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BACKGROUND

I attended Undergraduate School at the University of Northumbria in Newcaslte-upon-Tyne,United Kingdom where I received a First Class Honours Degree in Architecture. After graduating, I moved to Denver, Colorado in the U.S. to work in a professional architecture practice. I worked in two different offices, which specialized in a variety of projects ranging from Disney projects in California and Florida, multi-family residential in Vail, CO to government funded libraries in Denver. This experience, working abroad was a wonderful basis for me, as I entered the Post-Graduate Program at Leeds Metropolitan University. My exposure to the American perspective of design, in conjunction with the architectural methods of Britain, offered me a wide range of concepts for design integration. My postgraduate education has reacquainted me with the endless possibilities of architectural design.

PERSONAL ETHIC

The culture of architecture that I have observed in my architecture background has been such an inspiration to me as a student and as an emerging professional. I have learned that architecture can become more than just a profession. Collecting architecture books, attending design lectures and travelling to experience architecture can be a rewarding pastime for designers. During the time I have been travelling with an architecture background, I have learned to explore new cities with a different approach. Visiting well-known, contemporary architecture throughout a city enables an exploration of local areas. Tracking down published architecture on road trips can even prompt a visit to small, obscure towns. With architecture as a travel motive, I have discovered some wonderful surprises of urban settings and unique rural towns.

With my exposure to and education in architecture, I have found that successful architecture has a design which responds to its context. Throughout my post graduate education in architecture, I have greatly enjoyed studying the relationship of a building to its immediate landscape. This connection is the point of access to a building; it is the grounding factor of a design that links the streetscape to the building itself. The landscape of a building’s base scales the design to respect the accessibility of its users.

With each architectural scheme, a design has the power to influence habits and behaviors of its users. Hence, architecture has the ability to change the course of the future. In my post-graduate design proposals, each design revolves around a ‘big idea.’ This concept evolves from the site’s history and methods for a sustainable future. Read Less

In my spare time, I enjoy playing sports and socializing with friends. I have achieved many honors in my soccer experiences, including playing at Elland Road, the playing field for the Leeds United soccer team, and winning the Yorkshire Regional Cup. I enjoy being part of a team in which every member has a great ambition to achieve. On an individual level, I enjoy skiing , either in the French Alps or the Rockies of Colorado. In the summer, I love to cycle, swim, sail, hike and climb 14ers. I also thoroughly enjoy listening to music, attending live music events and discovering new bands. I am passionate about exploring and visiting architecturally renowned buildings- Peter Eisenman’s Holocaust Museum Berlin, MVRDV’s Silodam Amsterdam, Renzo Piano’s Pompidou Center Paris, David Adjaye’s Dirty House London, SANNA’s Museum of Comtemporary Art New York. I am an avid reader of Architectural Journals and papers. Read Less

I have developed good interpersonal skills from working within teams. I have worked within an architectural office, played various sports and worked with campers and counselors at Camp Nissokone, Michigan. Whilst at camp I was often approached by insecure and shy campers who wanted to talk about their concerns. This allowed me to develop my listening skills and provided me with experience in helping others. As a camp counselor, my abilities to problem solve and cope with unforeseen circumstances were also developed-when the weather on the lake worsened, I was challenged to plan spontaneously how best to ensure campers’ safety.

Whilst I have always been an outgoing and approachable person, I further improved this positive quality at the summer camp. By working with the children and developing friendships with newly appointed counselors, I was forced to initiate relationships and become a role model.

My leadership skills were tested and developed whilst captaining the University 7-a-side soccer team. I have recently given time to coaching a very successful Varsity football team three times a week at East High School, Denver,CO. I trained and coached the team, encouraged their interest and attended all league games. As a result of joining the coaching staff, the team were unbeaten in 15 games and High School champions.

My internships, with Humphries Poli Architects and 4240 Architecture,supported the skills I learned at University to a professional setting. I developed an ability to work well under pressure and to meet deadlines through careful time management. This experience also facilitated my ability to build strong relationships with my colleagues. Read Less