Principal, Architect

• Jan 1992 - Present

As a founding principal and architect at Design Collaborative, I am extremely proud of the difference our company is making in the communities we serve. With our mission "to improve people's worlds"​, we have continued to grow and thrive with an amazing group of energetic and caring architects, engineers, interior designers and support staff. Design Collaborative has been recognized as the American Institute of Architects distinguished firm of the year in Indiana in 2011, as well as one of Indiana's Best Places to Work for several years, including 2015.I have several passions that are fulfilled in the daily experiences at Design Collaborative. I love working with clients and DC teammates to create buildings, environments and spaces that allow people to connect. I am a problem seeker, solver and catalyst in the process. I am able to communicate and thrive in our collaborative process, especially those early stages of the design process. I get to work with a great, diverse group of people that are also passionate about our profession. Finally, I love seeing the difference our people make in the communities we serve.I am a graduate of Wayne High School and Ball State University. I am passionate about Fort Wayne and the NE Indiana region which I have called home for almost my entire life. As a resident, a business owner and a design professional, I continue to be excited about the momentum of develpment in this part of the State.I am also passionate about youth, education, the arts community, and the continuing development of the downtown in my native Fort Wayne community. I have served as a BIG for Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, and I am on the Building & Grounds committee of the board at the University of Saint Francis. Also, I serve on the board of directors for Artlink, Contemporary Art Gallery in Fort Wayne (and teach a youth class of LEGO builders!). On the creative side, I have participated in several community art projects in Fort Wayne.