Looking for something beyond the usual holiday gift lists? The Anti-Gift Guide is all about thoughtful, practical, and creative alternatives to traditional presents. From turning travel trinkets into ornaments to supporting local artisans and gifting experiences, this guide offers unique ideas for architects, designers, and anyone who loves meaningful gifts. Whether you’re shopping last-minute or…
Ultimate Mission Burrito Walking Tour: Murals, Food & Culture in San Francisco
San Francisco is proud of their burritos, and for good reason. Spend an afternoon exploring the Mission District and eating the best burritos on this Mission burrito walking tour. I live nearby in Noe Valley and did this with a friend visiting over the holidays. If you want to check out some other self-guided walks…
Holiday Road Trip Guide: Winter Driving, Weather, and Traveling With a Dog
I love a good road trip, but there are some big differences in planning for a winter road trip vs. a summer road trip. Shorter days, unpredictable weather, slower travel, and holiday traffic are all important considerations. Bringing a dog along for the holidays adds more logistics to consider, but you can plan ahead to…
Carbon Footprint: The Relationship Between Architecture and Travel
As an architect, I think about the environmental impact of the buildings we design. This includes how materials are sourced, how much energy a space uses, and what happens to it over time. But the same questions come up when I travel. Every flight, every hotel stay, even how much we pack adds up to…
Renewing an Architect License Online in California in 2025
I just renewed my California architect license for the next two years and for the first time in my career, the process was fully digital! In this post, I will go into what the process is like for renewing an architect license online in California, including what changed, and the continuing education requirements. Some of…