Philosophy Design Studios

Early on, I recognized design as a tool...If altering our built environments can lower violent crime or shorten hospital stays, as studies suggest, then design is not a superficial luxury but a solution to real-world problems. My formal training in design began at age 18. I enrolled in an interior design course with high hopes for creating environments that have a positive influence. After learning about the issues of modern building practices, including deforestation and Sick Building Syndrome, I became disheartened with the industry and decided to explore alternative building. I spent the better part of a decade traversing the globe and learning about various facets of design: visiting Roman and Mayan ruins, living in urban Australia, becoming a student of Permaculture, volunteering with Architecture for Humanity, interning at architecture firms, and working in floral design, tile design, and kitchen and bath design. I tried everything I could to really understand what design was and how it could be used as a tool. I earned a fine arts degree in Interior Architecture from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California where I majored in retail and commercial design to focus on public spaces. All the while, I kept in mind how environments influence people and behavior (Design Psychology). Currently, I strive to do good work beginning with residential interiors and ending with pro-bono design-build projects around the globe.