Qualification
Summary
Accomplished project designer and manager and leader of community initiatives offering international experience convening and engaging professional partners and the public across disciplines and sectors.
Objective
To leverage my design and management background for a leadership role in programs that promote multidisciplinary place based solutions for civic engagement, sustainability, health, and resiliency in urban environments.
Experience
Urban Program Manager
Yale School of the Environment
Yale University
New Haven, CT
2025
Consultant
Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, Park City Communities
Bridgeport, CT
Jan 2024-present
Director
Fairfield County’s Center for Housing Opportunity
The Housing Collective
Bridgeport, CT
August 2022-January 2024
Executive Director
City Plan Department, City of New Haven
April 2019- February 2022
Assistant Director of Comprehensive Planning
City Plan Department, City of New Haven
March 2018- Present
Senior Associate
Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects New Haven, CT
August 1997–February 2018
Selected Projects with Lead Role
Lead in Vietnam-based business development projects:
Viettel Tower, Hanoi
Fulbright University Vietnam Masterplan, HCMC (proposal)
Vingroup University and Medical School Master plan. Hanoi
Long Thanh International Airport Competition, Dong Nai Province
Vietcombank Tower, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 2009 - 2015
This 35-story office building contains the headquarters of one of Vietnam’s largest banks in the country’s financial capital, the bank’s flagship public location, and retail. The building faces a prominent downtown square and will be visible from throughout the city.
Through extended onsite assignments, coordinated and built relationships with local vendors, construction supervisors, government officials, and senior bank management.
Design and construction admin lead with focus on high performance curtain wall and interiors.
Arctic Habitat, Galveston, TX 2007 - 2008
The design for this eco-educational attraction included a climate-controlled Arctic habitat for polar bears, wolves, walruses and beluga whales, as well as spaces for exhibits and visitor amenities. The design incorporated advanced green technology including a high-performance building envelope to reduce energy use as well as hurricane- and flood-resistant strategies. Researched and envisioned the impact of climate change on the Arctic and Gulf coasts. Worked with exhibit designers to create a multi-dimensional immersive visitor experience. (Project postponed due to Hurricane Ike).
Liverpool One, Liverpool, England 2006 - 2008
This project was the largest urban regeneration project in Europe, highlighted by Liverpool’s designation as the 2008 EU Capital of Culture. PCPA’s scope included the master plan for 42 acres of rebuilt city core and Mersey waterfront—encompassing new and renovated retail, housing, office buildings and public spaces—and the design of a new residential building. Clients included Liverpool City Council and the Grosvenor Group. Led construction administration for One Park West residential development.
Ensured delivery of a high-performance, energy efficient curtain wall.
Minneapolis Central Library, Minneapolis, MN 2004 - 2006
Designed landmark public library with mayor, library staff, and the public shaping the vision of the project. The design was recognized by 2009 AIA/ALA Library Award as having established a vibrant civic space that celebrates local identity through its integrated public art, design materials, and imagery. Sustainable design measures include green roofs, local sourcing and highly efficient building systems.
Engaged targeted groups including new immigrants and youth through participatory workshops. Led multi-disciplinary team through construction completion.
Freelance, Volunteer and Civic Work
Art Consulting
Bloomfield Art Program January 2017 to present
Programming and commissioning site-specific works by local artists for a private residential developer.
Corsair Art Program 2016
Programmed and commissioned 10 site-specific works by local artists for a private residential developer. http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/corsair_propels_local_artists/
Urban Refuge Initiative, New Haven, CT 2012- present
This citywide pilot project, part of a national initiative, aims to create a network of urban oases as wildlife habitat and learning spaces. Partners in New Haven include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Audubon Connecticut.
As lead volunteer at affiliate site Worthington Hooker School, created an edible garden and schoolyard wildlife habitat, earning the New Haven Public Schools TAPS Award for Outstanding Service. As member of the New Haven Urban Refuge Advisory Council advise on city wide strategy and grant making .link to video
Mill River Trail, New Haven, CT 2013-present
This project establishes a safe pedestrian route to reconnect neighborhoods divided by highways and brownfields to parks, schools, and the waterfront. The project will also restore urban riparian habitats, foster community cohesion through public art, and partner with health and wellness initiatives. This project won a $300,000 grant in 2016towards implementation. Manage community partner relations and initiate and develop a major arts program http://millrivertrail.com/
Under91 Project, New Haven, CT 2014-2015
Lead organizer, community-supported and -sourced monumental public artwork connecting neighborhoods divided by underpass of Interstate 91. Engaged local graffiti artists and hundreds of community participants in development, planning, and painting of a large-scale mural. This project led to the creation of a task force on public art at the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Subsequent proliferation of like projects across the city are in progress. Led committee and coordinated with community partners to develop artist selection criteria, gather public input, manage installation of the mural, and organize a public celebration for the completion of the artwork with maximal resilience effect.
http://under91project.wixsite.com/home/press
Mt. Hagen Maternal Health Clinic, Papua New Guinea, 2010
Provided pro bono onsite consulting for the Clinton Health Access Initiative for a group-care-based clinic with preliminary needs assessment and concept design framework.
ACE (Architecture, Construction and Engineering)
2001-2003Mentor program team leader (PCPA)
Yale University, New Haven, CT
1995 – 1997
Yale Urban Design Workshop - Supporting Dwight Edgewood Management Team and Community Policing initiative
Yale President’s Fellow at City of New Haven Planning Department and Community Builders, Inc
Oakland Cultural Heritage Project, Oakland, CA
1989 – 1992
Researched and documented earthquake-vulnerable built assets, particularly those of cultural significance with special focus on the Cypress Freeway corridor and affected neighborhoods post Loma Prieta earthquake. Co-author on archeological publication on the Domestic Reform movement in West Oakland Sunshine Corner
Education and Certifications
Masters of Architecture
Yale University, New Haven, CT
May 1997
Bachelor of Arts
University of California, Berkeley
May 1993
LEED AP Certification, 2009
SEED (Social Environmental Economic Design) Certification, 2013