Q&A with Angie
Where are you from?
I have lived on the west coast all my life and I love it!!! Born and raised in Sacramento, CA, moved to Portland, OR and now live in Seattle, WA!
How did you get to Washington?
Captivated by city skylines, coastlines, and my passion for snowboarding as many mountains as possible, I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. Originally from California, I moved to Portland, OR, to complete both my undergraduate and master’s programs at Portland State University. A few years after graduation, I relocated to Seattle, WA, to further pursue my architecture career. It was there that I met the love of my life and truly made the Pacific Northwest my home.
What are your hobbies?
I have an obsession with traveling and discovering cities like a local. As an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find me snowboarding on the mountains in winter and enjoying camping, hiking, and paddleboarding in the spring and summer. I love immersing myself in city life, attending professional sports games, live music, Sunday markets, and art events. I also cherish the simple pleasures, including quiet days at home, relaxing with puzzles over a great bottle of wine.
Favorite inspirational quote?
One of my favorite inspirational quotes is from Eat Pray Love: "Dolce far niente," which means "the sweetness of doing nothing." I truly believe that slowing down is essential, as life can pass by in the blink of an eye. Embracing the present moment helps me balance the chaos and appreciate the small things. It’s a daily practice for me to stay grounded and remember what’s truly important in life.
Was there a person or experience that made an impact on your life?
One of the most challenging decisions in my life was choosing to move away from my close-knit family to pursue my personal goals. Inspired by my grandparents' legacy and their journey to the United States, I was motivated by their experiences with social prejudices and economic hardships to enter a field that has a meaningful impact on the community. I realized that furthering my education and working in a profession that benefits communities like the one I grew up in was my true calling. Despite numerous obstacles and economic challenges, I stepped out of my comfort zone, transferred schools, and became the first person in my immediate family to graduate from college. This journey broadened my perspective and helped me confront many of my anxieties. Every person I have met along the way has contributed to my personal growth and understanding of life. I firmly believe that we meet people for a reason, and these connections have led to strong friendships and a second family away from home.
Tell us something about your job that you are very passionate about.
Placemaking is a core value in my designs. I am passionate about collaborating with users to create spaces that inspire cultural exchange and blur social stigmas. Projects are not the work of a single person but a joint effort involving the community and the design team. When all parties are engaged, something magnificent can be created through the design process.
Tell us something about your life you are very passionate about.
One of my amusingly impulsive traits is that if we joke about traveling, I'll have flight prices, hotel reservations, a travel itinerary, and my bags packed within 10 minutes! I love planning new adventures, researching local activities, and reading travel blogs. The mere idea of exploring and learning about new cities and cultures can be quite distracting at times.
What path would you have taken if you didn't choose architecture?
Growing up, I wanted to be the female version of Indiana Jones. I see myself as a Wayfinder, a human map—once I've visited a place, it’s hard for me to get lost. I love wandering through new places and discovering the world with a sense of curiosity. If I hadn’t chosen architecture, I would have channeled this passion for travel and exploration into becoming a travel vlogger, sharing stories and cultural insights. Inspired by diverse cultures and architectural solutions, I fuel my passion for traveling and placemaking, seeking impactful solutions by understanding how the built environment reflects and shapes societies.
If we told you that you get to take the day off work tomorrow, how would you spend it?
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I'm always just a hop, skip, and jump away from the mountains, where you'll often find me snowboarding. This is when my mind is carefree and fully in the moment. Stepping off the lift at the top of the hill and gazing out into the landscape is a humbling experience that makes me feel alive. It also serves as a reminder that life, much like the weather, is unpredictable.
When you first meet someone, what is something you hope they understand about you?
I love connecting with people and sharing stories. In group settings, I often engage with the quietest person in the room, making an effort to help them feel comfortable. Everyone has a unique journey, and I'm always interested in learning how they got to where they are. I hope my first impression reflects my compassionate and curious personality.
What is your favorite season?
I love spring! It offers the best of both worlds: you can finally open your windows to let fresh air into the house, enjoy sunny days on snow-capped mountains, and kick off camping season. Living in the Pacific Northwest with its months of rainy days, you never quite get used to the beauty of a sunny day. When a sunbreak occurs, you feel compelled to stand outside, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the rays. It's the best feeling of all the seasons.
Did you play any sports/do you play any sports?
I love playing softball and basketball and still try to join rec leagues when time permits. I played in school and was always involved in year-round sports. I fell in love with bouldering, and I want to try tennis one day.
