Luzerne Story

 In the fifth grade, my daily walk to school was along Luzerne Street in Westmont Borough of Johnstown, PA. Known for the longest continuous stand of American elms in the US, this tree-lined boulevard boasts grand homes built at the turn of the last century. It was from these frequent walks that my passion for architecture and the built environment developed, and by the eighth grade I was spending much of my free time designing and drawing houses.

My architecture career started during college summers when I worked for a local architect hand-drafting residential projects. After completing my architecture degrees, the next 18 years were spent managing a wide range of projects including K-12 educational, single- and multi-family housing, senior/assisted living, and commercial and religious facilities. It was during this time that I developed a greater interest in project management and the construction side of the built environment. After returning to graduate school to study construction management, my career transitioned to the construction industry where I spent the next 8 years managing residential land development projects. With the establishment of Luzerne Consulting, I am entering the next stage in my career by combining the planning, problem solving, and management aspects of both the architecture and construction professions.

In addition to work experience, participation in AEC industry organizations has been an important part of my career growth. Starting with the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) in college, my involvement has extended to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Maryland Building Industry Association (MBIA), and ACE Mentor Program. Leadership opportunities, networking, volunteering, and industry education have all been integral to my professional development.