December 2024

LJC Office Location: St. Louis, MO
Title/Role: Interior Designer I
Focus: Interiors
School(s) you graduated from: University of Missouri, Columbia

What does a perfect weekend look like to you?
My ideal weekend is a mix of socializing/relaxing. I love spending time with my friends and family, whether it be going out to eat, playing games, bowling, ice skating, a wedding, a family event, etc. My friends and I like to explore new spots around St. Louis to go eat or just hang out and enjoy time with each other. Typically, every Sunday, I take my dog on a walk at the park and then we go to the pet store, get him a treat or toy, and then I catch up on some errands, laundry, cleaning my house.

What movie can you watch repeatedly? What makes it so special?
A movie I can continuously watch on repeat would be Mamma Mia. I don’t typically love musicals, but growing up my sister and I would watch it all the time and sing so loud with each other. I also thought the scenery and setting of it was so beautiful. Greece is one of my dream vacation spots to visit.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up and why?
As a kid, before I realized I wanted to be a designer, I wanted to be a marine biologist, but now I am deathly scared of the ocean if I cannot see the ground below me.

LJC Office Location: Kansas City, MO 
Title/Role: Principal/Higher Ed Market Leader 
Focus: Architecture 
School(s) you graduated from: The University of Kansas (Bachelor and Master of Architecture) 
Professional affiliations: AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, Teachers Like Me Board Member, Manheim Neighborhood Land Trust Board President

What is something about you that you think would surprise your co-workers?
I grew up in a bilingual household (my mother is Hispanic).

What’s the most fun you’ve had on a trip or vacation? 
Spain has, by far, been the best for me... Food, architecture, culture, art, and history... WOW!

What’s your most niche, non-work-related interest?
Art... I am a mixed media artist and MUST create daily.

What’s a book you’d recommend to just about anyone? Why? 
The Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century. it shows how technology shapes our daily lives in ways our brains aren’t built for. It explains why modern life can feel so overwhelming and offers practical tips to stay balanced in a world moving faster than ever.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up and why?
I am not sure I had a specific career goal...other than wishing to drive a bucket truck (my father worked for Southwestern Bell as a lineman, and I thought the truck was cool). 

LJC Office Location: St. Louis, MO
Title/Role: Associate/Landscape Architect
Focus: Landscape + Planning
School(s) you graduated from: Kansas State University (MLA), Tribhuvan University (B.Arch.)
Professional affiliation: ASLA

If you could speak another language, what would it be? Why? 
I really want to learn Japanese. Visiting Japan is on my bucket list, and I’m fascinated with Japanese culture. When I visit, I would love to be able to converse with the locals. I also want to understand Japanese shows without needing subtitles. 

What’s the most fun you’ve had on a trip or vacation? 
My husband and I went on a road trip to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Badlands, and Arches National Parks with a group of friends and had a blast. Grand Teton National Park especially reminded me a lot of home with the beautiful mountains and clear lakes. The best part was that I was with some of my favorite people.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in your life, professionally, so far? 
I recently passed all my LARE exams and got licensed in Missouri. I’m proud and relieved that I could check this off my professional goals list.

What movie can you watch repeatedly? What makes it so special? 
I have watched Pride and Prejudice (both 1995 mini-series and 2005 versions) and read the book multiple times. I adore the story and the characters. 

LJC Office Location: St Louis, MO
Title/Role: Principal/Senior Laboratory Planner
Focus: Architecture
School(s) you graduated from: University of Kansas; Visiting 4th Year Kansas State University
Professional affiliations: AIA, SEFA, SCUP

What’s the most fun you’ve had on a trip or vacation?
A few years ago, we attended a wedding in Colorado. While the family arrived by all modes of transportation, I drove the beloved CamperVan, and after the big event, spent a week in RMNP with 2 of 4 daughters (yes, 4 daughters and 1 son).

What’s your most niche, non-work-related interest? 
That VanLife-glamping experience sparked a passion and inspired a book for children (of all ages) about discovering that peace & love can come from unexpected places.

What’s a book you’d recommend to just about anyone? Why? www.thelittlestcampervan.com (self-promotion)

What does a perfect weekend look like to you?
Travelling in the VW ‘Weekender’ with wife, Kim, and furry friend, Izzy, to explore the best of nature and communities, including music and cuisine – essentially, wherever the road will take us, because after all, “Life is in the Journey.”

LJC Office Location: Culver City, CA
Title/Role: Executive Assistant / Marketing Coordinator
School: Graduated from UCLA
Organization Affiliation: Tournament of Roses Volunteer

What’s your most niche, non-work-related interest?
This New Year (and every New Year to follow) I will be a volunteer contributing to the production of the Rose Parade in Pasadena. Pictured above: just completed scooter training for my area shift on New Year’s Eve. This year, I’ll be participating in pre-parade activities. Fun fact! Some of my fondest memories are from the 2009 Rose Parade playing clarinet in our district marching band.

What movie can you watch repeatedly? What makes it so special?The Devil wears Prada. It’s a hoot and one of the movies I’d watch while making Apple Mac & Cheese at home with friends. It’s become an annual holiday tradition and lots of fun to catch up over an old favorite. I still hear some references made to this day.

What does a perfect weekend look like to you?
There are many components that make each weekend great. It can include some of the following: Time with family and friends. Spending time active in nature – such as a run on the beach or hiking beach adjacent areas or a garden walk. Snowboarding down freshly groomed hills. Mornings playing tennis. Tackling a jigsaw puzzle. Eating a delicious bowl of noodles. Warm and fuzzy blankets.