Brief background/experiences
Born and raised in New York but also spent time living In Paris, France and Israel. Work: Moed deArmas & Shannon architects (mdeas.com) for the past four summers, storefront for art and architecture, Work in Pratt archives from first semester Design course, Technics Course and Drawing II. Merit Scholar, Presidents list.

Why you chose your school/program
I chose to attend the program at Pratt Institute due to its core philosophy. The program leans towards the creative side of architecture and has a very flexible and (later on in ones studies) malleable outlook. I am not an extremely technically minded person but still wanted a program with substance and practicality built into the core curriculum. Pratt's curriculum definitely delves into the theoretical but also maintains a sense of reality and does not take virtual or conceptual to such a level that it trumps the simple and valuable ideas one must learn before getting into more complex projects. Additionally pratt starts every student out with hand drafting and wood shop usage which gives one a sense of hands-on experience which is invaluable down the line and should never be ignored. Going straight onto the computer would have been an issue for me. Also the location (Brooklyn) is a fascinating urban environment going through constant change but still manages to maintain its rich history.
Throughout my time at pratt i have found it is a researched based school i.e. the students must essentially do all of their thinking and research and learning on their own only to have it guided and sharpened by the professors. That sense of independence lends itself to some amazing self-discovery and output but also has its pitfalls. One may choose, after first year, their design professors thus giving them the choice to take a more practical design course or a more theoretical one. While two classes may be making a library one is basing the structure on cell structures and lasercutting their models while another may be researching other contemporary architects and making their models in the wood shop. This flexibility and creative freedom led me to this program.

Architecture interests
Favorite architects: Niemeyer, Archigram, Superstudio, Ando, Frank Lloyd Wright, UNstudio, Cook + Fox, Japanese Architecture (both ancient and contemporary), Sustainability- done through actual research- not just tacking on LEED certified products, Architecture as a means to do charitable work.

Other interests
MUSIC, indie films, photography, traveling, concerts, museums, reading, drawing, nature, adventures, full sweatsuits, urban grilling