In February of 1998, I was standing in the lobby of American Draft Source waiting for my drawings to be printed. My thoughts were heavily centered on my future.  While I truly adored my interesting clientele of unkempt inventors for whom I was producing patent and manufacturing drawings I felt that my heart belonged in Architecture. In walked Sandra Bird she picked up the roll of drawings that awaited her on the counter and said “I’m looking for another draftsman.” Well, that moment changed my fate. Sandra and I connected immediately, soon we both made amazing changes as Sandra adapted her business to the switch from hand generated drawings to, the drawing process I was skilled in, computer generated drawings and  I began working for Sandra exclusively. 

Over the years my position in Sandra’s Company as grown to include project management, some estimating and I oversee the computer network we have developed with four active CAD stations. I still enjoy drawing and the challenge of maintaining up to date knowledge of all the building codes.

I grew up mostly in West Marin where I reside now, but have lived in Southern California, Eureka, California, Denver, Colorado and San Antonio, Texas. I have a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Humboldt State University and am proud to say that my oldest daughter Vanessa is now attending Humboldt as well. My youngest daughter, Andrea, is in High school and is active on the Tennis and Snow Board teams as well as brilliantly excels in her Advanced Placement classes. Sandra has been an active participant in my children’s lives and has always supported my commitment to family first. I cannot say that I have raised my children alone when I have Sandra, my family and so many friends that have always been there.

I feel that the most interesting aspect of my work with Sandra is that my job is different every day. Every day brings new challenges, every project is different and every client is unique. 

My official career in design began five years ago when I joined Sandra Bird Designs (Sandra Bird Custom Kitchens at the time). I did a number of my own projects prior to that both in Washington, D.C. and after coming to the San Francisco Bay area. A passion for design has been passed down through my family for generations. 

My academic background is varied in and around fine art and design. My degree is in Cultural Anthropology where I focused on the study of societies through their architectural patterns and personal artifacts. I think this larger social perspective is what has turned my interests toward healthy and sustainable design. We talk about “green” design as if it were new but up until the recent past people lived in greater balance with nature, understanding the Earths rhythms and systems for simple survival. I see myself helping us transitioning back while continuing to celebrate our rich creative traditions. 

Over the time I have worked with Sandra I have received my Green Building Certificate, contractor’s license and L.E.E.D. certification. Working with Sandra has been a tremendous learning experience. I feel very lucky.