I am a recent graduate with a Masters in Architecture, and also have 4.5 years of professional experience.  Currently I’m looking for where my life’s work will take me.  Though I have completed my academic ventures, I look forward to ongoing education in this field and anticipate a job environment which fosters this.

practice:
As practitioners we are constantly learning and experimenting.  I believe this requires me to be innovative by pushing the boundary of stagnant norms and avoiding redundancy through unbiased thought and action.  From this position we can decide in which direction to advance our field instead of being concerned with a careless drive to be radical.  A rational, progressive design process allows us to enhance our practice without losing our credibility.

process:

From design to construction, the practice of architecture is complex.  My experience has led me to desire each client’s involvement with the process and best approach to learn and collaborate between individuals.  The construction process presents its own opportunity to consider how craftsmanship can be celebrated through design.  Even with technological advances in the field that allow for efficiency, there are plenty of opportunities to advance our craft without losing quality.

consciousness:
The concept of sustainability is not new to architecture.  Attention to the environment and social characteristics of a site is something every responsible architect and designer throughout history strove to achieve.  With advances in construction and building technology today, it has become easy to forget our environment, allowing us to create an inferior atmosphere within our buildings.  We should not let technology dictate our environment, but utilize it as a tool for conscious design. 

observation:

When implemented as an action, observation is a critical component to learning and practice.  As I observe and experience new places and locations, I investigate through my sketches.  I love photography; however sketching is a multidimensional method of study with visceral expression.  Proportion, texture, temperature and noise can be revealed through sketching, and it helps me gain a greater sense of design intent in a building or space.  There is also so much wealth to be gained from visiting new regions. 

My most rewarding educational decision was studying abroad in Switzerland.  The inspirational energy I received from that experience prompted my wife and me to travel around the states after graduation to gain a better perspective on the US, our history, culture and architecture.