During his Lifetime Achievement speech in 2001 Richard Meier says, “I believe that architecture has the power to inspire, to elevate the spirit, to feed both the mind and the body. It is for me the most public of the arts.” I, wholeheartedly, agree. Architecture is an art form, unique from any other. Each and every one of us experiences architecture every day throughout our lifetime, and we not only see it, but we experience it and are immersed in it. If it is successful, it has the ability to inspire, elevate the spirit, and feed the body and the mind.
Every element in an architectural work has a meaning to it, sometimes that meaning is apparent, and other times it is more subdued. When I look at architecture I find myself trying to discover that meaning, whether it is what the designer wanted it to be or how I perceive it. In my opinion a good work of architecture can have many different meanings to a number of people as well. Through my designs I want to be able to inspire people, uplift them, in ways they may not have otherwise been. If I can connect a design to every different type of person I have truly accomplished my goal as a designer in the public eye.
When I design, I design for purpose on a personal level. I like to think of how others would enjoy using that space, as well as myself, and what design would connect to them with a solid meaning. I attempt to create a space that brings out a person’s emotion and connection to that building. My goal is for every person who enters the building to feel a sort of personal attachment to the space in some way. Ultimately, I attempt to design in a way that my buildings stand out from others not just physically, but emotionally as well. I want a person to feel rejuvenated upon entering the space and achieve instant gratification. I want to create spaces that appeal to everyone in a way that affects their mind and body, lifts them up, and inspires through this most public art.
Hidden Hills Farm, Frankford, NJ, USA, Property Maintenance
At Hidden Hills Farm I was in charge of mostly property maintenance and general landscaping. I also took part in repairing multiple areas of the property. This included the fences, barn stalls, and some parts of the house. I was given multiple tasks every day and was able to easily switch from one thing to the next as the tasks were given to me.
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Newark, NJ, US, Architectural Intern
As an intern with The Port Authority I assisted with design of the Harrison, NJ Path Station. I had the opportunity to assist in design development of various portions of the design, as well as participate in material acquisition. I was also able to create construction documents to be used in the final drawing set. I was able to work with various other disciplines in the office and consultants as well, learning first hand how to work an communicate well with various other groups of people.
Sussex Wantage Little League, Wantage, NJ, US, Umpire
As an umpire for the local Little League I was required to be a field general. I oversaw all aspects of the baseball game being played and enforced all the rules. I was charged with keeping track of the players, coaches, and spectators, and occasionally disciplined these groups based on their actions. It was my responsibility to make sure the game remained safe for all involved.
University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, US, Bachelors, Architectural Engineering Technology
The University of Hartford has an accredited four year architecture program. Upon graduation students receive a Bachelor's of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology. The program requires multiple semesters of architectural history and structural design, as well as four years of architecture studio. I was also part of a Studio Intensive Track, an advanced studio that requires separate admission. To add to the required classes I took classes in technical communications, sustainable design, computer modeling, and architectural programming. I was a finalist for a CT Hospice design competition, a member of three National Honors Societies, and on the Dean's List every semester. In May of 2014 I will be graduating with honors. In the future I plan to pursue a Master's Degree on my way to becoming a licensed architect.
