Where are you from?
I’m from Crystal Lake, Illinois.
In what city do you live?
I currently live in Lawrence, Kansas.
What is your degree, and what institution is it from?
Master of Architecture from the University of Kansas
Why is healthcare design so important to you?
As an individual who knows many people, including myself, who have only benefitted from the presence and function of healthcare facilities, and knowing the rapid advancement of technology in the healthcare field, I view the advancement of healthcare design as a constant necessity for protecting and enhancing the human experience of all people.
Why did you want to pursue a career in healthcare design?
Growing up I always knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field. Initially I thought studying to become a doctor or a nurse was how I should join the field, but I quickly learned that I didn’t have the stomach for performing any kind of medical procedure. When I was younger, I was enamored by my architect grandfather’s office which was full of design books and architectural drawings. Years later when I had a better idea of what the field of architecture was, I put two and two together realizing he was a healthcare architect with Stolte architects, which made me realize that while I won’t be executing medical procedures, I could still design the spaces where those individuals perform.
What was it about the E. Todd Wheeler Health Fellowship that attracted you?
Personally, the opportunity to be given 300 hours of research toward better understanding and improving healthcare design while also being able to earn AXP hours and work towards my licensure was the most appealing aspect of the fellowship.
What does it mean to you, personally, to have been selected as an inaugural health fellow at our firm?
Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be working right out of college with one of the most respected, prolific, and downright impressive firms, Perkins&Will. I am incredibly honored to have been given this once in a lifetime opportunity to have my dream job with my dream firm in a dreamy office with people so kind and welcoming. If I were to wake up in my architecture studio in five minutes I wouldn’t be surprised.
What do you hope to learn from the experience?
During my time as a fellow I hope to learn the ins and outs of how to design any and every healthcare facility through evidence-based design.
In which Perkins&Will studio will you be doing your fellowship?
Los Angeles
When you’re not designing healthcare projects, what do you do in your spare time?
When I’m not crushing it on Revit, I’m killing it on the court, field, or table. Being the youngest of three kids, I’ve always had a competitive spirit towards sports and all games, and I’ve never passed on the opportunity to win.
What do you hope to do, see, or experience in the city where your fellowship is taking place?
Growing up in Texas, Illinois, and Kansas, I’ve never been more excited for a climate and culture of a coastal city. During my time in LA, I hope to swim in the ocean one weekend and hike a mountain the next, expand my cultural horizons with authentic Mexican food, LA nightlife, and local entertainment. Ultimately, I hope to become familiar with the most niche experiences LA has to offer.
