Trained first as a fine arts/art history major and English minor at the George Washington University in DC and later as a Master’s in Architecture from Syracuse University in both New York and London, I am passionate about creating architectural design that bridges art, urbanism, story-telling, and sustainability.
An AIA member and LEED AP BD+C, I am currently a Licensed Architect with the Denver-based architecture firm Anderson Mason Dale. Prior to relocating to Denver, I have practiced architecture in Shanghai, New York, the Hamptons, and Chicago. I am also a contributing writer to the AIA Colorado Emerging Professional's Blog as well as a News Editor of the Young Architect's Forum "Connection" Magazine.
My recent TEDx talk highlights my interest in architecture not only as a practice that contributes to the built environment, but as a lens for thinking through the many "what if's" that might ultimately improve the quality of our day-to-day lives.
Op-Ed: If Architecture Were Optimism; A Response to Michael Kimmelman's Critique of 1 WTC, Mon, Dec 1 '14
In the last year or so, reading or watching the news has become a game of roulette. Taking my chances, I scan pages or flip channels hastily in an attempt to avoid disturbing imagery and narrative in favor of landing on something meaningful and at least slightly optimistic.
Op-Ed: Millennials and Opportunity: Embracing Intentional vs Spontaneous Change in the Workforce, Thu, Nov 7 '13
It seems I can’t have a conversation these days without someone invoking the ever-popular saying, “the only constant is change.” As a young professional with friends in a wide cross-section of demanding fields, the truth behind this statement is highly apparent in their various ...
Op-Ed: The Ego and the Architect, Mon, May 20 '13
A few weeks ago, I witnessed an interaction that I imagine most people in the design industry experience numerous times both in school AND professional life. What transpired was this: a few junior architects were pinning up carefully composed drawings, renderings, and sketches for a client ...
Colorado Real Estate Journal, Denver, CO , Columnist
Currently a regular columnist for the Colorado Real Estate Journal's "Building Dialogue" magazine. I write about issues that I am passionate about related to the field of architecture, including equity in design, accessibility, aging, and more.
Anderson Mason Dale Architects, Denver, CO, Architect
Contribute to academic, institutional, and cultural building projects that marries high-quality architectural design with outstanding client service.
Gensler, Denver, CO, US, Designer
Architectural Designer with Gensler's Denver office. Contribute to domestic and international projects (recent project locations include Brazil, Hong Kong, Calgary, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, etc.) ranging in scale and scope. Assist in concept development as well as the creation and presentation of technical and visualization documents that facilitate the comprehensive design process, from early schematic presentations to construction documentation and administration. Specialty skills include 3d visualization (rendering using VRay, Rhino, etc.), 3d-modeling and pattern generation (using Grasshopper,) architectural writing and concept development, workplace guidelines/standards development and workplace design, as well as detail-oriented art/architectural site-specific installation design.
Organizer of bi-weekly studio critiques meant to promote design culture and knowledge sharing. Currently helping organize and lead a firm-wide initiative regarding an exploration and potential development of public spaces in Denver. LEED AP+ (BD + C) certified and an Associate AIA member pursuing ARE exams/licensure.
Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, Denver, CO , Sustainability Specialist
After graduate school and amidst a recession, I decided to pursue a non-traditional path as a Sustainability Specialist for Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver. During this time I analyzed the program's current use of materials, means, and methods and worked with the staff to implement more sustainable practices that might positively impact both the environment as well as the long-term benefits to homeowners. One example is helping implement a solar power project in which an entire neighborhood of Habitat homes had solar panels installed (that had been donated, with continued maintenance included,) significantly decreasing the cost of electricity each month for homeowners.
James Merrell Architects P.C., Sag Harbor, NY, Architectural Intern
Post graduate school I spent a summer working on high-end residential homes with a small, craft-oriented architecture firm in the Hamptons. During this time I learned about the importance of craft and context from a group of individuals that were highly-detailed in their approach to the intimacies and complexities of residential architecture.
Wilson Associates, Shanghai, China, Architectural Intern
I spent a summer working on the Venetian in Macau as well as office interior design initiatives (having just relocated to a new office.) I also spent this time researching rapid urbanization and development that serve as the basis for my Graduate Thesis.
Gensler, New York City, Architectural Intern
Served as an architectural intern in Genlser's New York office. During this time I worked on many workplace interior projects where I developed an expertise in space planning. I also worked with the strategy and brand consulting team on an exciting initiative and publication related to the changing nature of the insurance industry and the spatial implications of a new generation of worker's lifestyle and work-style preferences.
Scott Simons Architects, Portland, Maine, Architectural Intern
I spent my first summer after graduate architecture school interning in a mixed-use firm in Portland, Maine, with a demonstrated focus on craft.
Syracuse University, Syracuse/London, MArch, Architecture
I received my Master's in Architecture from Syracuse University, where I was awarded the Best Thesis Design award for my speculative design proposal entitled "Float Level Shanghai." After living and working in Shanghai, China for a summer, I created a speculative project that aimed to mediate the transition between rapid urbanization and the city's existing heritage, infrastructure, and mobility preferences.
Throughout grad school I was a Teacher's Assistant for first year studio, and spent a semester in London studying urban design with a focus on the developing areas near the site of the Olympics.
Grad school provided me with an insatiable curiosity for how architecture might be used as a powerful tool that not only impacts the built environment, but employs a process and mode of design thinking that may be applied to problems of any scale or level of complexity.
The George Washington University, DC/Italy, BArch, Fine Arts/Art History/English
I received my Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts/Art History with a minor in English. During this time I served as an art and architecture critic for the GW Hatchet while also interning at publications such as Builder Magazine, where I honed my interest and abilities to synthesize and present information in clear, journalistic prose. I spent one semester in Florence, Italy living with a local family and studying art history.
James Britton Memorial Award-Best Design Thesis, 1st Place
