Greatest Accomplishments

“I put myself through college at Drexel University because my family could not afford to. This meant that I had to be creative about not only paying the bills, but also being able to experience the world! I learned how to be resourceful and I gained skills that I never imagined.

For example, after learning about all of the programs available in Philadelphia for first-time home buyers, I bought my first house at age 22. I eventually rented it out for extra income after buying my second row home. Shortly after that, I worked hard and saved up my money so I could go backpacking in Europe for a month. I lived in poverty growing up — I never even left the state that I grew up in. I never would have been able to do something like that, and it was nice to see my hard work pay off."

“I am very proud of the success of the China program. The year 2017 is all about globalization, and there is a lot of population in China. Our facilities help more than half of the population in the world get better healthcare.

I have also made a lot of good friends with my clients and coworkers. We exchange ideas and inspire each other, and those friends refer me to other projects. It’s very satisfying to know that people trust me and would work day and night for me.”

“With each small step, I have felt empowered to do anything! I’m proud and happy about where I am in my life both personally and professionally because I got here due to raw nerve, wit and the healthy relationships that I have formed with smart, loving people.

I was leading an office, and someone told me that my presence changed her perspective on architecture. She saw that I had taken alternative paths and she wanted to do that, too. She saw that as success. Through mentorship and my attention, she felt strong in her profession.

And my 3-year-old twins, Audrey and Morgan. They’re happy, and I have a secure family life.”

“Personally, my greatest accomplishment was hiking rim to rim from the Grand Canyon five different times with my family. We did that together for five years in a row. Professionally, I’m very proud of what I’m embarking on now, and having the opportunity to make changes within the organization related to digital design. And the 40 under 40 award I received in 2014 from Building Design + Construction magazine was really amazing.”

“That’s an interesting question because architecture is, by nature, a project-based activity with a clear start and stop for each project. I  view healthcare architecture a little differently. It’s more of an overlay or response to the continuous process of aligning design and planning with changing care delivery models. Continuing to be curious and interested in refining and improving our approach is probably my greatest accomplishment.”