6+ years of work//internship//volunteer experience with: Sustainable Connections [Bellingham, Wa], 2020 Engineering

[Bellingham, Wa], Domistyle Design [Bellingham, Wa], Maul Foster & Alongi [Bellingham, Wa], Bikram Bellingham [Bellingham, Wa],

Skagit Publishing [Mt. Vernon, Wa], Sarvey Wildlife Rescue [Arlington, Wa], Pacific Benefits Group [Beaverton, Or]

i Dynamic engagement in Sustainable//Smart Growth Design [including Green Playhouse Design Competition with Sustainable

Connections & NW Washington Sustainable Design & Development Conference],

Redevelopment Recommendations & Form Based Codes in Urban Transitions Studio [collaboration with WWU,

the City of Bellingham, Sustainable Connections, & Futurewise], Strategic Planning & Outreach via independently

compiling a draft funding guide & case study guide [through Maul Foster & Alongi],

Environmental Impact Assessment & SEPA [EIA Birch Bay Report]

i Aquired Bachelor of Urban Planning from Western Washington University [Huxley College of the Environment]

E x p e r i e n c e

C o n t e n t s

21st & Harris{development}

WIGWAM HIDEAWAY

APRIL 1, 2013

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Ro sa rio

Str

ait

Straight of Georgia

BellinghamBay

San Juan Channel

Strait of Ju an de Fuca

Boundary Pass

OrcasIsland

ShawIsland

LopezIsland

JonesIsland

WaldronIsland

SpiedenIsland

San JuanIsland

BlakelyIsland

DecaturIsland

FidalgoIsland

LummiIsland

MatiaIsland

SinclairIsland

CypressIsland

GuemesIsland

HaroStrait

2

FalseBay

PilePoint

HaroStrait

LimeKiln

1

Ferndale

Anacortes

Bellingham

Padilla Bay

CherryPoint

FidalgoBay

FridayHarbor

Yellow&LowIslands

Gulf Rock

Bare Island

Lawerence Point

CharlesIsland

BellIsland

Sucia Island

Ewing Cove

^ Original Oil SpillAquatic ReserveBottomfish Recovery ZoneMarine Biological ReserveNational Estuarine Research ReserveState Underwater Marine ParkWhalewatch Exclusion Zone

0 10 205Miles

/"A stewardship ethic reflects the existence of an ecological conscience, and this in turn reflects a conviction of individual responsibility for the health of the ecosystem." -Aldo Leopold

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Laura Higashi-Poynter, Projection: Miller Cylindrical, WWU, ESRI, IOSA,Stewardship Network of the San Juans, May 31, 2012

Oil Spills & Marine Stewardship Areas in the San Juans

ArgyleLagoon

San Juan Island

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{re}imagining State Streeti

PLAYhouse {Competition}i

GIS / Cartography{maps!}i

Selected Works{mixed media}i

i i i i i

21st & Harris {Development}

The [focal] point of this project was to showcase the best sustainable develop{ment} proposal for the empty lot, located on 21st street & Harris ave. I made the recommendation of building [five] rowhouses. In addition to the rowhouses, I also prescribed an alleyway running behind & improve{ments} to Harris Ave, which would enhance the walkability in this unique neighborhood.

Western Washington University

Happy Valley

SouthHill

Historic Fairhaven

Bellingham Bay

I-5

pN

Site character{istics}:

i 15,000 Square Foot Lot Size [100’x150’] located in Bellingham {WA}

i High demand for housing; {proximity} to WWU, Historical Fairhaven & Downtown Bellingham

i Multi{tude} of cultural, recreational, economic & educational opportunities close by

i Community support; efforts towards sustainable {design} practices


i Before & After i View {looking} South from Harris Ave


Details{!}

w [Rooftop] Patio & garden Fenced backyard w Alley w {addition}w Northwest craftsman {style} architecture


Improve{ments} to Harris Ave...

Why? {Shortcomings}

Sidewalk & green space only on South side of Harris Ave

{Currently} no available Bike Lanes

Oversized [vehicle] travel lanes

Goal?

Support safety, walk{ability}, & use of alternative modes of transportation

How?

Green Space w Bike Lanes w

wSidewalks Reduced-size wTravel Lanes

Harris Avenue Improve{ments}: Plan & Section Views

i i i

{re}imagining State Street

The State Street Corridor Design {Study} was a comprehensive & collaborative project produced by the Urban Transitions Studio. Each team was appointed a 2-Block {segment} within the corridor to evaluate & propose [alternative] development opportunities using Smart Growth & New Urbanism design {principles}. My team was assigned the Northern-most 2-block segment [Ellis to East Champion St]. I was specifically in charge of pre-liminary site analysis, building {design/style} & [open] space design.

i Vision i

i Create a {welcoming} northern entry into downtown i Provide the feeling of safety throughout i Generate the desire to walk State St. at {all} times of the day i Amplify the existing {natural} features to create a beautiful and usable space i Maximize {infill} and embrace residency


I develop[ed] the site analysis; identifying the strengths & shortcomings.

From this analysis, proposed changes {were} formed & designs began...

1. Mixed-use: currently Whidbey Island Bank

2. Mixed-use: currently Firestone Tire Co.

3. No Change: Louis Auto Glass

4. Plaza & additional office {space}: currently Whatcom Co Health Department

5. No Change: Walton Place II & Mixed-use

6. No Change: Walton Place I {Affordable Housing}

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i Existing: Whidbey Island Bank [view West from State St]

i Proposed: Mixed-Use Building [view West from State St]

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Design {Specifics}:

i Building [front] built to sidewalk: Pedestrian Friendly

i Architectural designs to break-up [large building] forms: defined appearance

i Mixed-use infill: commercial & residential

i Rooftop Patio & Garden: Placemaking for residents

Above: Rendering of proposed rooftop patio & garden for residents

Center: Rendering of proposed mixed-use building


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i Existing: Firestone Tire [view Southwest from York St]

i Proposed: Mixed-Use Building [view Southwest from York St]

Above: Concept showing rooftop patio & penthouse patios

Center: Rendering showing garage-style windows

Design {Specifics}:

i Building [front] built to sidewalk: Pedestrian Friendly

i Architectural designs lending to {auto district} area

i Mixed-use infill: commercial & residential

i Rooftop Patio & Penthouse Patio: Encouraging green rooftops


i Existing: Whatcom Co Environmental Health Building

[view East from State St]

i Proposed: Mixed-Use Building & Plaza[view East from State St]

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Design {Specifics}:

i Partially-covered plaza: planning for Pacific Northwest weather

i Architectural designs compliment [existing] structure

i Mixed-use infill: civic & commercial/office

i Add-on [office] wings: enclosing plaza + economic opportunity

Above: View depicting office wing [addition] & Plaza

Center: Rendering of proposed mixed-use building


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Plan View [site analysis]: Existing open space

Shortcomings[weaknesses]

i Whatcom Creek: No public access & [views] obstructed by overgrown vegetation

i Safety: Surrounded by {three} roadways

i Use: no current use or attractions

Opportunities[future strengths]

i Whatcom Creek: Inviting landscaping & [unobstructed] views

i Safety: Dense trees along Eastern edge, {enclosed} seating, sidewalk bulb-out

i Use: Seating, pathways & entryway sign to downtown

[Existing] Northeast view over Whatcom Creek [Existing] Southeast view over open space


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My objective was to design a Northern entryway sign to both welcome [people] into the central business district & celebrate the unique mountainous {landscape} that surrounds [Bellingham]

Concept Plan

I chose to design pathways & seating areas to be curvilinear & {free}-flowing to compliment Whatcom Creek’s [natural] form. Vegetation & landscaping encompassing the seating areas enhances the sense of enclosure & safety from the surrounding roadways

PLAYhouse {Competition}

I was selected by Rose Lathrop {Green Building & Smart Growth Program Manager at Sustainable Connections}

to render team designs for the

2013 Green Playhouse Design Build Competition

i Details i

{What}

Imagine This! [Home & Landscape Tour & Sustainable Connections] Teams design a temporary & {eco}-friendly PLAYground for a [downtown] space.

{Who}

Teams consist of [at least] one builder/architect & any other industry professionals- subcontractors, designers & student participants

{The Stakes}

PLAYhouses will be part of an auction, [awards] ceremony & Kids’ Choice AwardsProceeds go to {local} organizations & projects helping to promote {green} building & environmental education. 1st 2nd & 3rd place featured in [local and regional] publications.

*Note: This is a current project; additional playground renderings will be added when finished


i Team Wigwam [Hide]away i{{HammerTime Carpentry & 2020 Engineering}}

6’

6’ 1’- 6”

4’ 9’

2’- 6”

4’- 9”

WIGWAM HIDEAWAY

APRIL 1, 2013

WIGWAM HIDEAWAY

APRIL 1, 2013


i Team Crooked House i{{Domistyle Design}}

April 1, 2013

There was a (green)

Crooked House

Green Roof

Recycled Metal Siding & Cedar Shingles

Solar PV Panels

Countertop

Ladder & Loft

Recycled Windows

Collapsible Jungle Gym & Ladder in Back

Recycled Door

Green Roof

RepurposedWood


Bourne Engineering

Climbing Wall

Living Wall

Green Roof

Water Barrel

Bike to Generate Electricity & Water

Pump

Suspended between Trees

Hatch & Bucket

i Team Shout & Sprout i{{Bellingham Bay Builders, Zervas Group Architects, Samish Woods Montessori

School & Bourne Engineering}}

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Myanmar

Thailand

Indonesia

Laos

Indonesia

Vietnam

Indonesia

Malaysia

Cambodia

Indonesia

Malaysia

Indonesia

Philippines

Philippines

Bangladesh

Philippines

Brunei

Timor-Leste

Palau

Singapore

ChinaIndia

Papua New Guinea

Bhutan

Papua New Guinea

AustraliaAustralia

Japan

Guam

Solomon Is.

Christmas I.

Northern Mariana Is.

Dili

Dhaka

Hanoi

Manila

Jakarta

Bangkok

Rangoon

Singapore

Vientiane

Phnom Penh

Port Moresby

Kuala Lumpur

Bandar Seri Begawan

Andaman Sea

Andaman and Nicobar

Islands

Bay of Bengal

Gulf of Thailand

South ChinaSea Sulu

Sea

East ChinaSea

Philippine Sea

CellebesSea

BandaSea

ArafuraSea

I n d i a n O c e a n

P a c i f i c O c e a n

JavaSea

FloresSea

Savu Sea

Laura Higashi-Poynter, World_Miller_Cylindrical, WWU & ESRI, 2008, May 9, 2012

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Southeast Asia

Legend

Deserts & Xeric Shrublands

Flooded Grasslands & Savannas

Mangroves

Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands & Scrub

Montane Grasslands & Shrublands

Temperate Broadleaf & Mixed Forests

Temperate Conifer Forests

Temperate Grasslands, Savannas & Shrublands

Tropical & Subtropical Coniferous Forests

Tropical & Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests

Tropical & Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas & Shrublands

Tropical & Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests

Tundra

GIS & Cartography {Maps!}

My fascination with map {designs} & schematics has quickly become a tool to convey [important] information in an {aesthetically} appealing way

ivisualizeiquestionianalyzeiinterpretiunderstand [data]irelationshipsipatternsitrendsi

The following maps & schematics demonstrate work that I completed for [projects]:

iOil Spills, Boom Strategies & susceptible Marine Stewardship areas {San Juan Islands}

iBirch Bay Shoreline {Enhancement} Environmental Impact Assessment


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Ro sa rio

Str

ait

Straight of Georgia

BellinghamBay

San Juan Channel


Boundary Pass

OrcasIsland

ShawIsland

LopezIsland

JonesIsland

WaldronIsland

SpiedenIsland

San JuanIsland

BlakelyIsland

DecaturIsland

FidalgoIsland

LummiIsland

MatiaIsland

SinclairIsland

CypressIsland

GuemesIsland

HaroStrait

2

FalseBay

PilePoint

HaroStrait

LimeKiln

1

Ferndale

Anacortes

Bellingham

Padilla Bay

CherryPoint

FidalgoBay

FridayHarbor

Yellow&LowIslands

Gulf Rock

Bare Island

Lawerence Point

CharlesIsland

BellIsland

Sucia Island

Ewing Cove

^ Original Oil SpillAquatic ReserveBottomfish Recovery ZoneMarine Biological ReserveNational Estuarine Research ReserveState Underwater Marine ParkWhalewatch Exclusion Zone

0 10 205Miles

/"A stewardship ethic reflects the existence of an ecological conscience, and this in turn reflects a conviction of individual responsibility for the health of the ecosystem." -Aldo Leopold

2


Oil Spills & Marine Stewardship Areas in the San Juans

ArgyleLagoon

San Juan Island

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Ro sa rio

Str

ait

Straight of Georgia

BellinghamBay

San Juan Channel


Boundary Pass

OrcasIsland

ShawIsland

LopezIsland

JonesIsland

WaldronIsland

SpiedenIsland

San JuanIsland

BlakelyIsland

DecaturIsland

FidalgoIsland

LummiIsland

MatiaIsland

SinclairIsland

CypressIsland

GuemesIsland

HaroStrait

2

FalseBay

PilePoint

HaroStrait

LimeKiln

1

Ferndale

Anacortes

Bellingham

Sucia Island

Ewing Cove

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Oil Spills & Boom Strategies in the San Juans

ArgyleLagoon

San Juan Island

1Boom Strategies

Exclusion/CollectionExclusionDiversion/DeflectionDiversionDiversion/Collection

Deflection/Exclusion Deflection/CollectionDeflectionCollection

Exclusion Boom

Exclusion Booms

0 10 205Miles

A shore attachment has been secured in the northeastcorner of Hughes Bay and crews are preparing to connect the boom, which will provide protectionfor this beach and other ecologically-sensitive areas on this side of the bay.


B i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tB i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tProject Reaches & Conceptual Phasing

Skagit

Whatcom

San Juan

SnohomishIsland

Chelan

Clallam

Jefferson

Birch BayShoreline Enhancement

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±0 0.5 10.25

Miles

Cottonwood Reach

Central Reach

Phase 4

Phase2

Phase1

Phase3

0 2512.5Miles

As part of the requirements for any proposed action that poses a {significant} adverse impact on the environment, the State Environmental Policy Act [SEPA] requires the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA]

My contribution included {compiling} all maps & schematics needed for the report through Western Washington University

Enhancement {Details}:

iLandside improvements: [Re]construction of the road & addition of two [five foot] bike lanes

iWaterside improvements: Removal of fill & debris along [specified] shoreline areas & replacing with a sand covered gravel berm & adding a pedestrian pathway that will consist of a sidewalk & rain {garden}

Below: current shoreline [waterside]

Above: current [pedestrian] pathway


B i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tB i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tSpecies and Spawning Areas

BAY RD

BLAI

NE

RD

JACK

SON

RD

KARB

ERRD

ALDERSON RD

SUNS

ETDR

BIRCH BAY - LYNDEN RD

BIRC

HBA

YDR

BLAI

NE

RD

TERRELL RD

Birch Bay

Great Blue Heron Conservation Area

Spawing Areas for Chinook, Chum, and Coho Salmon;Steelhead Trout, Herring, Pacific Sand Lance, and Surf Smelt

Eelgrass Beds

Shellfish

Environmental Impact Assessment Project, WWU, 2012

0 0.5 10.25Miles

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B i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tB i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tZoning and Parks

BAY RD

BLAI

NE

RD

ANDERSON RD

ARNIE RD

HAR

BORV

IEW

RD

JACK

SON

RD

ALDERSON RD

SUNS

ETDR

ALD

RICH

RD

BIRCH BAY - LYNDEN RD

BIRC

HBA

YDR

BLAI

NE

RD


Birch Bay

ZoningCommercial

Residential

Rural

Bay HorizonParks

Birch Bay

0 0.5 10.25Miles

±


B i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tB i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tWatersheds and Waterways

Echo Bay

BirchBay

LummiBay

LegoeBay

Fossil Bay

Portage Bay

SunriseCove

Terrell Creek

DraytonHarbor

Whatcom CreekSqualicum

HarborBellingham Bay

Nooks

ack R

iver

California Creek

Dakota Creek

Lummi R

iver

Dakota Creek

CaliforniaCreek

Bertrand Creek

Squalicum Creek

Nooksack Mouth

Tenmile/Fourmile/Deer Creeks

Lummi River/Peninsula

FishtrapCreek

L.Terrel/Cherry Pt. regions

Wiser L., S.Bank Nooksack

Padden Creek

Birch Bay/Drayton Harbor

L. Whatcom andWhatcom Creek

LummiIsland

W. Bank Nooksackat Ferndale

MariettaRegion

N Bank Nooksack,Nugent- Lynden

Chuckanut/Samish Bays


Salish Sea

Birch Bay

Terr

ell

Cre

ek

Birch Bay/Drayton Harbor

Terrell Creek

0 5 102.5Miles ±

0 10.5Miles ±

B i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tB i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tSoil Types and Distributions

BirchBay

Terr

ell C

reek

Whatcom Creek

Bellingham Bay

Nooks

ack R

iver

California Creek

Dakota Creek

Lummi R

iver


Salish Sea

Pre-Fraser Non-Glacial Till

Glacial Till

Volcanic Deposits

Bedrock

Undifferentiated AlpineGlacial Drift

Fine-Grained Glacial Outwash

Alluvium

Coarse-Grained Glacial Outwash

Bog or Marsh

0 5 102.5Miles ±


B i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tB i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tConceptual Cross Section: Shore and Landside Renovation


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-4

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4

8

12

0 25 50 75 100 125 140

12

8

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-4

-8

ELEV

ATIO

N,F

T

#

#15

61

#

Groynes tobe removed

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1' + Thick LayerGravelly Sand

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Gravel BermTop Elev 9'

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1' Thick Layer SandTop Elev 10'

Vegetated, Landscaped Backbeachwith Meandering Pedestrian Trailand Parking area

Parking areas tobe Reconfigured

Powerlines to beRelocated Underground

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Birch Bay Drive withBike Lanes (One each side)Road to be Realigned

0 5 10 20

SCALE (FEET)

B i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n tB i r c h B a y S h o r e l i n e E n h a n c e m e n t


Scale1" = 10'

Typical Section- Landside Reach

Central Reach

0

100

ELEV

ATIO

N,F

T

125 150 162.5

-4

-8

4

8

12

3'

1' 1'2% 2%

3" CompactedDepth CrushedLimestone

CompactedSubgrade

RelocatedUndergroundUtilities High Permeability

Planting Soil

2" Compacted Depth CrushedSurfacing Top Course

10" Compacted DepthGravel Base

ExistingSubrade

Concrete Curband Gutter(Inverted)

Path Rain Garden Bike Lane Bike Lane PlantStrip

SideWalk

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5' 5' 5' 5'9' 12' LANE TYP 12' LANE TYP Flow

Line

Selected Works {mixed media}

‘mix-tape’ [compilation] of my hobby work

I enjoy using mixed-media {types} in my creations to offer a unique blend of styles & artwork

Enjoy!


Touch{the study of hands}


Left: {Interior} Sketch

Below: Abstract Bubble Diagram


[Abstract]ion

Contact me!Email: [email protected]

Website: www.issuu.com/LauraPoynter

Phone: 360.433.7549

portfolio

Documents

bikram bellingham bellingham

domistyle design bellingham

engineering bellingham

city of bellingham

maul foster alongi bellingham

harris ave

street harris

sustainablesmart growth