What motivated you to become a designer?

I grew up drawing my whole life. That’s where it started. I loved to build Legos and be hands on with projects. It evolved throughout my life and going into college I had no idea how to apply this in the real world. Being an artist wasn’t a solution, so when I discovered Industrial Design at Wentworth, my whole life changed. I saw these blue foam models, hand renderings, and wild messy studios and fell in love. It was a gym (literally a gym with desks) full of students like me that want to create. When I found out that that was a career, it changed everything I knew about design and how my skillsets could be applied. Now more than ever I’m applying myself in different ways and excited to go down this new path.

What advice would you give to your ten-year-old self?

Surround yourself with great people. Be yourself. Let your imagination run wild. Work hard and be patient.

What valuable lesson did you learn from your parents?

I traveled a lot when I was a kid. Anywhere we were, my dad always used to say to us, let’s take a ride and we’d ask where we’re going and he’d just be like I don’t know, we’re going to wander. I look back on those experiences now and am grateful that my parents instilled this sense of adventure in me. If I go on a hike, a bike ride or walk through the city, I typically just go and don’t have a plan. Having no end in sight sets you free of time and a place to get to. There’s no rush and you’re just exploring and excited to see something you haven’t seen before which ultimately leads to new inspirations, fresh perspectives, and trying new things.

What’s the difference between art and design?

Art is self-expression in my eyes and more so created for the artist’s needs whereas design is created for a purpose and function and to solve a problem. I’m still trying to figure it out though because they tend to mix a lot in what I do.

What’s the best conference you've been to?

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair. Not really a conference, but a show I’ll never forget. It exposed me to design I didn’t know existed and therefore expanded my own interests and aspirations.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs all day, but some cats are cool. Grew up with at least 4 dogs and a cat my whole life, so I may be biased just a little.

Beer or wine?

Any IPA, but my choices are mainly influenced by the label design.

In a parallel universe, what is your profession?

Have always dreamed of building and designing tree houses. There’s just something about being out in nature, building something you drew and using your imagination to make anything possible.

What's your Kryptonite?

Procrastination.

If you had to use one word to describe yourself, what would it be?

Passionate