I’m an architect and project manager and have been with ms for almost seven years. I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Kent State University and returned to Kent in the fall of 2018 to teach Hospitality Design. When I started at ms, I was a young, unlicensed designer and had the opportunity to work with some pretty great (and patient) people to lead me to the position I’m in today. I’m still learning and growing but my current responsibilities include client interactions and managing the design process. I’m married to my awesome husband, Matt and we have a spoiled little dog, Cocoa.

What was your first job?
Chik-Fil-A, and it’s still my favorite fast food place!

What is one item on your bucket list?
I’d like to travel to Europe, especially Greece and Italy, but I hate flying long distances. Hopefully one day I can overcome that fear and sightsee!

Last album you downloaded?
Christmas by Michael Bublé; I literally listen to Christmas music ALL year…

If you had your own talk show, who would be your first three guests?

1. Shonda Rhimes
2. Ron Howard
3. Frank Gehry – I would have to have a guest that I can talk “shop” with, so an architect would be a must! Gehry’s designs are so unique, I’d be interested to see HOW he really thinks.

Least favorite food?
Mushrooms – yuck

Last thing you read?
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

Best concert you’ve been to?
98 degrees when I was 12 years old. They came to Niles, Ohio

What household chore do you hate the most?
Putting away laundry

Cook in or eat out?
Eat out

Listener or talker?
Talker

Favorite TV show?
Greys Anatomy (also why Shonda Rhimes would be my first talk show guest!)

If you could live one day over again, which would you pick?
Our wedding. What other day could you have literally ALL of your friends and family in one room celebrating!?

What sets ms apart from other engineering & architecture firms?
ms is a true family owned business that focuses on the success of their people. Even starting out as a pre-licensed architect, I was encouraged and inspired by the highest levels of leadership to continue to grow my career and that remains today.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned while working at ms?
I’ve learned SO MUCH at ms consultants, but the one lesson that resonates with me is how important client relationships and interactions are in our business. We meet so many new and different people with every project; understanding what their priorities and objectives are could always be an interesting challenge.

Which project are you most proud to have been a part of, and why?
The most recent project I’m most proud of is the Doubletree by Hilton. I personally worked on the project for over five years from its inception and to see it come to life has just been remarkable.

Another project that will forever hold a special place in my heart is the Struthers Credit Union. It was my very first project that I worked on from the beginning through completion, not to mention it was in my hometown of Struthers, Ohio.

If you weren’t an architect, what would you be doing?
Cheesy, but true… I don’t think I’d want to be anything else. To be honest, I’ve wanted to be an architect since I was 12 years old and have never even considered anything else. I truly love what I do.

What would you go back and tell your 22 year old self?
RELAX! When I graduated college, I held a retail job along with my first architectural job… along with studying for my license exams. I wanted to hurry and get it all done and have extra money and, and…you get the idea. Time flies way too fast, you need to enjoy every minute.

You’ve got one day in Youngstown. What do you do?
I love this town, so I’d suggest you have more than one day… but… let’s say it’s a summer day. I’ll preface this by saying to truly enjoy Youngstown, you MUST like to eat. We have some of the best food in the world.

First you’d start off the day eating breakfast at a great, local spot like the Kitchen Post for breakfast and mimosas. I’d then head to the trails of Mill Creek Park for a walk with my pup, Cocoa. You’ll see some of the best natural views in Youngstown from the trails of the park. Heading back downtown for lunch, a nice meatball salad from V2 along with some edamame hummus fills you up for the afternoon. For the afternoon, maybe you can check out one of the many festivals in town, the Butler Art Museum or the Youngstown Flea. Rounding out the day, I’d enjoy dinner at Bistro 1907 for an excellent meal and hopefully enjoy the outdoor patio and city views of Youngstown then stay the night in a suite at the Doubletree by Hilton (a project I hold near and dear to my heart).

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, especially my hubby, Matt and my spoiled pup, Cocoa. When it’s nice out, we like to be outside as much as possible! I enjoy running, spending time at our neighborhood summer parties, hanging out by the pool and soaking up as much sun as I can in NE Ohio!

Any final words?
Enjoy life to the fullest, you only get one chance.