The world in which we live is growing increasingly more complex and interconnected. We have access to a virtually endless supply of information at the touch of a button from almost any location. How we engage with this information and confront the magnitude of the problems we are trying to solve in the twenty-first century is a question for design. Design thinking can be harnessed to critically examine issues, organize data, and develop resilient solutions.
Strategic design is about identifying and implementing the right ideas to undertake big picture challenges. Often times this involves studying the relationships between people and the design of physical place. I am passionate about the intersection of architecture and urbanism because studying urban patterns allows for insights into the people, systems, and processes that make up the world at every scale.
When I approach a project I always look for the big questions that can be addressed throughout the design process. I seek to build upon what I already know with what I can learn and discover. I believe in the transformative power of a vision and strive to implement problem-solving strategies in every project.
Valerio Dewalt Train Associates, Chicago, IL, US, Summer Research Scholar
Created a written report on the Future of Pleasure as it relates to the built environment. VDTA and the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee have collaborated on a series of research projects over the past three summers. The first project focused on future work environments, the second on education, and the third on renewal and leisure. As a member of a two person research team, I interviewed industry leaders, toured innovative projects in hospitality and leisure, and conducted scholarly research. The final report is a document that will be used to gain design insights for future projects in the leisure, entertainment, and hospitality industries.
School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, US, Graduate Teaching Assistant
Graduate Teaching Assistant for ARCH 303: Architecture and Human Behavior and ARCH 516: Building Construction
• Hold weekly review and student discussion sessions.
• Prepare and present lectures.
• Provide individual student assistance on homework and projects.
• Participate in oral project critiques.
• Grade, record, and process assignments.
• Manage student resources, research case studies, and gather and prepare class information.
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Community Design Solutions, Milwaukee, WI, US, Project Designer
• Assisted in compiling a neighborhood profile report for the Bronzeville redevelopment design charrette.
• Compiled a landscape and public space case study report for the UW Milwaukee Campus Master Plan.
• Designed storefront facade upgrade proposals for Milwaukee’s Washington Park neighborhood.
• Produced renderings and technical drawings for Racine’s Root River pedestrian trail and overlook project.
GBBN Architects, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, US, Intern
• Built winning site model for Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center pavilion design competition.
• Assembled redevelopment feasibility studies for Hamilton County Master Plan.
• Designed and modeled a series of high-rise office tower concepts for downtown Cincinnati.
• Assisted with producing a 90% drawing set for a luxury condominium project using Revit.
BASCON, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, US, Design and Marketing Assistant
• Developed architectural drawings on a variety of office, manufacturing, industrial, and corporate flight operations facilities projects.
• Redesigned company website, updated marketing print materials, assembled company presentations for use at industry trade shows, managed project documentation.
• Assembled responses to Requests for Qualifications and assisted the Marketing Manager with client outreach.
The Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Los Angeles, CA, US, Intern
• Checked architectural drawings for project compliance with Specific Plan area requirements.
• Revised a Mitigated Negative Declaration as required by The California Environmental Quality Act.
• Reviewed case files for proposed building projects located in all metro area neighborhoods.
Building Cleveland by Design (LAND Studio), Cleveland, OH, US, Intern
• Assisted in creating a public outreach plan to gain support for the Lake Link Trail.
• Prepared a Section 106 Review to submit to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.
• Researched green design alternatives for renovating over 400 vacant homes owned by the County Land Bank.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, US, MArch, Architecture
Master of Architecture with a concentration in Real Estate Development
Activities and Societies: Design Assistant at Community Design Solutions / Graduate Teaching Assistant
Miami University, Oxford, OH, US, Bachelors, Architecture
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with a concentration in Urban Culture and Service Learning
Activities and Societies: Member of the American Institute of Architecture Students / Social Action Center Student Advisory Board Coordinator / Department of Architecture and Interior Design Student Tour Guide
India Urban Edge Prize Travel Scholarship, Scholarship
As a recipient of the India Urban Edge Prize Travel Scholarship I was a member of a six-person team of students from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, joined by seven students from the Chandigarh College of Architecture, who participated in a five day Urban Edge workshop in Chandigarh, India.
UWM Super Jury nominee, Nomination
Studio project selected for Super Jury competition by fellow classmates.
UW Milwaukee Chancellor’s Graduate Student Award, Scholarship
Mildred Zurbrick Bishop Scholarship, Scholarship
Sidney W. Souers Scholarship, Scholarship
