My interest in architecture first began in high school, where I took drafting and design courses.  Unlike my other classes, their curriculum was less restricted and encouraged my tendency to think creatively.  This early exposure led me to pursue architecture in college.  I applied to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign because of their scholastic reputation and selective architecture study abroad program in Versailles, France.  Throughout my first two years of college I enjoyed the classes but I was not truly passionate about architecture.  My year in Versailles, however, completely transformed my attitude towards architecture and my education.

During the year in Versailles I was constantly surrounded by students and professors that were genuinely enthusiastic about architecture.  This collegial environment  motivated me to push myself academically.  My first studio project in France, a small theater in Northern Paris, was a defining moment in my education.  Through the discussions and interchange of ideas with my group members, I realized a design's success hinges on validating decisions through critical thought, experimentation and exploration in form, program, presentation and theory.

After graduating from University of Illinois in 2007 I worked at two different architecture firms in the Chicago area.  After completing undergraduate study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, I worked for two different architecture firms in the Chicago area.  During this time I acquired and developed my skills with Revit Architecture while focusing on the development, documentation and design of industrial and commercial work; specifically distribution facilities and data centers. 

I returned to school for my Master’s of Architecture in 2009.  At Washington University, where I was awarded The George Anselevicius Merit Scholarship,  I engaged in a series of challenging design studios that began with an intense conceptual phase.  This intense manner of study was then carried through the semester, turning concept into a rich, developed architectural proposal. These studios not only improved my design, critical thinking and problem solving ability, but also my Master’s program exposed me to a wider array of technical tools such as Rhino, and the parametric modeling software Grasshopper.  In addition to design studios, I engaged in a furniture design course which introduced me to woodworking and from having little wood shop experience, it has turned into a passion and a field I am eager to explore for the rest of my life.

Although I am not a LEED accredited professional yet, after graduation I plan on pursuing this status in addition to continuing on the path to architectural license.