I grew up in a handmade barn in Vermont (no really I did) and I have loved architecture ever since. I spent my youthful winters ski racing and my summers working construction. I received my Bachelor of Arts from Williams College with a major in studio art and decided to combine my love of buildings and my construction experience with the design ideas developed in the art studio. I graduated in the top of my class at the University of Pennsylvania receiving my Master of Architecture and moved to Washington, DC in 1999. Believing that architecture can provide more than a shield from the weather, I decided to open GrizForm Design to push the bounds of creativity and to strive to produce original spaces. It is the drive to improve on the last project that keeps me fresh and innovative.Well-designed spaces are a must in an industry where success can be fleeting. GrizForm Design’s creativity and experience has resulted in over 300 remarkable and profitable restaurants. My team’s projects are crafted with the goal of generating a transforming experience for the guests, while meeting all comfort needs. Our holistic approach to design leads to spaces which are well conceptualized throughout and a non-cookie-cutter approach results in original spaces. Through my leadership, GrizForm has made guests smile with a wall of reclaimed tire treads, made them feel awe in a room of 1,400 apple green Italian ceiling medallions and made them want to take the experience home, be it by purchasing the company cookbook or the custom furnishings they just relaxed on. My knowledge masters both front and back of house, and equal thought is given to what the guests see and what they don’t and I consider everything in the design from the perspective of the guest. I understand that in order for restaurants to be successful, they need to work on many different levels, and I recognize the importance of creating a multi layered space that is thoughtful and inspiring to the smallest of details. I was the winner of AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award and in 2015 was selected as one of the Wave of the Future designers from Hospitality Design Magazine. The awards recognize individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and have made significant contributions to the profession in an early stage of their architectural career.