Why did you join AIA Seattle?

It created an opportunity for me to engage in local advocacy, a passion of mine, that allowed me to serve the profession and expand my reach beyond my practice.

What is the value of AIA to you?

Priceless. As President of the Board in 2014 I witnessed the tremendous staff and board commitment to serving our members. AIA (Seattle) is a connection to a widened professional experience, one in which the value is determined entirely by my desire to engage.

What relationships have you created?

I have new relationships with AIA staff and volunteer leadership from around the U.S. I have connected with our incredible network in Seattle of passionate leaders whose engagement improves the professional locally and beyond. Through advocacy efforts and my participation in the Seattle Planning Commission I have developed strong relationships with city staff and City Councilmembers. This all enables me to participate in meaningful change in our city.

What project are you working on now?

I am working on many exciting projects throughout our city neighborhoods. Having just completed a new T.I for our office the practice is growing, with projects ranging from individual single-family homes to a community of multiple apartment buildings.

How do you explain what you do for a living?

Simple, I am an architect, teacher and volunteer.

What inspired you today?

Two things: 1) Running next to my son while he was riding his new bicycle and 2) realizing that my newest employee who just completed graduate school solved a complex site planning challenge that should allow us to save an exceptional tree on an infill lot and still develop the program of the project.

Has your career taken you anywhere you didn’t expect?

Yes, I did not expect to be the President of AIA Seattle!

Where is the field of architecture, engineering or construction headed?

In order to remain relevant it is getting younger and more malleable, stepping into roles of leadership in our communities and beyond.

Can design save the world?

Naturlich!

What do you hope to contribute from your work?

Change the world…

What is your favorite Seattle-area structure?

St Ignatius Chapel

If you could sum up your outlook on life in a bumper sticker, what would it say?

Yo, Smile!