INSPIRATION / SELECTED PROJECTS
“Leave it on the water.” — West Coast Rowing
How are you contributing to the growth and development at BAR?
To me, growth and development is about how we encourage and help others who we work with to also advance. Maybe it’s more about leadership. A good leader leads by example and asks questions that get your mind turning while allowing you to address the problem and develop a good design. This helps everyone to be engaged and have a stake in what is being designed. I have seen it done correctly in both academic and work life. It makes a massive difference in how I approach a project and also how I work with others.
This year has seen strides towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world. How have you seen this translated in the AEC industry? What would you like to see moving forward?
As DEI has become more openly discussed, it is beginning to gain some traction in the AEC world, but more is needed. Being queer and female in the AEC industry has been difficult as it still can feel like an ‘old boys club,’ and I do think the AEC industry tends to fall behind on this topic. I am optimistic, as it is being more regularly discussed, but it will take time. Moving forward, I hope that the AEC industry continues to lean into DEI so the world can benefit from the architecture that is produced. Inclusivity needs to be part of the architecture and not a barrier that it runs up against.
Architect, living or dead, with whom you would love to talk shop with and why?
I would love to talk shop with Zaha Hadid. Such a strong female architect that was taken too soon. How she designed and created spaces with curves to me is like no other. What were her steps to conceive and create these designs? What was her inspiration? I tend to lean towards the more linear structure, possibly with a few angles, so viewing her work is a treat. Perhaps that is why I like the parabolic curve so much: straight lines that appear to create a curve. Order but with movement.
What hobbies/activities do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside work, you will find me hanging with my family or rowing on the estuary with my whaleboat team, West Coast Rowing. I even served as the president of BAWRA (Bay Area Whaleboat Rowing Association). It’s a fun team sport and a great way to exercise.
What advice would you give to a new architect?
Never stop asking questions. Take that inquisitive allowance that you can have in school and bring it with you to the workplace.
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts, UC Santa Cruz; Master of Architecture, Syracuse University
Licenses & Accreditations: Licensed Architect, California; LEED AP, FitWel Ambassador