What motivated you to choose the field of architecture??
In high school, I liked art and math, and in my 16-year-old mind, I thought architecture was a great blend of both.
What type of work are you most interested in??
I love reuse and renovation projects. In New York, we have so much existing stock to reimagine for a more sustainable future. These projects are also unexpectedly complex and each one has a unique story.
What have been your biggest challenges since obtaining your architecture degree?
It’s a challenge for me to feel like I am pushing the field. In school, it was easy to have a project that features circular design, super efficient passive house strategies, or that magically create space for community, but in practice it is challenging to attract and convince clients.
What did you like about architecture school?
I enjoyed building sketch and final models, the creative act of iteration, and the freedom to disregard some elements like financial practicality.
Any criticisms of the architecture education experience?
I believe architecture education creates unhealthy work habits. It is toxic to feel proud of pulling all-nighters. Critiques too often end in tears. Instead, they should be uplifting and celebrating the work of the student. Taking care of physical and mental health is essential for learning and growing.
What are your professional goals?
My goal is to implement material reuse, design for disassembly, or other circular design principles into a project. I’d also like to get more sustainability certifications.
Who do you consider to be some of your favorite architects?
For a classic, I love Renzo Piano. I also really appreciate MASS Design Group and other architects thinking of different models we can use to practice.
Photo: Toa Heftiba
Do you have a favorite building or city?
Favorite building is hard! I love park space as an extension of our lives in the cramped city and will call out McGolrick Park. The shape and canopy of the sycamores creates a promenade or a cozy place to sit. And for a city – I really enjoyed living in the well-designing city of Copenhagen and seeing the city through biking.
What do you hope to get out of your AIA Brooklyn Chapter membership?
I am currently job searching, so I hope the Brooklyn AIA Chapter would be a network to me in this search. I’d also like to continue learning from and get inspired by peers and leaders.
