Bio:
Project Architect at RDG Planning and Design in Omaha, Nebraska. A Southern California Native, received a B.S. in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Later received a Masters in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. Focus markets: K-12 Education, and Early Childhood.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I learned early about of Paul R. Williams and Richard Neutra, Architects who defined the built forms of my childhood in Southern California. Weekend drives with my family further cemented my love of architecture and the built environment.
What do you do?
I am an Architect. But I also act as a Construction Administrator, an Interior Designer, a Specifier, a Marketer, a Code/Plan Reviewer, a Consultant, and sometimes even an Engineer (though the Engineers I work with may say differently).
What excites you in the work you do?Witnessing the psychological impact a change of environment has on end users, especially when those users haven’t had the experience of being in a well-designed or thought out space.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by designers who can take a little and make a lot – who take limited resources, and with thought and care, produce something that doesn’t just meet the barest needs but solves problems users might not have even considered.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Getting licensed was huge for me. My path to this point wasn’t straight – I was told more than a few times I should consider doing something else. Since then, my aspiration is to make each project better than the last one.
Featured Project Name:
Porter Leath Early Childhood Academy II - Frayser
Featured Project Location:
Memphis, TN
Featured Project Completion Date:
January 2021
Role in Featured Project:
Project Designer/Project Architect
Featured Project Description:
A Learning Environment for children ages six weeks to five years, the Porter-Leath Early Childhood Academy - Frayser is designed to be a safe, comfortable space that enhances bonds between teachers, children and their families. The classrooms aid in individual and group learning. The building and site design create elements that represent the composition of music. This, along with the vibrant colors, create a visual fabric for the classrooms, community spaces, and play areas
Photography Credit:
Images by RDG Planning and Design
