Bio:
The great designer, Erica’s Bachelor of Arts in English from The George Washington University influences her understanding of architectural premises, providing a different lens through which to contemplate architecture and inspiration for story-telling as a mechanism for place-making. While at the University of Maryland, Erica studied abroad in Scandinavia and Italy, where an appreciation of site and cultural context was further emphasized.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I fell in love with architecture after participating in a summer studio at Columbia University. It was an eye-opening experience that challenged the way I saw the built environment and how I communicated ideas.

What do you do?
I have worked on a variety of projects ranging from affordable multifamily housing and high-rise residential to adaptive reuse and interiors. I work on projects in all phases of design as well as through construction administration.

What excites you in the work you do?
I love approaching architecture from multiple perspectives and enjoy the process of working through design challenges. It is exciting to see concepts come to life and transform into architecture that impacts people and their communities.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Steven Holl inspires me in the way he creates animated watercolors as part of his design process. These investigations are integral to his creation of architecture. I try to find sources of inspiration like this and apply it to my work

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am most proud of the Dairy Market and how it will hopefully breathe new life into the historic Monticello Dairy building. Having worked on the project since early concept design, I am excited to see the transformation of the building and the site.

Featured Project Name: 
Dairy Market
 
Featured Project Location: 
Charlottesville, VA
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2020

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Designer
 
Featured Project Description:
Dairy Market will transform the historic Monticello Dairy building into a destination food hall and market for the City of Charlottesville. The first phase of a multi-phased Dairy Central development project, the Market and Office building will anchor the site, bringing much needed amenities to the neighborhood. Located immediately adjacent to the “10th and Paige” neighborhood, the goals of Phase One of Dairy Central are to create an active space for community connection, recreation and revitalization.

Photography Credit:
Cunningham | Quill Architects, Spine3D