WE ARE A CULMINATION OF OUR EXPERIENCES.
Since I can remember, I have immersed myself in the art of design, while writing about my experiences and photographing our world. I have learned that paying close attention to details and having a strong passion are key factors in creating high-quality work.
Growing up in Portland, Oregon, I loved exploring different cultures, trying food from around the world, and admiring beautiful buildings. It all began back when I was very young in Montessori school where I had the freedom to explore and started learning Spanish. Later on in the 6th grade, I started learning French, enamored with their architecture and food. Then life took an unexpected turn while I was still in high school, forcing me to support myself financially. However, I persevered as a dedicated learner and hard worker, ultimately managing to pursue my dreams and pay for my education.
I studied French and interior design, while also learning Japanese and working in the hospitality industry. In a restaurant, immersed in Japanese culture, I became the first Caucasian female sushi chef in Portland, an experience that taught me the importance of artistry, precision, and attention to detail.
Then one summer, I took off to Lake Tahoe for a job dealing cards in a hotel-casino. Little did I know that this simple decision would lead me to meet a charming Italian-American guy who would later become my husband. My temporary stay turned into a permanent move to California where I earned my degree and started my career in architectural design. After years in commercial architecture, I took a bold leap to start my own business, prioritizing family time.
Working on my own gave me more time to volunteer and help guide our two boys to become well-rounded adults and gain their Italian dual citizenship. As a family, we’ve been incredibly lucky to travel to different parts of the world often, experiencing all its amazing wonders. I am passionate about inspiring excellence, caring for the environment, protecting global heritage, and respecting each other’s cultures. Empathy is important for a better world.
As always, I still love diving into places, design, and of course, food! I still continue to learn and use Spanish, French, and Japanese, and I’ve even picked up Italian. I still plan and create, still write about and photograph places. It’s who I’ve always been and who I am today. Cheers to excellence, artistry, culture, and appreciating the little details!
Professional Experience
Travel + Architecture
Travel Expert + Photo Essayist + Designer
AMG Inspired
TRAVEL | LIVING | DESIGN
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.
Organization + Content
Creative 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.
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.
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
Nov 1997 – Dec 1998
Games Dealer
The Horizon Casino-Resort
Hospitality, South Lake Tahoe CA
Jun 1995 – Aug 1996
Service + Catering + Sushi Chef
Koji Osaka-ya
Japanese Restaurant, Portland OR
Jun 1991 – Jun 1995
Retail Service
Nordstrom + Pine Design
Fashion + European Antique Furniture, Portland OR
May 1990 – Jun 1991
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)