Get to Know Olivia: The Latest Addition to Our Design Team
What drew you to architectural design?
When I was little, I always said I wanted to be a fashion designer like my grandfather. I loved the idea of creating something beautiful from nothing, but sewing and I just never got along. Even so, the desire to design never really left me.
I was always drawing as a kid, and started taking art classes at a young age. I truly knew I wanted to be an architect when I found myself playing The Sims FreePlay and Minecraft just to build houses. I would spend hours designing layouts, caring more about the space’s structure and feel than the actual game.
What does a “day in the life” look like for you?
A typical day in the life for me? You can usually find me at my computer, headphones on, deep into design work, doing my best to stay focused while soaking up the collaborative, lively energy of our team at BLB.
Every morning starts the same way: a hot cup of coffee. Without caffeine, I’m basically a zombie. I’ll take a little time to catch up on client emails, wrap up anything left from the day before, and map out a “plan of attack” for the day. In theory, it’s organized and efficient. In reality, one unexpected email or curveball can completely reroute your day, and just like that, your perfectly written to-do list is out the window.
Throughout the week, I’m usually prepping for client meetings or jumping into them, and every now and then I get to tag along for a site visit. Being on site is one of my favorite parts of the job. There’s something about seeing everything in progress, the details, the problem-solving, and the collaboration that makes you a better designer. We’re constantly learning, and that knowledge not only sharpens us as designers but also supports our team in the field.
If you could design your perfect home, what would it look like? What features are must-haves for you?
This is such a tough question for me because my eye for design is constantly evolving. There’s a saying that an architect should never design their own home, and I get it. We’d probably redesign it every year.
But if I could? It would be a huge mixed bag in the best way. I’m drawn to layered colors, a little bit of pattern clashing, detailed millwork, vintage touches, and tons of natural light. I love spaces that feel collected over time rather than perfectly curated. I appreciate a home that feels lived in, where textures have depth, materials have character, and nothing feels too precious to actually use.
It would absolutely need a big kitchen. I love to cook, and I love hosting even more. I picture a large island where everyone naturally gathers, open shelving with pieces collected over time, warm lighting, and enough space for friends and family to hang out while something’s on the stove. To me, the kitchen is the heart of the home!
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What would you say is your superpower?
What are you passionate about outside of work?
As I said, I do have two cats, and I genuinely adore spending time with them. I’m also recently engaged, so wedding planning has definitely taken up a lot of my time lately. On top of that, I’m currently studying for my exams to become a licensed architect, so life feels a little busy, but I promise I have real hobbies too.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
