Growing up in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, I was captivated at an early age by the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. At the same time, I was regularly exposed to historic buildings that were equally impressive. During these years, it became evident that there are special qualities to certain natural and built environments that make them places that people want to occupy. With my eyes opened to this reality, all I wanted to do was try to create such spaces.
After completing my architectural education at Virginia Tech, I was eventually given the opportunity to partner with a custom home builder to provide design services in conjunction with construction management. As lead designer, I worked on projects of various scales, including interior renovations, additions, and new homes. Beyond the initial building design phase, I often collaborated with clients during construction to select fixtures and finishes. I found that being present from the beginning of a project to the end not only allowed me to guide the vision, but also helped me better understand the construction process, ultimately making me a better designer.
Many of the homes I have had the privilege to work on have been situated on tight urban lots and often located in historic neighborhoods with specific design criteria. Rather than seeing these challenges as limitations, I embrace such opportunities to thoughtfully and respectfully engage with a home’s original form and character. Some of my favorite projects have involved modifying existing structures to meet the demands of contemporary living. In the end, what I love most is helping to improve how clients experience their homes and enjoy the spaces of everyday life.
Photo by Brett Seay