My Journey: A Fusion of Art, Design, and Sustainable Building

My passion for art and design is a lifelong journey that began in my childhood. I took advantage of what NYC had to offer, and remember riding the train into Manhattan on Saturdays, to take classes at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in Manhattan- igniting a spark that would shape my future.

Academic Foundations in Fine Art and Architectural Engineering

After spending some time exploring the country, and appreciating the beauty in the natural landscape, I moved to Maine to pursue a degree from the Maine College of Art & Design and fell in love with the raw and rocky coast. Dreaming of a career in architecture, I expanded my expertise by earning a degree in Architectural Engineering. This combination of fine art and technical design along with years of experience, has provided me with a well-rounded perspective, allowing me to integrate aesthetics with functionality while exploring my interests in the different facets of real estate: design, project and property management, sales and investments.

Real Estate Entrepreneurship

In my twenties, I ventured into real estate investment by purchasing land and later selling it at a profit. I remember my excitement as the broker joking referred to me as a "Land Baron," Inspired, I obtained my real estate license a few years later and purchased my first home.

A Commitment to Sustainable Design and Green Building

As an artist I was naturally curious and conscious of how our built environment interacts with nature. Early in my career, I worked with innovative companies in the Northeast that were redefining industry standards through sustainable practices. I received training in US Green Building Council LEED practices and Passive House design, and I have participated in numerous building science conferences. My involvement with working groups through the North East Sustainable Energy Association has further honed my expertise in areas such as universal design, indoor air quality, HVAC integration, and building envelope design.

From Project Management to Property Investment

My career as a project manager on unique custom projects has been incredibly rewarding. Leading teams and bringing complex projects to fruition has taught me the value of collaboration and the importance of attention to detail. Building on this experience, I launched my own property management and investment company—focusing on improving land, designing, and renovating spaces to create lasting value through both short-term leasing and commercial real estate investments.

A New Chapter in Coastal North Carolina

After years in Maine, I moved to Wilmington, North Carolina to be closer to family—a community that has been a part of my life for over 25 years. Here, I have witnessed firsthand the magnetic appeal of coastal living and the dynamic growth of the region. This move has allowed me to blend my deep-rooted passion for design with my commitment to serving the evolving needs of coastal homeowners and investors.

Affiliations and Ongoing Commitment

I am dedicated to continuous professional development and actively engage with several organizations within the building and real estate industries. My memberships include:

  • American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)

  • Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association (WCFHBA)

  • National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

  • Cape Fear REALTORS® (CFR)

  • National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)