What is your favorite example of architecture and why?
The Alhambra in Spain for its synthesis of space, site, and decor – a true manifestation of values in built form. I also felt a similar level of uplifting at the Pantheon in Rome in my early twenties, and the Parthenon in Athens as a teenager.
The last good book I read was…
“Tell Me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout about the inner lives of people in Crosby, Maine. Somehow this reminded me of My Struggle (not that one) by Karl Ove Knsausgaard, which I also loved and has stayed with me over the years; both are generously unjudgemental and lovingly enthralled with life in all its minutia.
Favorite place in Boston:
My favorite place in Boston is the Christian Science Plaza with its pool of water, beautiful buildings, the stately row of trees, and the children’s fountain for a little play. It is equally beautiful at night with the globe lights illuminated in the water. The Mapparium Globe is a lovely counterpart – hidden, intimate, and full of color, as opposed to the open, unadorned serenity of the pool and plaza.
Most valuable advice I ever received:
I had a funny experience in undergrad studio. A professor of mine, after I presented some drawings, looked at me with skepticism and asked sharply: “Do you like this?” I looked back at my drawings and thought about it, and answered, “Yes, I do.” He smiled and said, “So do I!” This unorthodox test stayed with me and taught me to trust oneself even in the face of skepticism. This doesn’t mean you don’t take criticism, but just that you take your ego out of it, and try to look at things objectively.
Childhood dream job:
Archeologist and artist
What gives you joy?
Connection with others, and with the ocean.