I originally came to the United States to go to college, where I attended the University of Colorado Denver to work on my master’s degree in urban design. Heath Mizer was one of my professors while I was in the program, and I got to know him and Civitas very well because he discussed the firm’s projects a lot. After earning my master’s, I wanted to go on to earn my doctorate, and I asked Heath to write me a letter of recommendation. I ended up deciding that I no longer wanted to pursue my doctorate, and wrote Heath an email thanking him for the letter and letting him know my plans had changed. He wrote back to me, encouraging me to apply for a job with Civitas. I had a few interviews and was brought on, and I have now been with the company for about eight years.
Who or what brought you to Civitas? Why did you choose to work here?
How would you describe your personal approach to design?
Every designer has a different manner, but I learned a lot from watching and listening to the principals at Civitas, especially Chris Parezo. When I first started at Civitas, I worked with Chris a lot, and he helped me learn a lot about design. Everyone at Civitas is different but we all have a common understanding of what we need to do for design. I am more of a problem solver than a designer – I enjoy the planning aspect of the job. In my role, I ask many questions to help figure out the underlying problem that people can only sometimes see to define the most critical principles to carry out the project. After I diagnose the fundamental issues and define those guiding principles, I can start exploring all potential scenarios and opportunities. I generally assess a project on a broad scope to increase the possibility of finding the best solution to address the project’s problem. Everyone at Civitas has a unique way of approaching projects. Still, we all follow a unique process of leading our client and positioning ourselves as the expert versus being told what to do directly from the client. We constantly advocate for our clients to see the project through new, reasonable, visionary, and practical lenses. It can be challenging but is a very valuable part of the design process, and I am thankful that our clients are open to our brainstorming and suggestions.
What experiences (or people, or places) have had the most influence on you and/or your design approach?
The Broomfield Town Center has greatly impacted me during my time at Civitas. The project started in 2016 when we won it in a competition. I have had the opportunity to experience this project through every single step: competing for the work, design validation, zoning entitlement process, working with the city, and of course architecture and design. I have learned a lot about landscape design from Craig Vickers, even though that is not my area of expertise. The Broomfield project is very memorable, and I have learned a lot about the full spectrum of design.
What is your proudest accomplishment so far, either at work or in life in general?
Getting a job at Civitas was a significant achievement for me, as well as for my family. When I came to the United States in 2013 to go to school, I came on a student visa and was not a US citizen. After finishing school, you have a few years where you can work before you have to go back to your home country before your visa expires. After joining Civitas and starting my professional career, there were many hurdles to get through on my path to citizenship, and Civitas was extremely supportive of my family during the process.
What accomplishments do you hope or aspire to reach in the future?
I am transitioning into a managerial role with Civitas and learning a lot about project management. I want to be an inspiring person both as a leader professionally and personally. I want to be that person who can give inspiration to the younger staff. It’s not easy, but I am trying, which is my ultimate goal.
What are your favorite types of design projects to work on, or design challenges to solve?
I am an urban designer, so I am good at master planning a project. Since I joined the team in 2016, I have had a lot of experience with master planning efforts with projects such as Fitzsimmons, Broomfield, as well as neighborhood design such as Painted Prairie. Painted Prairie was recently voted the best neighborhood in the nation! I have also helped design Pike’s Peak Park, another affordable neighborhood in Pueblo. I would say those kinds of projects that are centered around neighborhood design are my favorite projects. My entire family traveled to Denver to visit, and I gave them a walking tour of Painted Prairie. It was a great experience to walk them through one of my favorite projects.
What do you do outside of work to have fun, or relax, or learn, or volunteer?
I love to watch movies and Korean dramas with my wife. Right now we are watching the Korean drama Mr. Sunshine on Netflix.
What are you reading or listening to these days?
Right now I am reading the book Think Again by Adam Grant, which is really intriguing. He has you rethink what you believe is right or wrong and think it through step by step, and it has actually helped me with my design process and even life in general.
What is your favorite food to eat, or recipe to cook?
Cooking is not my favorite, but I can cook one thing really well: Omurice. My kids love it and say that my omurice is the best, and that’s all that matters.
Describe one item that you never leave home without.
My pocket-sized notebook and a pen. I always carry one around in case I come up with an idea randomly I can write it down so I don’t forget.
Random thing on your desk.
I have stacks of drawing roles on both sides of my desk!