Rebecca Rosenthal
rebrose245@gmail.com
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Rebecca is a designer and visual artist from New York studying Design at the University of Texas at Austin.
My work explores the intersection of art and design, using my technical foundation as a fine artist to inform my approach to form, material, and composition. I draw from traditional artistic practices to guide my design decisions, grounding conceptual ideas in careful observation and craft.
I grew up with a deep love for painting and visual culture. Museums were a constant presence in my life, shaping how I understand space, narrative, and material. Early exposure to art history and studio practice trained my eye to notice detail, texture, and light, and it continues to influence how I approach both physical objects and graphic work.
As I move between fine art and design, I remain interested in how structure and emotion coexist. Whether working in oil paint, typography, or fabrication, I prioritize intentional form, material sensitivity, and thoughtful composition. My goal is to create work that feels both precise and expressive, balancing technical discipline with curiosity.
CV
CAROLINA CHICKADEE BIRDHOUSE
CAROLINA CHICKADEE BIRDHOUSE
2026
Role
Designer
Skills
Woodworking, Laser Cutting, UV Printing, Orthographic Drawing, Material Exploration, Fabrication, Structural Design, Adobe Illustrator, Woodshop Tools
DESCRIPTION
This project explores the intersection of architecture, habitat design, and material fabrication through the creation of a birdhouse designed specifically for the Carolina Chickadee, a native bird species commonly found in the Austin area. The design draws inspiration from the materials and architectural character of the Texas State Capitol, translating elements of local architecture into a small-scale structure intended for wildlife.
Problem:Design and fabricate a birdhouse that supports the nesting requirements of the Carolina Chickadee while responding to the architectural language and materials of the Austin Capitol. The challenge was to balance aesthetic inspiration with practical considerations such as entrance hole size, interior space, protection from weather, and structural durability.
Process:Research began with studying the nesting habits and spatial requirements of the Carolina Chickadee to ensure the structure would provide a suitable habitat. I then analyzed the architectural forms, materials, and surface qualities of the Austin Capitol to develop a design language for the birdhouse.
Orthographic drawings were created to plan the structure and guide fabrication. Components were produced using a combination of woodshop techniques and digital fabrication processes, including laser cutting and UV printing to introduce precise details and surface elements inspired by the building’s material palette.
Solution: The final design integrates precise joinery, laser-cut components, and UV-printed surface details while maintaining proportions appropriate for the Carolina Chickadee. The result is a small-scale architectural structure that reflects Austin’s built environment while supporting local wildlife.