Hi there!

I am a full stack software engineer with a background in architecture. 

First, a little background on why I made the switch... As an architect I used a lot of cool software to design and model buildings (aka Building Information Modeling). This became a big part of my job, and I realized I was more interested in the software programs than the building projects. This helped me realize that I wanted to solve coding problems instead of construction problems. My first web app was inspired by visualizing the dense building zoning codes.

Every coding project I work on I realize how coding is everything I dreamt it would be - a series of little problems that eventually solve a bigger problem. I am especially interested in databases, the different ways data is stored and how it relates to other data in both Sql and NoSql databases. Maybe it reminds me of space programming in architecture, and how spaces should relate to each other. But really my favorite part of coding is that an app or a project can continuously be iterated on, unlike a building which is pretty much set after construction! 

I ended my architecture career on a high note, remodeling my 1000 SF Los Angeles home built in 1947 (you can check out some pics here). I got the permit approved by the city in less than an hour and construction, including the demolition of 4 walls and installation of a 20 foot long 14 inch deep glu-lam beam, was completed in just 2.5 months. This was the perfect opportunity to realize that although architecture would always be a personal passion, it is not how I wanted to spend the rest of my career.  

Like my house project, most of my hobbies revolve around creating things. When it comes to DIY, I am pretty fearless. If I think I can build it, fix it, or make it (thanks Youtube!), I will try. My latest fix - an old patio heater with a broken thermocouple. Nothing a little electrical tape can’t fix! I also grow tomatoes (a hobby I took up in New York City. Rooftops are actually ideal because they get a ton of sun and not ideal because carrying dirt up 6 flights of stairs is hard.) I also make ceramics. I have been making plates, cups, mugs, bowls, etc. for over 10 years and exclusively eat off of my own creations at home. If you check out my Canyon Ceramics website you can see some of them. 

If it wasn’t apparent already, I love learning. Originally from the Northeast, I got my BA in Architecture with a minor in Economics at Barnard College, Columbia University in New York City. If I could do it over, I wouldn’t have let that intro computer science class taught in C++ I took my freshman year of high school deter me and I probably would’ve majored in Computer Science. However, finding coding a little later in life gave me a different perspective and allowed me to attend the Grace Hopper Program at Fullstack Academy, a 17-week software engineering development immersive career accelerator for women. At Grace Hopper, I learned just how quickly I could learn a new coding language, stack, or framework (the docs are my best friend) and build something with it.

When I am not writing code, or making something, I like to stay active. My go to these days is boxing because I find punching the air to be very meditative. I also spent many years competitively swimming and sailing and still enjoy both in my free time.

Thanks for stopping by!