INSPIRATION / SELECTED PROJECTS
“Our challenge is to make sure that each design is an appropriate, yet unique, response to the site, client and program.”
What is a building that has inspired you?
Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, which was designed by Craig Hartman of SOM. The building’s modern language fused with completely new expressions of centuries-old Judea-Christian symbolism is amazing. I love spending time inside the church considering how this building bridges the arc of mankind’s cultural history: from her earliest need to create sacred spaces as a way to make sense of our existence in the world, to this structure, which recognizes Christian church precedents like nave, crucifix form and crypt but expresses these in completely new and unique ways. This unique expression of time, place and form both awes and inspires me. This project encourages me to consider cultural precedents and functional needs not as tethers to restrict, but rather as foundational bedrock to build upon.
Favorite architectural term?
Interstitial, meaning the space between. It applies to so many things.
Tell us about a cause you are passionate about:
Before the current Covid restrictions, I was a volunteer with Oakland’s Rebuilding Together foundation. Among other things, this organization provides home repair and maintenance for local residents who can’t do the work on their own. It was a small way I could contribute both my professional knowledge and passion for building to make a difference in my community. Re-engaging with this work is one of the post-Covid activities that I am most looking forward to doing.
Education: B.Arch., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; International Studies Program, Florence Italy
Licenses & Accreditations: Licensed Architect, California; LEED AP BD+C