About Me

First off, thank you. I appreciate you taking an interest in my work, and wanting to get to know me a little better.

Now, a little bit about myself. Ever since I was a kid, born and raised in Torrance, CA, I have had a strong passion for architecture and design. Starting with my legendary LEGO structures, scribbling drawings on every flat surface, and crafting BMX jumps from found objects, I always had a craving to create. All of these early experiences have influenced my passion for design, but I didn't know how I could channel that passion into a career. One day, my mom jokingly told me, “You should become an architect.” From that moment forward, the only career path I have ever pursued was architecture.

Since starting the B. Arch program at USC in August 2013, I have been relentlessly working towards progressing my architectural abilities, and exploring designs utilizing innovative technology and dynamic representational techniques. After finishing my B. Arch, I have realized my architectural efforts must address the extensive social implications of architecture. Although I am unaware of my specific future endeavors, I know that I will pursue architecture as a social act and aim to create projects that have lasting effects on the architectural discipline and the built environment.

Now having been working in the architectural profession for over 6 years, my passion for designing for people and communities has only grown stronger. I have had the pleasure of working on a wide range of project types and scales that have helped my skills and knowledge grow along with my drive to make great places for everyone. Whether it’s challenging myself to work on an innovative modular concept design, problem-solving for an adaptive reuse project with historic significance, or collaborating with others on a high-density housing design with tight constraints, I always approach my work with a determination to create a positive impact for people, communities, and the environment.

Design Approach (not a manifesto)

I believe in design based on critical response.

When approaching a new design, I feel that the first step is taking a step back. Before I can even fathom an ounce of design, I begin by obtaining a better understanding of the contextual characteristics related to the proposal. After rigorous research and critical analysis, I am able to make informed decisions that will influence the design's direction.

The actual process may vary for each design. However, every design must involve relationships not just with the physical surroundings, but also with the social and cultural tendencies of each unique location. I am not interested in creating projects that are simply inserted into a landscape and lack connection to anything outside their physical space. A compelling design, in my interpretation, is one that utilizes the social and contextual information as a part of the project's underlying concept and applies those principles with simple, yet compelling techniques. Whether the influence takes shape in the skin, structure, programming, or aesthetics, the design would be meaningless without the initiation of a critical response

Simply put: I design for people.

I strive for projects that, at their core, have a direct connection to people in the physical space, and also deeper, metaphysical connections to cultural identity. In the age of "social media," I feel that we are losing connections between those around us, and that architecture can become a catalyst for mending our broken social relations. With my design process, I try to generate moments between people to promote social interaction and the sharing of experiences that don't require a digital interface. We all live on this planet together. Why not design architecture that brings people together?

Challenge Accepted.