What motivated you to become a designer?

When I was a child, my grandfather would often take me around New York City, whether to the parks, museums, fire stations, but one day he took me to his favorite building, which was the Woolworth. I marveled at its size, its terra cotta detailing and mosaic-covered vaulted ceilings. I was fascinated by the grotesques in the lobby. One of them was a man holding a scale model of the building and I asked who that was. He explained it was the architect and that he was the one who designed the building. I decided at that moment I wanted to be an architect. And I never really strayed from that plan.

What does successful workplace culture mean to you?

Collaboration is what it’s all about for me. Working as a team and feeding off of each other’s ideas is what makes the job exciting and truly satisfying. There’s always so much to learn from others and, as someone who has gradually taken on a leadership role, I find it critical to empower others to take ownership of their work…and what a better way than to share the responsibility (and the fun)!

What would you be doing if you were not working in this industry?

I would definitely be spending a lot more time on music and production, preferably collaborating with other artistic mediums like film and dance. I’ve always been musical, since a child, and have performed in bands, gone on tour, written soundtracks, and have my own home recording studio where I’ve recorded for myself and others. I tried in the past to make music my primary source of income, without much success, but I can’t live without it and play almost every day. This is my passion.

Where do you go for a weekend getaway?

Up in the mountains is usually my favorite place. The cool air, the panoramic views, the endless trees.

What is your favorite productivity tool?

Roll of trace or a Moleskine notebook

Where do you feel most at home?

Anywhere with a guitar in hand

What valuable lesson did you learn from your parents?

Be honest and kind

At what age would you live forever?

40. Just good looking enough, just wise enough.

What is a work-related book you'd recommend?

The Most Beautiful House in the World by Witold Rybcynski

What are your top three travel destinations?

Anything new…New York, New Jersey, New Mexico