Where are you from?

Born in St. Louis. I have lived in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Barnesville. I went to high school in Barnesville. After graduation, I went to the University of Cincinnati for Architecture.

What is your favorite part about working in architecture?

Creating collaborative, meaningful spaces and places.

What are you passionate about?

Cycling, fitness, and design.

What do you enjoy doing with your grandkids?

I learn so much from them every day.

Do you enjoy reading? What are your favorite books?

Yes. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune, Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig, and The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown.

What project is your favorite, what project pushed you, and what did you learn from that experience?

The next project is always my favorite project. I’m excited to learn what’s next. I’ve learned that starting a design business is truly fun.

Any advice you would give to co-ops at MSA or someone hoping to work in your field?

Co-ops: Always be the one who is present, excited, and reliable. Overdeliver, especially with small work in the beginning so that your bosses know they can count on you. Don’t get lost. Always be ready to jump in and help.

Aspiring architects: Draw, draw, draw. You’ll want to quit when you first start and see you’re bad at it. Do it anyways. Learn how to communicate both with strong visual and verbal skills. And know you’re the least important person on a job site visit. Your design work is over, respect the workers who execute your vision.

What’s your perspective on collaboration?

Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and you will be alright. Working in a vacuum isn’t smart. No one knows everything and we all have something to learn.

What brands or tools do you swear by?

Stihl power landscape tools (nothing else works as well).

What’s on your desk right now?

A mess – lots of drawings.