Pro Insight: The pandemic has given people a lot of time to reflect on the way they live in their home. Privacy is becoming far more important to people because they are spending much more time at home and they are looking for creative ways to have gathering spaces at times and smaller, quieter spaces at other times.
Versatile Style: I enjoy mid-century modern architecture. The simplicity and the warmth are very comforting to me. I have a way of gravitating in that direction if given an opportunity. That being said, I do my best to not have a particular style. I take it as a compliment when someone looks at my work and says, “I didn’t know you did (insert architectural style).” I believe being stylistically versatile is what makes our office work.
Like Father, Like Son: My father has owned his architectural office since I was two years old. I grew up watching him work a lot of long hours on projects of all types. For us, we bonded a lot while I watched him work. He always did his best to explain to me what he was working on and why he was doing what he did. I think he always wanted me to understand his process, even at an early age. I think that inspired me to pursue courses in art and design while I was in high school. I eventually took a technical drawing and drafting course my senior year of high school. I excelled in that course, and I believe that experience is what gave me the confidence to pursue a degree in architecture.
Every Opportunity: I feel that “outside the box” thinking is crucial for any successful project. There is no such thing as a “perfect site” or a “perfect building.” The best we can do is have a successful project, and the only way to do that is by creating a building that responds to the needs of both the site and the client. We find it very helpful when an owner engages us while they are searching for land. That gives us the opportunity to help the owner make a selection that best suits their vision. Rarely do we encounter a site that we can’t find a solution for. I find site challenges exciting and an opportunity to present a concept that hasn’t been thought of.
Personal Escape: Functionality is very important. It is our job as architects and designers to tailor the space to the owner’s needs. If done well, someone’s home can be a very enriching aspect of their life. More than anything, I feel that the home should be your escape from the real world, a place to unwind and decompress after a long day. To quote famed Japanese architect Toshiko Mori, “An architect’s mission, simply stated, is to improve the quality of life of human beings.”
