“There are no small roles, only small actors.” The same may be said for architecture. With an appreciation of how design impacts our day-to-day lives, particularly in our homes, I formed Ginkgo House Architecture to focus on bringing a high level of creativity, thoughtfulness and detail to residential design as well as non-residential projects of a similar quality and scale.
As an architect, I see my role as an artist, technician, and trusted advisor to guide my clients through the myriad of steps and decisions involved with building and remodeling. I recognize the immensely personal nature of creating a space in which to live, laugh, raise families and entertain. And in doing so, I strive to create an open and collaborative process as a conduit to a rewarding product. Implicit in the process is creating buildings that are efficient, support the health of their inhabitants, and acknowledge the health of the greater community.
“There are no small roles, only small actors.” The same may be said for architecture. With an appreciation of how design impacts our day-to-day lives, particularly in our homes, I formed Ginkgo House Architecture to focus on bringing a high level of creativity, thoughtfulness and detail to residential design as well as non-residential projects of a similar quality and scale.
As an architect, I see my role as an artist, technician, and trusted advisor to guide my clients through the myriad of steps and decisions involved with building and remodeling. I recognize the immensely personal nature of creating a space in which to live, laugh, raise families and entertain. And in doing so, I strive to create an open and collaborative process as a conduit to a rewarding product. Implicit in the process is creating buildings that are efficient, support the health of their inhabitants, and acknowledge the health of the greater community.
From Arts and Crafts to Mid-Century Modernism, I have a passion for vernacular architecture and am energized by all styles of design. My understanding of our architectural history is the foundation for adapting existing spaces in a way that preserves their integrity yet serves a modern lifestyle. I build upon my knowledge of our architectural past to create contemporary forms that represent today’s spirit.
I am a licensed architect and hold a Masters of Architecture degree from UW-Milwaukee and a BA from Ripon College. I am a member of the Association of Licensed Architects and a docent for the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation’s architectural tours. I have conducted public seminars on vernacular architecture and have instructed architectural and perspective drawing at Madison College. My work has been published in Madison Magazine, Re-Nest, Fine Homebuilding, and Remodeling Magazine (among others). And, my designs have won numerous awards, including the Chrysalis Award, Qualified Remodeler Master Design Award, and multiple NARI recognitions.
Consulting projects vary, but include site selection, evaluating the potential of an existing home before purchase, modifying an existing set of plans,color evaluation and interior design services.
Generate rough plans and conceptual renderings while exploring building and budget constraints.
full-service beginning with programming, schematic design, design development, product specification, construction documents, bid management, and construction observation.
Beautiful buildings, by today’s standards, are judged so by their performance as much as their aesthetic. Buildings are the source of 48% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. It’s our responsibility to design smarter and build better for the welfare of our environment. But there are also compelling, and tangible economic and health benefits to building green. Green-built homes are necessarily quality homes and thus, retain strong value and require less maintenance. Efficient homes will reduce volatile energy costs. And, there are many financial incentives and tax rebates available for incorporating green strategies into our homes. Green homes also incorporate non-toxic materials and finishes – benefiting indoor air quality and the health of their inhabitants.
A green strategy requires a holistic approach, examining energy use, water consumption, choices in building materials, building orientation and landscaping. Throughout the design process, we’ll examine these elements, and determine which approach makes sense for your project and budget, being careful to consider options for additional green strategies to be implemented in the future.