Q: Where are you from?
I grew up in San Jose and lived in the same house for all of my childhood. Our neighborhood was a great one for playing outdoors – in the front yard or in the street. It was one of those neighborhoods that seemed to have hordes of kids my age, which made for memorable summers. My family would come up to San Francisco some weekends and when we had visitors from out of town. I remember driving around, hitting all the popular spots, and riding the cable car. Despite my experience being largely related to the ‘touristy areas’, those trips are what made me want to move up here.
Q: Where did you go to school?
I went to Cal Poly, San Louis Obispo and studied Communications with a focus on Intercultural Communications. I chose that my major because I was told that it was basically English with more job options. That, and I love writing, speaking, and all things interpersonal. I was especially interested in Intercultural Communications because I love to travel and the professor I had for that specific class in college was extremely inspiring. He made the subject matter engaging and interesting even for those who weren’t in the major. My interest was furthered by my time studying abroad. I went to London for a semester my third year and traveled around as much as I could. Due to that experience, I ended up doing my senior project on reverse culture shock in expats.
Q: Tell me about your family
My mom and dad live in San Jose and I try to visit at least once a month. My mom chose to become a stay-at-home mom when I was born and my dad stopped working when I was in 2nd grade when he got sick. They were both around at home for my entire childhood, which was a blessing and a curse! But mostly a blessing.
My sister, who is three years younger than me, is graduating from Chapman University in May. She’s adorable and currently looking for her first ever big girl job. She studied communications and marketing as well but her interest leans more toward PR. She’s really graphically minded and I’m the wordsmith so we’re opposites in that regard. She and I get along well, though she jokes that I “became a great big sister once I left the house.” I enjoy helping her with school projects and now job hunting. In return, she’s recently started to help facilitate my plant addiction.
Q: What is the most interesting aspect of architecture to you?
Hmmm… There are a few interesting aspects that come to mind. One thing that I never took notice of before working here is the crazy difference of opinion that so many people have about architecture. I always thought that there was traditional, modern, and something in between but have since learned that architecture is much more faceted than I ever gave it credit for.
In the past I’d been interested in cultural differences when it came to architecture and how those differences can translate across borders. I’ve always been very appreciative of beautiful buildings when I travel. Whenever I take photos, they are always of people, and buildings…and food. Actually I guess that covers everything.
One thing that I would consider a new development is my understanding of architecture as trendy. I’d never thought of it that way before, but after following so many architecture influencers on Instagram… I’ve changed my mind!
Q: How long have you worked at FA?
I’ve worked here for roughly one year and one month and I’m the last Staff Spotlight!
Q: What makes our office unique?
Oh man, well, I’ll just regurgitate what everyone else has said first and then give my own opinion. The people of course. I had the best coworkers in the world at my last job and I never thought I could top that. Then I found a whole new group of people in this job and thought ‘oh, I can find awesome people even outside of Japan’! The amount that everyone talks to each other every day is fabulous. Everyone is always walking across the office and stopping at different desks, it’s surprising any of us get anything done! I’m pretty sure I exchange words with nearly every designer every day, even if they are just asking me where to find a specific supply in the storage room.
Q: What were you doing in Japan before joining Feldman?
I was teaching English in a small commuter city called Matsudo. It’s in the Chiba prefecture about an hour northeast of Tokyo. I was teaching at what’s called an eikaiwa or English conversation school. My students ranged from age 3 all the way to 73, so the whole range of human existence really. I lived and worked there for a year and loved every minute.
Q: What’s your favorite part about coming to work?
I like that I have a routine but also that every day is different. I like seeing and talking to people that I am fond of. I also like the office itself. It’s beautiful, there’s a lot of light, it’s comfortable, and I have a big desk. I enjoy the many responsibilities that my position is in charge of, and that I get to make everyone else’s days a little bit easier.
Q: What is the last show you binge watched?
Queer Eye season three. I recently took a weekend up to Guerneville with my boyfriend, Jeremy and we took some time to just relax in the evenings and binge Queer Eye after hiking, eating and exploring during the day. We cry almost every episode. It’s a great bonding experience.
Q: Do you have any fun plans coming up?
I have a lot of plans! I’m 100% a planner. This weekend is the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown which I absolutely have to attend. I also have plans to go to Peru in June with my mom and sister. We were going to do a four-day trek to Machu Picchu but now my mom’s knees aren’t doing too well so we are probably going to take the train. I also have tickets to three music events in June, July and August. And that’s just so far! Hopefully I can go abroad again in the fall, Jeremy and I are thinking about Iceland, South East Asia, or New Zealand.