After studying architecture at UNC-Charlotte and Yale, I moved to the Wilmington area and began my internship with John W. Thompson, Architect, P.A., where I worked as Project Designer starting in 2002. I worked in every phase of a wide variety of project types and scales, including schools, small commercial buildings and offices, and custom and multi-family housing. In February of 2013 I started a new position as Project Designer with LS3P in Wilmington.My primary (and favorite) role as a designer is to develop the key conceptual ideas that guide the design of each project, and then to carry these ideas through to the built work. Consequently most of my experience is in the design phases of projects (Schematic Design through Construction Drawings) including especially: conceptual drawing (by hand and CAD), written descriptions, siting and orientation, building code review, material and product research, construction drawings and details, consultant and engineering systems coordination, cost analysis and value engineering, submittal and shop drawing review, construction observation and reporting.My primary motivation as a designer is to help create beautiful, meaningful and healthy places for people. I also have a special interest in providing this service to underserved or low-income persons and communities. Affordable housing is therefore an key interest of mine, and I've been a volunteer, designer, and board member for Brunswick Housing Opportunities, a local affordable housing non-profit, since 2006.