Architecture & Design

I opened HDBL Architecture and Design as a way to share with more people the lessons I learned during my years of designing and building with Habitat for Humanity about how to create safe, beautiful, efficient homes that remain affordable for local families.  

My passion is in figuring out ways that good design and technology can be combined to reduce a building’s footprint and impact.  Careful placement of windows and shading elements, for example, allow for the homeowner to take advantage of daylight and views without having to close the blinds and turn on electric lights.  By fine tuning a building to its site one can take full advantage of prevailing winds, the path of the sun and the shifting of the seasons to reduce the building’s dependence on electricity for comfort.

Education

Tulane University, School of Architecture

Master of Architecture I, 2002  

Experience

Blue Slate Design

President

2009 to Present

Blue Slate Design creates beautiful, handmade jewelry, housewares, and

custom knives for sale through museum gift shops and specialty boutiques.

Greater Fairfield Area Habitat for Humanity

Construction Manager

2010 to Present

Responsible for the design, construction management, and volunteer

management of all new Habitat for Humanity homes in Fairfield, Iowa.

Prairie Architects, Inc.

Project Manager

2004 to 2009

Oversaw the management and operation of the company’s Midwest office.  

Responsible for all phases of project planning, design, and construction administration.

Professional Licenses and Memberships

Registered Architect in the State of Iowa

Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)

Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Member of the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)