Q. What motivated you to choose the field of architecture?
A. I have a very wide breadth of interests so I love that architecture is such an interdisciplinary field. I had been interested in architecture since I was a kid, and I finally decided to take the plunge to leave software engineering and go back to graduate school.
Q. What type of work are you most interested in?
A.I’m excited about the possibilities for integrating natural, regenerative building materials such as straw, cork, mycelium, and wood into building construction, with a focus on sourcing local materials. I’m also interested in designing at multiple scales, thinking about the context of work within an interconnected regional system, as well as working at a more human scale on furniture and materials.
Q. What has been your biggest challenge since obtaining your architecture degree?
A. Transitioning into practice has been a pretty steep learning curve. Like many people, I did not learn a lot of these skills in architecture school! The other major challenge has been working my way through the ARE exams.
Q. What did you like about architecture school?
A. After working for a few years, I was really excited to be back in a learning environment and pursuing one of my longtime passions. It was amazing to have the space & resources to explore all my various interests under the architecture umbrella. I particularly enjoyed discovering an interest in woodworking & furniture design. The graduate school environment was so supportive, full of incredibly smart and kind people.
Q. Any criticisms of the architecture education experience?
A. It was definitely quite demanding. I also think it requires you as a student to be able to set your own boundaries to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing, which can be really hard when you’re trying to produce your best work under time pressure.
Q. What are your professional goals?
A. I hope to work on projects that contribute positively to my community and promote sustainability. I’d also like to complete the licensing process.
Q. Who do you consider to be some of your favorite architects?
A. It’s hard to choose! A few favorites are Antoni Gaudi, Eileen Gray, and Carlo Scarpa.
Q. Do you have a favorite building or city?
A. No single favorite, but I really love the Noguchi museum in Astoria.
Q. What do you hope to get out of your AIA Brooklyn Chapter membership?
A. I’d like to grow my professional network and meet other people doing interesting work in the community.
