From an early age, I have been deeply passionate about the environments we inhabit. The spaces where we rest, work, and spend our days profoundly influence the quality and experience of our lives. I believe in design that is both intentional and holistic, meticulously crafted to resonate with our individual experiences, evoking feelings of joy, tranquility, and fulfillment.
My work is driven by a commitment to designing with nature, context, and purpose, with the goal of creating spaces that leave a positive and lasting impact on those who experience them. The following portfolio showcases some of my most cherished projects from my time at SCAD and in professional practice.
Table
Aparea
Sinaia, one of the oldest mountain towns in Central Romania, is steeped in history and surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and ski slopes that draw tourists throughout the year. Positioned midway between Brasov and Bucharest, the town serves as a natural waypoint and retreat for visitors exploring the idyllic landscapes of Eastern Europe.
Aparea, named after the Romanian word “Apara,” meaning ‘to make visible,’ gracefully emerges from the terrain, much like the ancient trees that surround it. The development is strategically situated on a gently sloping site, with the central train station at the lower elevation and the town’s largest hotel and shopping district perched higher up. The primary goal was to connect these two levels with a transit hub that offers weary travelers a place to rest, recharge, and find respite during their journey through Sinaia.
The structure’s fluid, organic curves are thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the natural topography, echoing the undulating forms of the Carpathian Mountains and the meandering Prahova River. In this way, it seamlessly integrates the new development into the town’s cherished historical fabric, respecting both the natural and built environments.
Figure-Ground, Sinaia
The initial form takes advantage of the site’s natural slope to accommodate various programs.
OUTDOOR SPACE OFFSET
Shifting the program allows for accessible outdoor space on the second level and engages passing pedestrians.
FLOW I
The initial consideration of flow incorporates curves of the surrounding rural context.
FLOW II
Further consideration of flow creates sloping roof lines that mimic the slope of the site.
FLOW III
The final consideration of flow creates a sculptural form unique to the urban context, creating a striking dichotomy within the historic setting.
The main access from the train station and bus stop is on level one, while the secondary access from downtown is on level two. PROGRAM
The lower floor is dedicated to those waiting for transit, and the second floor is for moments of leisure and rest.
VIEWS
Whether awaiting transit or taking a moment of rest in the cafe, both levels offer unobstructed views of the surrounding mountainside of rural Sinaia.
CIRCULATION
The primary circulation is located in the core of the building, allowing convenient ADA access for all to use.
Empiler
Port Marianne is a distinct, environmentally-conscious mixed-use Ecodistrict situated in the eastern part of Montpellier, one of France’s major urban centers. Embracing a design philosophy that integrates nature rather than opposing it, ‘Parc Marianne’ prioritizes expansive greenspaces over parking areas and incorporates various sustainable strategies throughout its extensive 200-acre site.
Empiler, meaning ‘stack’ in French, is a nine-story, 40,000-square-foot mixeduse development that harmonizes residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces within a unified architectural design. The project aims to foster community connections through a careful balance of shared and private areas. Over 50% of the site is dedicated to living greenspace, nearly 75% of units are designed for cross ventilation and passive cooling, and all units provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding neighborhood and the nearby Lez River.
The design language of Empiler features wooden louvers, fiber cement paneling, and adjustable textile facades, contributing a distinctive and contextually responsive element to the local urban landscape. Empiler stands as a noteworthy example of sustainable mixed-use architecture, capturing the essence of southern France while offering a blueprint for global adaptability.
Figure-Ground, Port Marianne
CORNER ALIGNMENT
Local zoning regulations require a portion of the building to ‘hold the corner’ to facilitate walkability and accessible commercial space.
SHIFTING VOLUMES
Adjusting the heights of the masses aids program distribution and creates a dynamic form.
MASS DISTRIBUTION
Each tower has direct access to southern exposure and takes advantage of the larger site’s unique geometry.
ALTERNATIVE VIEWS
Breaking the towers every two stories allows residents unique views of the surrounding context.
MATCHING CONTEXT
The push and pull of the penthouse floors mimic the distinct language of neighboring buildings within the local built environment.
PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC, EGRESS
The massing maximizes engagement of pedestrians passing by.
OCCUPANCY
The relation of residential, coommercial and hospitality spaces within the development.
GREENSPACE
The separation of the masses creates smaller, intimate moments of rest in the site’s larger natural greenspace.
SUN EXPOSURE
The majority of spaces have direct access to southern exposure, minimizing need for additional heat.
CROSS VENTILATION
The tower’s square geometry allows the majority of spaces to benefit from cross ventilation of passing winds.
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Sadecka
Location
Czchow, Poland
Center of Refuge
60,000 sf +/Capstone 2023
International Design Awards, IDA Bronze: Sustainable, Green Architecture Design, Sustainable Mixed-Use Design
The Russia-Ukraine War has had a major impact on millions of Ukrainian citizens. As of June 2023, roughly twenty-one million Ukrainians have fled their home in Ukraine to neighboring European countries for safety, 90% of whom are women and children .
Over nine million have found solace in Poland, stretching local communities economies and resources. Over half admit to having an improved standard of living since entering, and over one third plan to stay well after the war concludes.
Conveniently located between two major stopping points for those entering from Lviv, Sadecka lies on the Dunajec River in the small town of Czchow, Poland. With medical facilities, community spaces, and temporary living quarters , Sadecka provides a safe haven for Ukrainian refugees immediately following their flee from home. Designed with the concept of co-living, the roughly 60,000 sq. ft. building can house over 130 refugees at any given time. Sadecka is intended to be a net-zero development , following the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. With photovoltaic panels, living green roofs, rainwater collection systems, and several other passive & sustainable strategies, it has minimal impact on the environment and aims to create 100% of the energy it consumes in a given year. The multi-use spaces of the first level are to be shared with residents of the local commun ity, and adapted overtime should the town of Czchow desire a change in program.
Seamlessly integrated into the surrounding topography, Sadecka acts as a place of peace, rest, and rehabilitation for those who need it most .
CITIES IN POLAND RECEIVING THE MOST UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
WARSAW
3HR BY CAR
2HR BY CAR
3HR BY CAR
KRAKOW RZESZOW
LVIV CZCHOW
COUNTRY
REGION
PRIMARY WINDS FROM SW & NE
SITE
DUNAJEC RIVER
DUNAJEC RIVER
CENTRAL BALTIC SEA
LUBLIN
WROCLAW
SLOPE
The initial form adheres to the natural contours of the sloping site.
SHIFT
Shifting the volumes allows dynamic opportunities for diverse uses of exterior space.
ADAPT
Splitting the volumes facilitates program distribution and aligns with the site’s topography.
BREAK
Twisting the volumes at various points introduces breaks in extended interior corridors.
Sadecka
CHANGE
The design considers the changing social environment and can easily be retrofitted as seen necessary. The residential portion can be converted to multi-family or coliving residences for the local community. The medical facility and community areas are flexible spaces that can be accessed by the local community at any time following construction.
WELL-BEING
The building is designed to help heal and maintain the well-being of its inhabitants. With substantial natural light throughout the building, fitness and community areas that foster well-being and interaction, and bountiful greenspace, the users of the buliding should feel right at home, no matter their location on the site.
ENERGY
Located in a temperate-cool climate in Southern Poland, Sadecka works with the natural climate and environment and takes advantage of all natural resources provided by the site. Through photovoltaic panels, high-thermal-mass materials, natural ventilation, and passive solar gain, the building produces maximum energy in order to require little to none from the local grid.
WATER
Located adjacent to the Dunajec River, a primary source of local water, Sadecka incorporates a natural rainwater collection system, with the living green roof serving as the primary capture mechanism. Excess rainwater infiltrates through the roof into a water treatment system, which reuses it throughout the building for hygiene and other functions. Should the rainwater system reach capacity, surplus water is diverted into the river, enhancing the local environment.
ECONOMY
INTEGRATION
Sadecka offers a sanctuary for refugees from political unrest in Southern Poland while integrating seamlessly with the local community and environment. Utilizing locally sourced materials, passive solar gain through photovoltaic panels, rainwater collection, and a living green roof for food production, Sadecka achieves net-zero status. The design minimizes waste and pollution, both during construction and for decades to come, demonstrating a profound commitment to sustainability and site integration.
EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES
The design of this building fosters equitable communities by benefiting both refugees and local residents of Czchow through the inclusion of shared spaces such as medical facilities, assembly areas, and community hubs. Both refugees and locals have access to shared resources—food produced on the roof, collected rainwater, and energy harnessed from photovoltaic panels. Situated on a major roadway and directly accessible to the town center, the site ensures convenient access for all users, promoting integration and inclusivity.
ECOSYSTEMS
Sadecka is designed to minimize its impact on the earth, harmonizing with the site’s natural contours. The structure requires no additional soil for its foundation and integrates with the existing topography. Trees removed during site preparation are repurposed as heavy timber, serving as the primary construction material. The form of the building seamlessly blends into the landscape, creating a cohesive relationship with the surrounding ecosystems.
DISCOVERY
Featuring flexible community spaces, the building allows for adaptive use, supporting the evolving needs of both refugees and local residents in Czchow. This design encourages ongoing discovery and adaptation to changing program requirements.
Sadecka contributes to the local economy by utilizing a limited palette of locally sourced materials, resulting in a cost-effective design. Employing natural light, natural ventilation, passive heating and cooling, and other sustainable strategies, the building maintains significantly lower upkeep and maintenance costs compared to the average. The roof is dedicated to food production, minimizing the need for extensive landscaping and additional care. Overall, Sadecka exemplifies efficient spatial use throughout its design.
RESOURCES
The building primarily utilizes concrete and heavy timber, sourced from across Poland and the surrounding region, optimizing local resources and supporting regional material economies.
DESIGN FOR WELL-BEING
The 400-foot southern facade captures abundant daylight reflected from the 1,600-foot-wide Dunajec River valley. This light is channeled through a high-efficiency storefront wall, absorbed by the high thermal mass concrete flooring, and dispersed throughout the building, providing passive heating and natural daylight year-round.
DESIGN FOR ECOSYSTEMS
Southern Poland hosts one of Europe’s largest agricultural industries. The 3-foot deep green roof offers ample space for the roots of foodproducing crops, which can be harvested, sold, and continually replanted throughout the year. This green roof also serves as a natural insulator, moderating temperatures and enhancing native biodiversity and surrounding ecosystems.
DESIGN FOR RESOURCES
The innovative water treatment system captures excess rainwater from the roof, filtering it for use in food preparation, hygiene, and other activities. It also connects to the Dunajec River to recycle gray water, ensuring a sufficient supply of potable water for users.
DESIGN FOR INTEGRATION
Czchow’s temperate-cool climate, with an average annual temperature of 45°F, influences the design of Sadecka. Over 800 feet of its exterior walls are embedded into the earth, offering natural insulation and protection from the elements. This integration regulates the interior thermal conditions, ensuring optimal comfort throughout the day, night, and across all seasons.
HEAL
The first-floor medical facility is designed to provide prompt, non-emergency care for both refugees and local community members. This comprehensive space includes dedicated areas for counseling, examinations, and medical professionals’ offices (IBC I-2). The distinctive sawtooth roof, equipped with operable clerestory windows, floods the medical spaces with abundant southern natural light and fresh ventilation, enhancing the holistic healing experience and nurturing emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
The second and third floors provide a haven for incoming refugees seeking temporary shelter and solace (IBC R-1). These residential levels are thoughtfully divided into five secure zones, each featuring multiple sleeping units for pairs, communal spaces for personal hygiene, living, dining, and storage, and direct access to lush exterior green spaces ideal for gardening and communal gatherings, all while offering picturesque views of the serene Dunajec River in Southern Poland.
SCHEMATIC SITE MODEL
Interior Design
During my internship at RH, The Gallery at the Historic Three Arts Club in Chicago, Illinois, I completed an interior design project for a for-sale residence in the Gold Coast neighborhood. I was responsible for drafting the floor plan in AutoCAD and curating interior furnishings from the RH Collection.
Although the client’s vision was imaginative and hypothetical, I applied the same meticulous processes and standards as I would for any real client at the Gold Coast Gallery. This project was executed independently, with the support and guidance of colleagues and senior designers.
