John originally came to architecture by way of engineering and still views design as deeply intertwined with science and playful study. With a history of taking projects from conceptual phases through construction, he appreciates the extremes of architecture: the initial marriage of concept and theory and subsequent realities of cost / schedule and detailing. His approach to design is a blend of diligence and passion. He is forever willing to hunt for answers across a broad spectrum—from designing large medical and mixed-use facilities in New York and Hong Kong to testing new design software to build his own furniture.
While earning his BArch from the University of Kansas, he studied abroad in Stuttgart, Germany, an experience that opened his eyes to different ways of approaching urbanism. From these initial musings on ways to rethink transit, public / private spaces, and density, John developed a design sensibility grounded in human interaction. What is the human experience when navigating a building? How can you create a space that is relevant, valuable, beautiful, and sustainable? He strives to stay ahead of the curve with developments in sustainability, technology, and theory to better answer these questions.