How long have you been at SCB?

1 year.

How did you end up at SCB?

Last year I traveled to San Francisco from Boston and as an architect I was looking at the buildings around me. I noticed a couple that interested me and found out they were by SCB. This piqued my interest when by pure coincidence I was contacted the week after returning home about a position. I then moved to Seattle a short time later to become a part of the family.

What initially attracted you to study design or pursue a career in design?

I remember hearing the word architect for the first time when I was eight years old. I asked what that was and got the simple answer that it is a person who design buildings. I immediately said that is want I want to be. Of course, I had been drawing things like make believe buildings, cars, and spaceships for as long as I can remember but that word, architect, put a face to the passion and purpose. What I think I have always found intriguing about design is how by wrapping nothingness, a space can influence the feelings of those who experience it. How cool is that?

What is the best professional advice you have ever received?

I have been fortunate to have many people take an interest in me and my growth. But a couple pieces of advice that have stood the test of time are:

Don’t underestimate or overestimate your abilities: Times will come when you question yourself or think you can’t do better. It’s important to learn from these situations but just as important to keep them in perspective.

These two go hand and hand: “Ask Questions” and “Teach Yourself.” This may seem obvious, but it’s true. Don’t be afraid to go beyond your comfort zone and ask what is on your mind; you’ll be surprised what you already know. Conversely, no one knows best what you need to learn as you do.

What was/is your favorite/most rewarding project you have ever worked on and why?

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to work on a cancer treatment center in Concord, NH. The project was to make a building for the short-term and long-term care of patients. Safe, uplifting, diverse, interest holding and productive spaces for children and adults. This was particularly important to me because at the time I had a close friend that was going through treatment and this project was my indirect way of helping how I could.  I knew that this project would bring immediate comfort to those who needed it.