To me, there is no age. Age is something other people put on you. So I'm just gonna keep living the way I do.

As a master's student in architectural and art history at the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture, I’ve found a wonderful way to look at the world. My work lets me explore all the possibilities and what-ifs within our cultural landscapes—the places, spaces, and things that mean so much to us. Each one tells a story; sometimes, those stories are complex and layered, like the pieces of a giant puzzle.

When I study these landscapes, I consider them from many different angles, drawing on all sorts of ideas and perspectives. It’s a bit like inviting new friends into the neighborhood to share their unique points of view. In doing so, I get to amplify voices that aren’t always heard and help uncover stories that may have been hidden. For me, that’s the heart of what it means to honestly care for our history, our environment, and each other.

By embracing this broader vision of the world, I hope to create a place where everyone’s story is seen and valued—a world that feels a little more whole and connected. And, as Mister Rogers would say, each of us has something unique to contribute to our beautiful, shared world.

For me, sustainability reaches far beyond caring for the environment. It includes a deep respect for the landscapes and ecologies surrounding us, but it also extends to the people, histories, and unique experiences shaping our neighborhoods. True sustainability means caring for social equity, nurturing strong local economies, and understanding the layered narratives of place—stories of racial topographies, outsider preservation, otherness, and even displacement within our homes and communities. It’s about honoring these complex histories, recognizing the richness they add to our collective identity, and working to ensure that every voice and experience has a place in our shared future.

My research looks closely at American post-domestic cultural landscapes, from grand high-style estates to simpler, everyday vernacular spaces. Each building and garden has a story to tell. They’re like living records that show us the skills, values, and changes of those who came before us. I believe architecture has a particular way of connecting us—it invites us to feel awe and wonder, reminding us that we’re all part of a bigger story.

I hope to help us appreciate our surroundings more deeply by studying how these spaces have evolved. This work is my way of nurturing our shared understanding and guiding us to find beauty and connection in the places we call home.

If you’re inclined to focus on limitations and no, I invite you to reconsider. Here, we say yes—to possibilities, meaningful engagement, and the challenging yet fulfilling work of building a shared future.

My interests span a wide range of disciplines—from history dating back to 1650 in architecture, fashion, decorative arts, fine arts, gardens, graphic design, jewelry, photography, lighting, color theory, industrial design, materials, and textiles. Through character home, I weave these elements into a cohesive narrative, creating connections that deepen our understanding of a home’s tangible, intangible, and emotional dimensions. For me, each of these aspects contributes a unique piece to the larger story of what makes a home truly meaningful.

I echo the late Fred Hiatt of the Washington Post: 

"What I do believe...is...really good, serious, readable, reliable [content] and really good, serious, readable, thoughtful, unpurchased, non-yelling opinion" (Washington Post).