I knew I wanted to be a Landscape Architect when my dad challenged me to make the world a better place for my younger brother while I was in college. As a landscape architect and project manager at Gateway, I continuously remind myself and those around me that we get paid to think. Our jobs are to solve complex puzzles that require a specialized skill set that has been honed through diverse experiences, as well as just what’s in us. And we don’t just solve those puzzles and keep the results to ourselves, we must express those results in a clear and concise fashion so that others can digest that information in a way that it is useful. I have become adept in understanding how to solve these puzzles, how to bring designers together, and how to produce a professional design package that clearly illustrates realistic, implementable solutions.

I’ve been, and continue to be, active in my community. I was a varsity coach for our community high school's girls' basketball team for 9 years, currently serve on our local zoning hearing board, and volunteer on our Shade Tree Commission. My wife and I enjoy exploring Pittsburgh's many neighborhoods -- especially ones we aren’t familiar with -- seeking out that great coffee shop, specialty store, or up-and-coming brewpub. Oh, and, of course, great parks and open spaces!