I am a Licensed Architect with over 25 years of experience in commercial, institutional, and residential architecture and design sectors. I established my practice in the Chicago suburbs in 1999. The practice was reestablished in Des Moines in 2017. In 2022 I opened my satellite office, Spirit Lake Studio, to serve the Iowa Great Lakes. In 2025, we moved to Spirit Lake full time, and the practice is now simply called Spirit Lake Studio.

I design commercial and residential properties, focusing on blending individual needs with community character. My philosophy as the "Neighborhood Architect" emphasizes harmonizing new designs with existing contexts, paying homage to historical preservation architecture while integrating modern functionality. I treasure old neighborhoods and believe in investing in these areas, revitalizing them through thoughtful architecture and design.

Whether I am assisting in developing innovative vacation home architecture for serene retreats or designing functional yet attractive commercial properties, my goal is to create spaces that foster community interaction and enhance the local economy. I understand that commercial architecture requires a thoughtful approach, balancing aesthetics with practicality to cater to the business's needs and the community's character. By creating vibrant spaces for local businesses, I aim to promote neighborhood growth and connection, ensuring that these establishments serve as hubs for social engagement and economic vitality.

This dual focus on both residential and commercial architecture ensures that every project reflects a commitment to quality and community engagement.

Two Design philosophies I work closely with are The Not So Big House and The Original Green.

THE NOT SO BIG HOUSE

• Values Quality over Quantity
• Emphasizes Comfort, Beauty, and a high level of Architecture and Design Detail
• Does not necessarily mean small. It means not as big as you thought you needed, but designed and built to perfectly suit the way you live.

Read more about The Not So Big House here

THE ORIGINAL GREEN

Emphasizes sustainable buildings that are:

• LOVABLE - If they cannot be loved, they will not last.

• DURABLE - They must endure, in order to be sustainable.

• FLEXIBLE - If they endure, they will need to have many uses over generations.

• FRUGAL – because energy hogs cannot be sustained in a healthy way long into an uncertain future.

Read more about The Original Green House here

Building a new home is one of the biggest investments a family will ever make. Yet, despite spending a lot of money, a new home can still be flawed by way of planning, structure, and aesthetics. You deserve only the best! Going through a thorough architecture and design process with a licensed, seasoned design professional will ensure you get the house that best suits your needs and fits your site. Do it right with an Architect!