So you are thinking of remodeling, adding a deck, building an ADU, or even a brand new house, and you want to know… do I need an architect? The answer is… it depends. Technically, in the state of California, an unlicensed person is allowed to design a wood framed house, or even up to four…
Blog Posts
A One Day Tour of San Francisco on Public Transportation
Wondering what to do in San Francisco on a budget? Here’s how we explored the city in one day using public transportation—cable cars, Muni trains, a driverless taxi, and the historic F line—while visiting iconic spots like the Ferry Building, Chinatown, North Beach, and the Castro. Tour with a Local I moved to San Francisco…
My Relationship with Airbnb: From Love to “It’s Complicated”
After 12 years of using Airbnb—from magical local stays to disappointing cash-grab rentals—I’ve seen the platform evolve. These days, it feels more like a gamble than a guarantee. Here is how the relationship has evolved and what I am choosing now. Love at First Sight My first stay with Airbnb was in February of 2013…
Should My Daughter Study Architecture in College?
Answering whether someone should study architecture made me reflect on my own journey. The profession isn’t easy, but the skills gained in school—creative problem-solving, time management, presentation, and adaptability—can open doors far beyond architecture itself. I received a question recently from a father about his daughter who is considering studying architecture in college. I requested…
From Fear to Freedom: Rediscovering Solo Travel
My first experiences as a solo female traveler in Europe at 26 left me hesitant to travel alone again. A decade later, I returned for a four-month trip and found the opposite—confidence, connection, and joy in exploring the world on my own terms. The first time I travelled to Europe was at the age of…