teaching

I believe teaching architecture is about more than technical training—it's about cultivating designers who understand their work as a civic and cultural act. My goal is to prepare students to engage with pressing societal challenges through a purpose-driven, service-oriented design process. At Belmont University, I lead studios grounded in service learning, where students collaborate with communities and local partners to co-create solutions around equity, wellness, and cultural identity. Our work on projects like the Nolensville Pike Cultural Corridor illustrates how design can be a force for protecting cultural vibrancy while addressing issues such as displacement and urban resilience. I incorporate computational design tools, digital fabrication, and systems thinking to help students approach complex urban problems—particularly in the context of the Global South—through adaptable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. These methods empower students to explore innovation while remaining grounded in real-world impact. Ultimately, I see design education as a catalyst for meaningful change. My role is to open the door—to offer frameworks, tools, and questions—so that students can confidently step forward as thoughtful, engaged professionals committed to shaping a better future.