ABOUT

A fundamental underpinning of my education was the study of architectural history. The roots of style, architectural preservation, reuse, and adaptation were early lessons in the value of buildings.

Coming from an architectural and engineering family, I quickly learned the lessons of working together with experts creating the whole building project. Collaboration came naturally.

The first third of my career was drawing and detailing the many designs of the architects I worked under - my mentors. This was essential training to appreciate and communicate the work of the trades and appreciate their skills. Half of each firm’s work was custom-designed homes expressing varied architectural roots.

The study of horticulture at the University of Michigan and exposure to landscape architecture through Carl Johnson, co-founder of JJR, and others, turned my attention to the environment and the land we design upon. I became LEED accredited in the second year of the USGBC systems rating and remain focused on sustainability, conservation and sensitivity to the environment.

The enjoyment of cities led me to consider urban planning and policy, become chairman for the Village of Manchester (MI) Planning Commission, participate with the West Michigan Strategic Alliance, originate and twice lead the AIA West Michigan Regional Urban Design Charrettes, and as a founding board member of the Plainfield Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority, serve the public.

The second phase of my career was leading design teams with contractors producing many types and complexities of buildings for a myriad of clients. Scope of work, ethics, and fairness establish contracts for risk management. See "Archives".

Starting the next phase of my career, I’m doing what many architects do if their situation permits: design for others who have needs and dreams, and thus enjoy a lifetime of architecture.