WE ARE A CULMINATION OF OUR EXPERIENCES.

For decades, I have been designing, writing about, and photographing our world. I celebrate how detail and passion cultivate quality.

I grew up in Portland, Oregon, where I built an appreciation for culture: global cuisine, architecture, and foreign languages. I started learning Spanish in Kindergarten at Montessori School, have studied French since the 6th grade, and even became the first Caucasian female sushi chef in Portland while learning to speak Japanese. I worked full-time to support myself and pay for school, then moved to Lake Tahoe for a fun summer of dealing cards (where I met a cool Italian-American guy, my future husband). This turned into a permanent move to California where I finally earned my degree and started my architectural design career.

As a small business owner, my path has mostly focused on raising our two, now teenage, boys to be culturally aware—in fact, I’m facilitating our applications for Italian dual citizenship. We are fortunate to travel as often as possible. My deeper personal desire is to promote quality in what we (humans) create, help preserve heritage (and the Earth), and expand cultural appreciation and respect. I believe openness and understanding are keys to a more peaceful world.

Just as in my youth, I still love to experience culture, design, and food. I still practice Spanish, French, and Japanese, and now Italian (learning German); still plan and create; still write about and photograph places. It’s who I’ve been and who I am. And now, I use this knowledge to serve people who value quality, artistry, culture, and attention to detail.

Professional Experience
Design Consultant + Writer + Photographer
AMG Inspired
DESIGN | TRAVEL | LIVING

Jan 2008 – Present

Architectural designer and space planning consultant. Expert in creating space plans and architectural details that feel good and have a logical flow. Residential, Hospitality, and Commercial.

Writes and photographs articles and guides on enriching travel and heritage. Plans and organizes travel focused on culture, architecture, and food. Basic communication in French, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese.

Senior Designer | Consultant
Integrated Builders Group
Contractor, El Dorado Hills CA

July 2022 – February 2023

Commercial Design Lead: Created a Southwest modern architectural aesthetic and layout to sell and land a new-build financial institution in Arizona.

Design Studio Lead: Used BIM technology for project design development and to evolve the business and design team to implement this technology and establish standards and templates.

Business Consultant
Astor Group
Event Marketing Agency + Exhibit House

Jan 2019 – Present

Helps streamline business-related structure and processes to grow revenue, organize information, and shape website database, content, and inventory. Advises operations and focus to achieve growth and efficiency goals, reduce costs, eliminate errors, and increase revenue to produce high-quality results and happy international customers.

Commercial Designer
Lionakis
Architecture, Sacramento CA

Sept 1999 – Sept 2007

CCIDC Certified Interior Designer
LEED Accredited Professional
Senior Designer and Project Manager: Led the design process for interior architecture and space planning at a top architecture firm. Produced full-service commercial interior architecture for restaurants, office spaces, government, and healthcare. Created concepts, space plans, docs, and 3D models. Served as CAD mentor and studio liaison.

Relevant Experience
Kitchen + Bath Designer
J.I.L. Design Group
Interior Design, Sacramento CA
Games Dealer
The Horizon Casino-Resort
Hospitality, South Lake Tahoe CA
Service + Catering + Sushi Chef
Koji Osaka-ya
Japanese Restaurant, Portland OR
Retail Service
Nordstrom + Pine Design
Fashion + European Antique Furniture, Portland OR
VOLUNTEER
Board Secretary + Team Manager | Treasurer
USA Stars Academy

Feb 2012 – Sept 2022

Art Docent | Art Instructor
Oak Meadow Elementary

Sept 2008 – May 2016

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Interior Architecture
California State University, Sacramento

Graduated Cum Laude Dec 1999
Aug 1997 – Dec 1999

Academic Achievement Award
The Hogue Scholarship
ASID student member, publicity chair, treasurer
Additional Photography and Cultural History

Associate of Arts
San Joaquin Delta College, CA

Graduated May 1997
Aug 1996 – May 1997

Portland Community College, OR

Sept 1990 – May 1995 (part-time)

Academic Focuses: Design, Art, Photography, Writing, Foreign Language (French and Japanese)

Qualifications
Attributes
  • Highly organized
  • Detail-oriented
  • Creative + Collaborative
  • Open-minded
  • Quick study
  • High standards
Technology
  • WordPress
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Microsoft Office
  • 3D CAD proficiency (SketchUp, MicroStation)
  • Google Workspace
  • CRM familiarity (SAP, Salesforce)
Contact