CURRENT MISSION

Over six months I've been working as an architect in Stuttgart, using my modest salary to see as many of Europe's finest cities, places, and people as possible. And I'm reaching for one last great trip to Paris and Dublin on my way home to the states!!

ABOUT ME

I'm 27 but lately people have been saying I don't look it. Not sure whether to take that as a compliment or not ha. I'm more of a morning person than most... sunrise (when I get to see it) is a good time. But I don't mind spending late nights talking over cards or a relaxing drink. I've lived in California, Virginia, Austin, TX and now Stuttgart. But most of my family hails from upstate New York.

PHILOSOPHY

He who hesitates is lost. Generally, my instincts are pretty good ones. Sometimes the hard part is listening to them.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Many of my travels have been made so much more memorable by the people who have joined me along the way. From my great friend in Barcelona who let me crash with him because of a messed up hostel reservation to the girl who decided to tag along for some of my architectural pilgrimages. I'm joining the CS2 network so that I can return those favors to travelers, so I can share in the experiences of great people.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I arrived in Barcelona in the middle of the summer season... it was a blind booking chance for one short weekend. When I visited the hostel they told me that my reservation hadn't been confirmed because of a mistake and they had no room. But the great guy behind the desk offered to let me stay with him in his small downtown room. After buying him some sangria to thank him for a generosity that saved me from a night on the beach (or a mugging), he began to play on his one cherished item, his piano. We ended up talking and playing late into the night. We're friends to this day and I can't imagine a better stay, a sweltering night of good music and personal stories.

Interests

I love the outdoors... whether its water skiing, wake boarding, biking, running, camping, fishing, or hiking. I played water polo and did swimming through college and still like to play. At the same time, there's something about great cities that I love too. It's the architecture thing.

• writing
• architecture
• design
• running
• drinking
• socializing
• drawing
• music
• piano
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• fishing
• hiking
• camping
• skiing
• water polo
• swimming
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

I like the epics... the heroics of Braveheart or the life of John Adams. I listen to just about everything but keep rock/jazz/indie in the head phones.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I guess the latest might be the two 80 km bike rides I've done through Deutschland. One from Stuttgart to Bad Rappenau and one through the Black Forest. It's a beautiful way to see the countryside and meet people along the way.

Teach, Learn, Share

My professional specialty is sustainable design. In other words I come up with ways that buildings and spaces can serve not just one generation, but many. I like to think that families, businesses, environments and communities all can benefit from a long term plan, a self enriching legacy. I'm also experienced with writing, drawing, and teaching.