About Me:
"How can you expect to design a car if you've never driven one?" This is the analogy I used explaining why I wanted to pursue a graduate degree in planning. As it relates to the built environment, how can you expect to design space if you don't posses an understanding of how space comes into existence in the first place? Through this lens, I can draw on a multidisciplinary set of experiences in my own understanding of design: from the perspective of an architect, a developer, a contractor, public agencies, and private interests. I've used this understanding to design and oversee the construction of my own tiny-house – sweat equity as they call it – renovating an existing structure on my family's property. I've worked in economic development with my local chamber of commerce where I gained exposure with the public planning process working directly with community stakeholders. I've worked in residential construction, building an understanding of fabrication techniques. I currently work in urban design, I've developed objective design standards for multiple jurisdictions and am pursuing a specialization as a part of my graduate degree. I like to approach design holistically and seek embody that in my own understanding of how and why space exists.
Experience:
METROPOLITAN PLANNING GROUP
Assistant Urban Designer & Planner | July 2023–Present
Urban Design Intern | May 2022–June 2023
Campbell, CA (Under contract with the Town of Atherton)
• Primary author of illustrated development standards, zoning ordinances, and policy language to implement multifamily and mixed-use housing for multiple jurisdictions in compliance with State law.
• Embedded as current planning support to the Town of Atherton, including zoning interpretation, development review, and permit processing.
• Prepared regulatory diagrams, illustrated standards, and technical tables to support Planning Commission and City Council review and adoption.
• Coordinated technical revisions between project managers, city staff, and consultants through public adoption.
• Prepared staff reports, technical analyses, and supporting materials for Planning Commission and City Council hearings.
• Developed technical scopes and work programs for proposal submissions.
• Supported and conducted community engagement and public outreach activities, including public meetings, workshops, and pop-up events.
Selected Projects
- Town of Atherton — SB 79 Ordinance
- Town of Atherton — Multifamily Objective Design Standards (RM-10, RM-20/40)
- City of Rohnert Park — Multifamily & Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards
- City of Petaluma — Multifamily & Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards
- Town of Woodside — Multifamily Objective Design Standards & Zoning Code Update
- Town of Los Gatos — Multifamily & Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards
- City of Calistoga — Objective Design Standards
- County of Santa Clara — Stanford Community Plan Update Objective Design Standards
- City of Menlo Park — Santa Cruz Avenue Conceptual Design
MORRO BAY CHAMBER of COMMERCE
Economic Development Assistant | 2019–2021
Morro Bay, CA
• Provided economic development services under contract with the City of Morro Bay.
• Produced economic development, parking, and commercial site analysis reports.
• Coordinated business outreach, networking, and promotional programs.
CRIZER CONSTRUCTION
Laborer | Summer 2018
Los Osos, CA
Intern | Summer 2012
Portland, OR
COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN
F/V Nadine, F/V Langosta II | 2012-2020
Morro Bay, CA
Proficiencies:
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• SketchUp/Layout
• V-Ray
• AutoCAD
• GIS
• Graphic Design, Hand Drawing
Education:
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY | Master, City/Regional Planning
Specialization in Urban Design San Luis Obispo, CA | Expected Graduation: June 2023
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY | Bachelor of Arts, Architecture, 2012
Portland, OR | 2012
