Q&A with Celeste
Where are you from?
Born and bred in Dallas, TX. East Dallas if we are being specific, right around White Rock Lake and the Arboretum.
How did you end up in Texas ?
My mom was from Dallas, so my parents moved back after going to school at LSU.
What are your hobbies?
I love cooking and experimenting with flavors. No cartoon has resonated with me quite like that scene from Ratatouille where Remi is explaining to his brother (who just doesn’t quite get it) what it’s like when these unexpected flavors meet and create something entirely new!
I love making bread, building Legos, and gardening. I am proud to say that my house is more greenhouse than human house.
What is your favorite life motto?
The two mantras that I try to repeat to myself are “You can control the things that you can control” and “Love and grief are two sides of the same coin”.
Was there a person or experience that made an impact on your life?
The experience that had the biggest impact on my life was becoming aware of those unseen, intangible feelings that make a space comfortable. I was little, walking around with my family and my aunt asked me “doesn’t this building feel great”?! I didn’t know what she meant and she explained that it was the little, unseen details that are important because they make a space feel great and comfortable for people using them. Its easy to notice the things that are bad, but you just FEEL the things that are good about a space.
Tell us something about your job that you are very passionate about.
I am extremely passionate about building for a purpose. I came from a background of K-12 design and it instilled in me the importance of designing with intention and the immense responsibility of creating a space for learning. These kiddos are little sponges that are trying to absorb anything and everything that are thrown at them, and if they are in an environment that isn’t supportive of that (both physically and mentally) they won’t succeed.
I am also passionate about making a connection. I always strive to be as empathetic as possible with project Owners because I want to make sure I understand fully what they want and that they know how important I take that role. It’s a partnership and game of trust.
Tell us something about your life you are very passionate about.
Creating is my passion. Whether that’s with food or plants or painting, I like to use my hands to make something and then share the things I’ve made with others. In the last few years or so I have become hyper aware of all of the ingredients and materials that go into the things that we use daily and have made a huge effort to educate myself in what I am putting into my body. I have an allergy to red dye, and it’s shocking to find all the things that red dye is present in (soy sauce, tomato sauce, vanilla etc.). Mostly that has resulted in my trying to make my own versions of the things that you would typically by pre-made.
What path would you have taken if you didn't choose architecture?
I still think about Psychology as a profession. I am beyond fascinated by people’s brains and how they think.
If we told you that you get to take the day off work tomorrow, how would you spend it?
I’d probably spend the day doing plant stuff or cooking. It’s almost planting season so there is lots to do to get all of my veggies and seeds ready for April! I like to do big bakes during the weekend (like make sourdough or try to learn pastry) so I’d take advantage of a full day where I can come and go to check on how things are rising.
When you first meet someone, what is something you hope they understand about you?
I don’t think I’ve ever thought about this! I think I want people to think I am funny and nice but what do I want them to UNDERSTAND about me is an interesting way to think about it… I think I want people to understand about me is that I am caring and inquisitive. I am constantly trying to learn new things and share that knowledge with others.
What is your favorite thing to eat?
My favorite thing to eat at this particular moment is curry. I can’t get enough of it. The thing that I can’t STOP eating are ginger cookies. If I am left alone in a room with a box of ginger cookies, there is no question that I am going to eat them all.
Did you play any sports/do you play any sports?
I love to play tennis. I played in school and can’t wait for it to warm up a bit to start playing again. I also am trying to learn golf, but that’s a working progress.
