a little about me…
I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of human behavior patterns and the spaces that we’ve designed for ourselves both as individuals and as a society. Too wordy? Let me give you an example of some things that have crossed my mind this week: Why do most left-handed people still use their computer mouse with their right hand? Why have we not designed a proper place in the home to drop the keys and mail besides the dining table or kitchen counter? How would we get more people to opt for public transportation in a city like Austin? Will social distancing guidelines forever impact our perception of personal space? (Side note: look into how personal space is interpreted across cultures, maybe you’ll find it as interesting as I do.)
and outside of the office…
I am a fun-loving, homemade pizza baking, reggaeton listening, former sweet potato farmer with a passion for making the world a better place. I have a tendency for getting wrapped up in outrageous situations— whether it’s narrowly falling off a roller coaster or getting an emergency admission into a Mexican hospital. Maybe I’ll tell you my latest tale over a slice of pepperoni.
Want to know more?
Contact me for a resume or consultation.
DESIGNER NERD MOMENT:
The (comically outdated) video study by William H. Whyte,which I first saw over a decade ago in a design school, was the first introduction that I had to the intersection of human behavior and human-designed spaces (go ahead, Google it). I still think about it regularly when it comes to understanding why we do the things we do.
How important is choice to users? Why? How much choice is too much and results in decision fatigue?
things I value…
Functionality
I love feedback from clients, end users, and the general public.
Collaboration with Fabricators & other Disciplines
I get no satisfaction from designing elements that are not practical or constructible.
Mentorship
I have a passion for passing along the knowledge I’ve gained thus far in my career and providing a space for new designers to ask questions.
things I’m into…
Snuggles with my waggy-tongued pup, Frank. He doesn’t have any teeth, but he has bundles of self-confidence.
I'm a lover of the Spanish language and have always been intrigued by Hispanic cultures. The moles and tapas aren’t so bad either…
Handwoven textiles. It’s better to just let me shop alone, you won’t want to wait.
Native gardening. On my Christmas list: a rain barrel!
Painted portraits. Current obsession: Dutch artist, Patricia Derks
Vacations off-the-beaten path. This photo was taken while cruising down the Beni River on the edge of the Bolivian Amazon
Thank you,
for taking the time to learn a little more about me and my path. Please drop me a line if you would like to collaborate, have a question, or perhaps would just like to trade travel stories.
