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 | Urban Design Intern
2022-Present – Berkeley, CA
• Objective Design Standards: Produced standards and visuals for the Town of Los Gatos, City of Calistoga, and produced site-specific at Stanford University.
• Outdoor Seating Program: Developed outdoor dining program and parklet standards for the Town of Danville.
• Visual Simulations: Environmental Impact Report visual simulations for a private residence in Pacifica.
ANGLE LAND-USE ENTITLEMENT | Contract Associate
2021-Present – San Luis Obispo, CA
• Site Documentation: Production of necessary site drawings and diagrams to file for land use and building permit applications.
• Condition Compliance: Researched and coordinated conditions of approval and allowable uses for clients.
• Application Preparation: Coordinated necessary documents to file land use/building permit applications on multiple projects.
MORRO BAY CHAMBER of COMMERCE | Economic Development Assistant
2019 - 2021 – Morro Bay, CA
• Data Analysis: Produced reports for commercial development opportunity sites, parking and commuter behavior, economic development metrics (transient occupancy tax, sales tax, permit activity), etc;
• Project Management: Coordinated Chamber networking and fundraising events including “Property Walks” web-series promoting the business community;
• Communication: Provided outreach services to business during the CoVid Pandemic. Produced graphics for chamber events, print materials, website, and social media accounts.
“THE MILK SHED” | Design/Build Project
2020 – Morro Bay, CA
• Renovation of an existing structure into a Farmhand/ADU unit.
• Designed and oversaw construction process.
• Custom finishes, fixtures, programmatic elements.
KEVIN CAVENAUGH, GUERRILLA DEVELOPMENT | Intern
2012 – Portland, OR
• Responsible for site documentation and conceptual models.
• Experience with entitlement process, project modifications.
• Building fabrication, building code, hazardous waste removal.
CRIZER CONSTRUCTION | Laborer
2015 & 2018 – Los Osos, CA
F/V NADINE, F/V LANGOSTA II | Commercial Fisherman
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
