Doors Open RI: Founder and Program Director
Spring 2016 to Present
Doors Open RI is a nonprofit organization committed to inspiring wonder, curiosity and pride in our communities through connecting the public to the great places and spaces of Rhode Island. It will be a key launching point for Rhode Island exploration through a series of public programs planned throughout the year, culminating in a free annual statewide “open house” festival.
Doors Open RI is a recipient of the 2016 Embark Fellowship from the Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown University.
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Seattle Architecture Foundation: Neighborhood Program Development
Summer 2015
Responding to a board identified need and excitement for new Seattle Architecture Foundation (SAF) neighborhood-based programming, I led a summer-long process of open and honest dialogue with community leaders and design professionals on how SAF could most benefit Seattle neighborhoods. On behalf of SAF, I met with a total of 26 individuals representing 23 organizations across six Seattle neighborhoods to advise the design of a new program series and writing of a detailed report of future programmatic recommendations for SAF.
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Seattle Architecture Foundation: Ask an Architect
Summer 2015
On behalf of the Seattle Architecture Foundation, I organized an “Ask an Architect” program as part of a Seattle Public Library pop-up event themed around the topic of “Seattle 2035”. Under the backdrop of Rem Koolhaas’s world-famous downtown library, architects from Callison’s office perused the crowds armed with sketchbooks, answering the public’s questions about architecture. People decorated the building with their drawings of Seattle’s future as they jived to live music provided by Love City Love. A good time was had by all.
Providence Preservation Society: Endangered Places, Emerging Stories (MEP20)
Spring 2015
Over the course of 10 weeks I explored 20 buildings featured on the Providence Preservation Society’s (PPS) Most Endangered Properties (MEP) list in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the MEP program. In an effort to create dialogue and build community around preservation in the city, I blogged and tweeted my way through Providence.
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Providence Preservation Society: Spring Public Programs
Spring 2015
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Providence Preservation Society’s (PPS) Endangered Properties Program (MEP), I organized a spring program series featuring several of the buildings on the MEP list. The programs ranged from a tour of micro-living in downtown Providence to a panel discussion about a church’s plans to transform into the country’s first museum dedicated to the transatlantic slave trade. It’s unsurprising that everyone’s favorite program featured both beer and time travel. Equipped with a stereopticon, 100 pairs of 3D glasses and a silver screen, historian Ned Conners led a boisterous 3D exploration into 19th century Providence at a local bar.
Chicago Architecture Foundation: Open House Chicago
Winter 2011 to Spring 2014
I helped launch and eventually managed the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s highest profile program, Open House Chicago (OHC). OHC is a free public event that offers behind-the-scenes access to over 150 great spaces and places across Chicago. The largest architecture event in the city, 55,000 visitors attended in 2013 (our third year). Since I left my position to attend grad school, the event has only grown in popularity and success.