Current occupation and title:
President, Friday Architects/Planners, Inc

What are some of the most exciting aspects of your occupation and career?
I like the challenge of "charting my own course." Being able to pursue the types projects and clients that I find exciting and interesting.

What would you consider as your greatest achievement in this occupation?
I certainly hope there are more to come; but so far my most rewarding project has been Paines Park; Philadelphia's new public skate park built on the banks of the Schuylkill River near the Art Museum. It was a real labor of love and I'm proud to have been part of it.

What made you decide to go into this career?
I was always interested in drawing and for many years with Legos. My fourth grade girlfriend's father was an architect. He had a nice office and he owned a DeLorean (the car from Back to the Future); so I thought that I really couldn't go wrong.

What made you choose Westphal over similar programs?
I wanted to work as soon as possible; so the co-op was for me. I also thought that the City was the right place go for architecture school.

How did your time at Westphal prepare you for your career?
My co-op helped me get ahead in my field and gain experience and exposure to the profession at a younger age that my competition.

Was our faculty helpful to you in making the transition from college to the professional world? And, are you still in contact with them today?
Yes. Many of them helped me and I am in touch with many today.

What advice would you give to young people in your field who are just starting their education?
Don't lose your energy and ambition. Find inspiring and fun places to work or projects to work on. And remember that in baseball, hitting 4 for 10 gets you into the Hall of Fame. Sometimes, success takes awhile and what seems like losing can actually be winning.