I have spent years refining my packing system, testing different kinds of luggage for different trips, and figuring out exactly how to make carry-on travel work. Ever since I needed help lifting my overstuffed backpack on a train in Italy in 2008, I’ve refused to pack more than I can carry myself. Since then, I’ve…
packing list
What’s in My Architect Bag: Site Visit Essentials I Actually Use
The site visits I’ve done as an architect have changed throughout my career, depending on the projects I’m working on—and how much travel they require. Right now, I’m focused mostly on single-family remodels and ADUs (accessory dwelling units), which means my “office” is occasionally someone’s home: sometimes mid-construction, sometimes before anything has started. Recently, my…
How to Pack for a Road Trip with a Dog
My dog Pepper has become an experienced road‑trip companion over the years. From a month‑long loop through Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Nevada during her puppy days to a 2025 adventure across the Pacific Northwest, she’s explored more miles than many humans I know. Along with countless shorter trips around Northern California, these journeys have taught…