About

I recall being in fifth grade when we had been given graph paper to help us lay out our complex math problems. I don’t remember exactly how it started, but I began making floor plans on the graph paper- excessively huge, horribly out of scale, and incredibly boxy floor plans- using the blue lines on the sheets as my guides. I remember classmates asking me to draw up a mansion of their own; I would ask them what kind of rooms they wanted and work with them to create the house of their dreams (that typically included a bowling alley, ball pit, and countless pools). I was incredibly reasonable with my prices, trading a plan for a candy bar or whatever sticky change they had in their backpacks. I had built my career as a child architect.

When it came time to enroll in high school I had to pick a career pathway to gear all my classes around. I had three options: health sciences, business or computer sciences. All of my friends seemed to want to go into the medical field so I followed suit. I liked drawing eyes at the time so I figured that I was destined to be an Optometrist. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that there was a new class offered: 2D Beginning Design, with a course description that vaguely resembled an interior design class. I grew up watching HGTV with my mother, and I recalled my love for graph paper mansions- so I bit. My teacher introduced me to The Sims and little did I know I was headed down the Sims to professional designer pipeline. I solely used the game for its “build mode” where I was able to create 3D spaces for the first time- to say I was hooked would be an understatement.

Knowing that I wanted to pursue my love for design, I applied to the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design where I was accepted. Throughout my four years at MIAD I have learned and grown so much. I have discovered who I am as a designer and how I can make a difference with my passion. I’ve put my heart and soul into every single project that I touched and even went on to earn awards for four of them. I cannot wait to see what my future in the industry holds and am thankful everyday for the oppourtunity to pursue my dreams.