From Wooden Blocks
As a small child, I remember how exciting it was when I received a set of wooden blocks as a gift. I immediately started using them to build the facades of imaginary palaces, a street along a canal, and eventually to model entire cities. It was enthralling. As I grew older, I would relax by spending hours drawing. I would draw floor plans, facades, and perspective drawings of imaginary gardens, buildings, streets, fountains, train stations, and fortresses.During and after high school, I had the opportunity to travel with a few youth groups.
To Taiwan
During my sophomore year of high school, I was able to visit Taiwan for a few weeks through a school sponsored exchange program. I enjoyed seeing and experiencing the sites like Sun Moon Lake, the Taipei 101 tower, and the 500 year old Temple to Matzu in Taichung.China
On another school sponsored trip during my senior year of high school, I was able to explore the Forbidden City in Beijing, and I was fascinated by the traditional houses and alleys adjacent to the palace complex. I also enjoyed seeing the waterfront in Shanghai and walking on the Old City Wall around Xian.Israel
After graduating high school, I was able to see some of Israel on a youth trip, where I encountered beautiful traditional and modern Architecture in places like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.And Beyond
I would later encounter beautiful architecture when I was traveling in Europe. All these places and experiences inspired my imagination. I began to read extensively about Architecture, and I decided that one day I too would design and build beautiful buildings. However, I would also come to realize the pressing need for better Architecture as well.Community Service
A few years ago, I volunteered for a year of full time community service with an AmeriCorps program called City Year. In this program, I supported teachers; coached, tutored, and mentored struggling students; and led and organized some school clubs.One of the factors I immediately noticed, however, was that the Architecture in these public schools inhibited learning, and I began to wonder if this was a contributing factor to some students academic struggles. I began tutoring students near sources of natural light or in the fresh air outside on the school grounds. But then I realized that most of the grounds around the school were paved in concrete or weeds.
With a group of interested students, we collaborated to design and build some green spaces and an educational garden around the school. The results were dramatic. I noticed that students and teachers appeared to be in better moods, more alert, and more focused. One teacher even thanked me for my efforts, telling me that she would sit in the spaces we created before classes and that it helped her teach better. At this point, I decided that someday I would become an Architect so that I could design spaces that would help people feel good and succeed in their lives.
Family Struggles
Around this time, my parents were struggling financially, so I put my own aspirations to become an Architect on hold to help provide for them. I starting serving in cafes, working in retail, and giving Architectural tours. I helped pay my parent's bills and bought them groceries. And when they decided to move overseas, I sold everything they had to help them have enough money to do whatever they wanted to do next. When that wasn't enough, I gave them all the money I had saved at the time so they would be okay. Sadly, they left and I never heard from them again.Going to School
After some time working odd jobs and getting by, I finally decided that I needed to start studying Architecture. I began taking classes at the Community College of Philadelphia. I was delighted! I started taking Architecture classes and liberal arts classes, aced every one, and was invited to join the national honor society Phi Theta Kappa. One day I will become an Architect and use my skills to improve the lives of many people.About This Site
This is a place where I will share the things that matter to me most as I explore my passion in Architecture.Blog Posts
There are two kinds of posts I make:- Posts showcasing Architecture I find inspiring
- Posts showing my own in-progress design work
Pages
These show some portfolio samples of my design work that demonstrate skills and strategies:- Skills: Using AutoCAD, Revit, Hand Drawing, Rendering, and Model Building
- Strategies: Teamwork, Communication, and Planning
I welcome your feedback and insights.
