Designer and creative researcher, trained in transforming spaces, products, & the built environment.
Most recently, I've served as an Apprentice for Humanities in Place at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, a leading grant-maker in the arts, culture, and humanities. At Mellon, I supported strategic grantmaking initiatives by producing place-specific research studies, critical data analysis, and dynamic visual content production. I also co-taught the Fall 2024 Master’s Urban Design II Studio at Columbia University GSAPP, and supported Snorkel AI’s research department in training artificial intelligence models for their architecture / design firm clients.
My past experience includes working with firms like ZGF, STV Inc., or non-profits like the Norman Foster Foundation (NFF). The work I've been involved in through NFF has been exhibited at the 2023 Venice Biennale and featured in publications such as DesignBoom, Dezeen, and FastCompany.
I hold a Master of Science in Urban Design from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University, where I graduated in the top 2% with multiple awards in research and creativity.
As a first-generation New Yorker from Corona, Queens, I’ve benefited from early mentorship by leading architects in SOM through ACE Mentor NY and continue to be passionate about elevating diverse narratives in both physical and digital spaces.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, New York, NY, US, Apprentice
> Completed inquiry reviews, helped unlock new regions for new grantees, catalyzed $4.1M in urban / spatial grants, projected to increase to $10M by 2028. Managed timeline for 100's of inquires.
> Supported strategic grantmaking initiatives by producing place-specific research studies, data analysis, and dynamic visual content (using Adobe Suite, QGIS, PowerBi)
Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, & Preservation, New York, NY, US, Associate
> Taught graduate level design studio course, conducting desk and pin-up critique, and leading discussions
> Supported curricula design, including syllabi and reading materials, to ensure relevance and educational impact.
ZGF Architects LLP, Los Angeles, CA, US, Architectural Designer
> Translated construction drawings into 3D models to enhance clarity and stakeholder engagement. Took part of co-design sessions to develop planimetric concept drawings and presented design strategies.
> Collaborated with design team to create cohesive visual assets using Adobe Creative Suite, including an InDesign booklet for a Detroit project.
Norman Foster Foundation, Madrid, ES, Shelter Workshop Designer
> Used Rhino3D and Adobe Creative Suite to design solutions for constructing 1,000 shelters, a nursery, and a hospital for displaced Ukrainian civilians in a single day.
> Worked with global humanitarian researchers and investors to develop affordable, sustainable projects, archived by the NFF and exhibited at the Venice Biennale.
STV Incorporated, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer
> Produced construction drawings in AutoCAD for custom LG Digital Screen installations at the NY & NJ Port Authority.
> Created 3D diagrams using Photoshop to enhance presentations for an award-winning Transportation Center project in New Jersey.
> Coordinated with material suppliers for fast resource delivery.
The Fresh Air Fund, New York, NY, US, In partnership with PennPraxis and the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania > Instructed students in creating PowerPoint presentations with models, plans, sections, and perspective drawings, utilizing critiques, group discussions, pin-up sessions, and tutorials. > Supported faculty in leading a project named “Breathing Room,” fostering discourse on challenges during a summer marked by the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.
In partnership with PennPraxis and the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania
> Instructed students in creating PowerPoint presentations with models, plans, sections, and perspective drawings, utilizing critiques, group discussions, pin-up sessions, and tutorials.
> Supported faculty in leading a project named “Breathing Room,” fostering discourse on challenges during a summer marked by the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.
ACE Mentor Program of Greater NY, New York, NY, US, Program Developement Intern
> Developed design learning resources for a virtual online library, providing thousands of New York City public high school students with continuous access to design education during the pandemic, despite the challenges of remote instruction.
ACE Mentor Program of Greater NY, New York, NY, US, Marketing Intern
> Managed and organized the program’s database of Public High School Students of Architecture, Construction and Engineering within the tri-state area of Greater NYC.
> Aided in the recruitment of volunteers and students
> Provided support for program events and contributed to the development of new programs and fundraising content.
> Supported in launching the program’s new website's blog.
UpFundraising, New York, NY, US, Street Canvasser
> Traveled throughout tri-state metropolitan area to solicit on-going donations for environmental conservation in the public. Strengthened skills in interpersonal communication, fundraising, and canvassing.
Columbia University, New York, NY, US, Masters, Architecture & Urban Design
Columbia University, School of the Arts, Cross Registrant
Emergent Media Arts & Digital Technologies
Lucille Smyser Lowenfish Memorial Prize, Award
Awarded Top Design Research, and Urban Design Proposal amongst 2024 Cohort
Charles Goodwin Sands Memorial Thesis Medalist, Award
The Sands Medal is awarded for the best undergraduate theses in one of the three branches of the Cornell University School of Architecture, Art, and Planning
Michael Rapuano Memorial Award, Award
Cornell University:
Awarded to Top students for "Distinction and Excellence in Design"
Cornell OADI Director’s Award, Award
Norma Merrick Sklarek Prize, Award
Columbia University: This award is an inscription to a lineage of crucial contributors to the advancement of the world, a recognition and promise future environments designed with advanced knowledge.
CornellAAP, Dean's List of High Distinction, Other
Recorded Dean's List for 7 academic terms consecutively;
+ Spring 2023
+ Spring 2022
+ Fall 2022
+ Fall 2021 (in Italy, Rome)
+ Spring 2021
+ Spring 2020
+ Fall 2020
Norman Foster Foundation Shelter Workshop Award, Grant
+ One of the 10 inaugural award recipients selected internationally to work alongside leading experts to explore solutions in order to erect 1,000 shelters, plus a nursery/hospital in one day.
+ First student at Cornell University to be recipient of one of Norman Foster's Workshop Awards to contribute research and design solutions to global issues
ZGF's Emerging Black Architect Award, Award
Inaugural recipient of this national award.
Project "Vodou Theater" recognized for strong design and research delivery
Mellon Design Justice Workshop Award, Grant
Cornell University: Recipient of award to contribute to Design Justice Workshop for Community/Engagement: Methods for Critical Theory and Design. Together with Ph.D., post-graduate, graduate, and undergraduate students, will be completing research to design proposals for justice. Interdisciplinary collaborations with comparative literature and romance studies students and professors.
Priscilla & Robert Joy Prize in Rome, Italy, Honorable Mention
Selected project & research proposal amongst B.Arch 2023 Cohort
The Priscilla and Robert Joy Prize was established in 2018 by Priscilla and Bob Joy ’72 and award undergraduate architecture student design proposals studying in Cornell in Rome.
Edwin A. Seipp Memorial 2020 Competition, 2nd Place
Cornell University: The Edwin A. Seipp Memorial Prizes were established in 1948 by Mrs. E.A. Seipp in memory of her husband, an alumnus of the Class of 1905. Awarded to third-year student(s) in a special design competition among their cohort for innovative design work.
2nd Prize - Barbara G. Laurie International Design Competition, 2nd Place
Cornell University: NOMAs Design Competition - Outstanding performance and dedication to excellence in student design
New York City Gold Key Recipient for Scholastics Architecture & Industrial Design Awards, Award
Issued by Scholastics Art and Writing
