Where are you employed? HOK in New York City (Hellmuth, Obabta + Kassabaum)

What are some of the exciting aspects of your occupation and career?
I like the variety of projects that I’ve been able to work on. I do mostly hospitality, specifically hotels, but I’ve also done a healthcare project, some corporate work, and right now I am working on a project for a religious organization.

Why did you choose Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design over similar programs?
I chose Drexel because I liked that there was no expectation of previous design experience because the program starts with teaching the fundamentals. It was also important to me to attend a university rather than a design or an art school because I wanted to be around other students whose interests and majors differed from mine and I wanted more variety when selecting electives and extracurricular activities.

How did your time at Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design prepare you for your career?
The program was excellent at teaching the technical skills required to work on a professional project. There was a good balance between learning about aesthetics and technical skills but having a solid foundation in professional programs (CAD, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.) made the transition from school to career much smoother.

How significant was your coop experience in shaping your employment?
The co-op program was instrumental in shaping my employment. A few months after graduating I was hired by the firm where I did my co-op. After a year of working there my company merged with HOK and I’ve been with the firm ever since.