Since vridniX was released, I try to stay as productive as possible. That's why a few months ago, I've started a small project with a friend: create a Counter-Strike map. Being both huge fans of the game, I suggested this idea and he agreed!
I've never used the Hammer Editor (the CS level editor, using the Source Engine) but, since it has a lot in common with the UDK of Unreal Engine, I've had no problem learning this tool.

Our map, de_military (temporary name) takes place in a south american military base. Our main goal was to find a balance between the competitive side of a CS map and to make it different from the ones already in the game. At first we wanted to do an underground bunker but we saw that it really limited the competitive aspect of the map. So we tried to open it to see what it could look like in an outside world and we decided to go with the South American setting.
We're still currently working on it, doing tests and iterations to make sure it's fun to play on it and that it's balanced. Once we'll be completely satisfied with the layout, we'll start working 100% on the visuals.

We work in turns but we both do all the tasks:
   - Level Design (conception, balance)
   - Level Building
   - Texturing & Lightning