In the first edition of our brand new OPA Inner Circle series, we’re taking a little time to introduce the world to some of the most talented professionals working in the architecture industry today, people we’re proud and honored to call our teammates at OPA Design Studio (home of The Brewery Architect).
In 3 sentences or fewer, what does your daily life at OPA look like (bonus points for haikus)?
Pencil, Paper, Mouse
Inspiring words on the wall
Collaboration
What is the best thing about being in the architecture profession?
I love that good architectural design requires not only artistic skills, but also technical knowledge and personal experience. It is very satisfying to bring those together and to help create something both practical and beautiful.
Why do you think OPA is a good fit for you? What’s unique about our team?
The OPA office immediately felt like home not only because of the size of the office and the types of projects, which were similar to my previous architectural work experiences, but because I found a match in what I deem to be important factors in a happy workplace: inspiration, mutual respect, a desire to get better at what we do, and having fun doing it.
Aside from officially now being licensed in TWO STATES, what do you consider your greatest architectural accomplishment so far?
Being Project Manager at OPA Design Studio is an important accomplishment for me, being the result of all of my previous experiences and efforts. I am honored to be here as a part of such a great team!
What motivates you?
Wanting to be good at what I do, and wanting to be surrounded by beauty and inspiration on a daily basis.
If you could have lunch with any famous British Victorian-era writer, who would it be and why?
John Ruskin (8 February 1819 – 20 January 1900). An independent thinker who wrote what he believed to be the logical truth on several subjects, including architecture, despite the criticism it incurred. I would love to discuss his points of view and how he came to those conclusions, especially in an era where media and politics did not create as much bias in each person’s view of the world. It is much harder to be an independent thinker today because of all the external influences present in society.
If your daughter told you that she wanted to be an architect when she grows up, what advice would you give her?
I would be secretly delighted, but would advise her simply to know what she wants, determine the steps to getting there, and to do what it takes to make it happen. Architecture is not the easiest career choice, but an architectural education is a great foundation for several different creative career paths. The future is wide open after that for whatever she decides to do with it.
Please fill in the blanks
“Technology in the 21st Century makes architectural design easy to do the complicated things on the best days and complicated to do the easy things on the worst.”
Define good design in 5 words or fewer.
Proportion, Balance, Functionality, Authenticity, Poesy