My path into residential design was commonplace until the 18th century. Traditionally most architectural design and construction, except for high-profile projects, were overseen by master builders who rose from the ranks of masons and carpenters. Technological advances, mathematics, and orthographic drawing techniques gradually allowed professional architects to create pre-construction drawings, separating design from hands-on building experience.

I began practicing hand drafting shop drawings for structural steel and sheet metal fabrication. My background in art allowed me a smooth transition into mechanical drawing. Working with a structural engineer provided some understanding of loads, forces, and equilibrium within structures.

My next position began with making ‘shop drawings‘ for cabinetry and millwork. I found the capabilities of a millwork shop, the art of woodworking, and the design potential of both mind-blowing and inspiring. I was fortunate to work alongside accomplished artisans, devouring recommended books and attending master classes. I still find creating and finishing cabinetry/millwork a vastly satisfying and meditative process.

A tree lives a second life as a useful thing of beauty, bringing pleasure and support to those it touches through daily service. Sustaining a long-term perspective reinforces relationships between the designer, artisans, nature, and the end-user.

Woodworking begins with "reading" the wood's internal tensions and milling accordingly, producing long-term stability. The next step is selecting each piece and determining how grain orientation and placement best complement the design—then shaping and joining the parts, forming a stout well-balanced whole. The wood's character and emotion emerge through carefully balancing color and texture during the sanding process. The figure in the grain pops more vibrantly as each layer of finish builds clarity.

As a tree lover and woodworker, I feel gratitude and respect for natural materials, and I strive for every design to radiate that gratitude and respect. On some level, Individuals can sense the quality of thought and craftsmanship, or lack thereof, ingrained in a home. Uplifting spaces and solid material choices can inspire generations to cherish and care for a home.

I rose from carpenter to team leader, mentor/educator, and ultimately project supervisor/coordinator, functioning in all these capacities day-to-day, on-site. Maintaining a solid foundation through ongoing research and education continues to inspire insights, helping to reframe problems as possibilities and foster innovative solutions. Developments in building science, green building techniques, and passive house design continue to excite.

The demand for additional design work remained steady throughout my time building homes and supervising projects. For years I produced construction drawings on-site and during my free time to maintain project momentum.

Building from my plans proved invaluable for refining my design skills. Similarly, time invested in physically building custom homes and historic renovations has made analyzing design issues and brainstorming solutions a fluid and intuitive process.