NATE TATHAM PORTFOLIO



I explore architecture and art through hands-on making. I work with earth, metal, wood, concrete, glass, textiles, and paint. I care deeply about material honesty. I am drawn to unapologetic structure, found objects with narrative, a disdain for veneers or finishes, and an affinity for the patina that is achieved with imperfection, weathering, and use.

I approach architecture as an archaeologist. I look for traces of history, materiality, and echoes of daily life and narrative. I believe these fragments, ruins, and the natural environment should be your guide when designing. I am interested in architecture and art that deeply listens to its surroundings and grows from what is already there. I want the work to leave something that seems like it has always belonged.

My practice is grounded in craft and shaped by the belief that architecture is a total work of art. I participate in the physical creation of my projects and view labor as inseparable from design. Each decision should be rooted in local contexts, shaped by local materials, and carried forward through human hands for a community to inhabit and enjoy.

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EDUCATION


 WORK EXPERIENCE

  • KGD Architecture
    Architectural Designer 1 · 2025–Present · Washington, DC, USA
       Producing Revit documentation and design drawings across multiple apartment and mixed-use projects
       Working through schematic design, design development, issue for construction and construction admin on market-rate, high-scale, and public sector residential multi use projects
       Worked on construction administration, including submittal and RFI review and coordination with the contractors, architects and clients
       Contributing to the historic redevelopment of public senior housing with the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA)
       Solving programming and spatial-planning problems through sketches, diagrams, and quick design studies
       Supporting project teams wherever needed across mutliple active projects simultaneously

  • Silence Please NYC
    Hi-Fi Speaker Designer & 3D Product Developer · 2025, New York · New York, USA
        Designed the Echo hi-fi speaker, a 3.5-way sealed MTM loudspeaker with custom 3D-printed face acoustic horn that featured in an exhibition at the Collectible Design Fair, New York 2025
        Led 3D modeling, iterative development, rendering, internal layout construction, and technical drawing production

  • TaylorMade Barcelona
    Architectural Intern · 2024 · Barcelona, Spain
        Shadowed project mangement and client coordination along with site visits
        Café + gallery adapted reuse redevelopment project, cultural design in the historic Gothic Quarter

  • University of Arizona
    Wood & Metal Shop Supervisor · 2022–2023 · Tucson, Arizona, USA
        Tool safety and workspace facilitation
        Guided students on project assembly

  • 180 Degrees Design+Build
    Architectural Intern · 2022 · Phoenix, Arizona, USA
        Concrete, woodwork, and full design-build exposure
        Earthwork and architectural warranty calls

  • Cosanti Originals — Bronze Bell Artisan Apprenticeship
    Bronze Bell Artisan · 2021 · Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA
        Sandcasting and patina work in metalcraft
        Learned precision through embodied artisanal craft

  • Cosanti Originals
    Tour Guide · 2020–2021 · Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA
        Educated visitors on sustainable architecture
        Developed skills in public speaking and design storytelling
       
    Gallery Associate · 2019–2020 · Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA
        Assisted customers, assembled bell displays, and managed gallery sales
        Packed and shipped sculptural work with attention to detail

  • Cosanti Foundation
    Earthcasting Workshop · 2019–2020 · Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA
        Collaborated on the final Cosanti addition
        Silt casting and rebar weaving with a communal spirit

  • Phoenix Art Museum
      Fundraising Volunteer · 2014–2019 · Phoenix, Arizona, USA
        Organized large-scale events and rallies
        Promoted art-community engagement