Associate Principal
What does Maria love about architecture: conceiving spaces that lift spirits and positively influence our health, happiness, and performance in addition to being safe and efficient. And because she’s particularly passionate about designing for children, creativity has been key.
One particularly vibrant space took shape in her work on the Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute in Wexford, PA. Knowing that many children would be visiting the office repeatedly for chronic conditions, she wanted to make appointments something the kids would look forward to rather than simply tolerate. Her vision: a rotating gallery to display patients’ artwork. Their excitement in seeing the pictures they had created for the office, and being able to bring new artwork to visits, was matched only by Maria’s delight in creating a space that facilitated joy.
Turns out that designs grounded in deep research and an understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people who will use the spaces is a winning formula for Maria, little people and big communities.
Some other things you might like to know about Maria:
She loves to bike and read, but devotes most of her spare time to her daughter and husband.
Music and sports don’t come naturally to Maria, but languages do – she speaks four (five if you count fluency in talking with her hands) – and hopes to tackle German and Greek next.
Maria is a member of the AIA and holds LEED AP BD+C credentials.
She’s an animal and environmental enthusiast and proud to sponsor a young Honduran girl.