I grew up:

In North Vancouver.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Art History, The University of British Columbia
Master of Architecture, The University of British Columbia

Notable accomplishments/awards:

UBC Varsity Basketball Team player for five years
Lettered athlete at the university level
BC Summer Games swim champion in various events

I chose JDa because:

I believe in its aesthetics and values – and it’s the family firm.

I bring to JDa:

Leadership, humour, a particular design aesthetic, enthusiasm, rigour and teamwork.

Path to architecture:

I started working as a general office assistant for my dad when I was 18 – grabbing supplies, getting beer for the team on Friday afternoons, that sort of thing. After getting a BA and retiring from university basketball, I completed a Master of Architecture degree and joined the firm full time, working my way up to associate and then eventually to partner.

I’m drawn to design because:

I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to solve a design problem technically and then how to combine it with an aesthetic that suits the site and client.

My design philosophy:

I have a similar ethos to the eminent architect Louis Kahn: use intention to provide a big idea that reads through the entire building to ensure that functionality matches design. And remember that form always follows function.

I’m most excited in architecture today about:

Combining sustainability with design in a meaningful way, and the huge opportunities to integrate interesting materials.