Dream Project:

One in which the client allows me to take risks and use the element of surprise. Often, the most unexpected combinations bring about the most exhilarating results…

Ideal Work Environment:

Mid-morning light, open window, huge butcher block table, blank paper, new pens, and my flip-flops…

Admired Designer(s):

Charles and Ray Eames. The pair made outstanding contributions in industrial design, furniture design, graphic design, art, architecture, and film. Their captivation with multiple fields of art and design really resonate with me…

Troublesome Catchphrase:

DIY (Do-it-Yourself)! Beware, particularly after watching the home improvement television shows that we all love. Everything looks much easier and faster than it really is, especially with all of the editing and the behind-the-scenes work crews that they never show on screen…

Highest Compliment:

I helped my mother re-design a few spaces in her home and she told me, “Honey, you’re really doing a great job!” It meant the world to me…

Epiphany Moment:

When I realized that strong design doesn’t just look good, but that it changes people’s lives…

Worst Idea:

Planning my own wedding and renovating my own home in the same year! Hello, what was I thinking?

Best Advice:

Enjoy the ride, it makes arriving at the destination much more gratifying…

When Not Designing:

Spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, playing outdoors, tackling projects around the house, reading…

Favorite Books I’ve Read Recently:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Hilarious and poignant, and truly a modern day classic. I couldn’t put it down, and I wished that the story continued past the last page.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Ever since I read that bees are linked with humanity’s survival I have been enamored with them. This book intertwines the art of beekeeping with a group of people’s ability to look beyond race and to take care of one another against all odds. Beautiful.

Greening Your Small Business: How to Improve Your Bottom Line, Grow Your Brand, Satisfy Your Customers – and Save the Planet, by Jennifer Kaplan. She provides a how-to manual for anyone interested in the business benefits of going green. A must read… I can’t tell you how many great ideas this book gave me, and that is in addition to it’s very doable checklists.

Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman, by Yvon Chouinard (founder/owner of Patagonia). He shares his philosophies on building a healthy business that prioritizes the value of treating personnel with the highest regard, and of the importance of life outside work. I read this some time ago, but I keep going back to it. It is completely refreshing and insightful, and a business model that keeps you thinking…

Favorite Films I’ve Seen Recently:

Bridesmaids by Judd Apatow. This film wasn’t even on my radar until some friends of mine told me it was the funniest movie they’ve seen in years. So, I went… And, I’ll have to go again since I missed at least half of the movie because I was laughing so hard throughout!

The Breakfast Club, by John Hughes. This is one of my all time favorite movies (as are most of John Hughes’ films). There is just something about them that makes you want to watch them over, and over, and over again…

500 Days of Summer, by Marc Webb. An Indie/Sundance gem of a film with clever writing…

Coraline, by Henry Selick. Dark and sweet with a great message…

Zombieland, by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Horrible (in a good way) and hysterical! I always love a good laugh…

Favorite Songs I’ve Purchased Recently:

A Little Less Conversation, by Elvis Presley. Always puts me in a good mood…

Let’s Dance, by David Bowie. A true classic…

Gravity, by Sara Bareilles. Eerily beautiful and sad…

Lovesick, by Lindstrom & Christabelle. So funky, a great groove…

Anyone Else But You, by The Moldy Peaches. Addictive, gets stuck in my head…

Looking Forward To:

Purchasing a small A-Frame house in the mountains for weekend getaways…

Signature Element:

Black & White photographs…