Travel exposes you to architecture, food, and culture—but behind every great city is a workforce built by immigrants. In Paris, London, New York, Boston, and beyond, construction sites, kitchens, and taxis are powered by those who weren’t born there but keep things running. As I renovate my house in Boston, I see it firsthand—my contractor is local, but his crew? Brazilian. They’re the ones shaping this space. And when all is done, I’ll remember who built it.
Personal Musings
06/2025: It is the micro-decisions
Bad design isn’t always the result of big, catastrophic decisions—it’s usually death by micro-decisions. A series of small, seemingly insignificant choices, each made for convenience, speed, or cost, snowball into something mediocre or outright frustrating. Whether designing products or renovating a house, these micro-decisions shape the final outcome. You can’t oversee them all, but you will live with them. Great design demands pushing beyond “good enough” and questioning assumptions before they turn into missed opportunities. Most people may not pinpoint why something feels exceptional—but they know when it does.
05/2025: What is your deadline?
Deadlines are deceiving. In any project—whether designing products or renovating a house—they create expectations that often unravel once reality sets in. We chose a master contractor based on a promised timeline, only to realize that, despite careful planning, the deadline won’t be met. Why does this happen so often? Optimistic scheduling, hidden dependencies, and inevitable changes. In design, in construction, in life—things take longer than we expect. But as long as communication stays strong and compromises are made wisely, things tend to work out. I hope.
03/2025: Everyone is a designer
Design has evolved from a specialized craft into a universal human capability for problem-solving and creativity. But if “everyone is a designer,” what sets professionals apart? Expertise, ethics, and the ability to manage complexity. In both professional and personal domains—like navigating a house renovation—balancing diverse opinions, strategic thinking, and clear communication is key. It’s less about imposing decisions and more about influencing thoughtfully. Design isn’t always easy, but when done right, it brings clarity, collaboration, and meaningful outcomes.
02/2025: Make or Buy
The “Make or Buy” decision applies to more than business—it’s a recurring life challenge. I’ve navigated it in design leadership, and now in renovating our home. Expertise, budget, deadlines, expectations, and availability shape whether we handle things ourselves or hire professionals. It’s never a straightforward choice. For this project’s priority phase we chose to “Buy” by hiring a local contractor. It’s a balancing act between trust and involvement, and while we can’t delegate everything, this feels like the right call… for now.
01/2025: These Boots Were Made For…
I bought my first pair of western boots in 2014. They’ve mostly stayed in the closet—until now. Something about putting them on in our new house sparked a shift in me. These boots, heavy and stiff, slow me down and make me feel grounded, ready to get things done. Boots are props—they shape how others see us, but more importantly, how we see ourselves. These boots? They’ve got a mission now, and by the end of 2025, they’ll have stories to tell.
0/2025: From House to Home
We just bought an old, rugged house. It creaks and cracks, holding stories from a century of life. Renovation isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about discovering what’s worth keeping and how change shapes us. Every decision carries meaning: what stays, what goes, and what new stories we’ll add. This year, I’ll share weekly reflections on turning this house into a home and exploring what it means to truly feel at home, both in a space and in ourselves.
FIFTY-TWO
If you’ve read even one of these stories, thank you. You’ve been part of this journey, whether by engaging with the words, reflecting on your own life, or simply pausing to think. Writing is, after all, a conversation, and I’m grateful for everyone who has listened and responded.
FIFTY-ONE
This week something touched me, deeply, but I need to be protective of people I love to talk about it. For this reason, forgive me if at times you are curious about details that I am not willing to disclose. But I could not ignore this, as what hit me most this past week.
FIFTY
December is a happy sad month for me. My father and I were born in December, so was my daughter. But my father passed away in December, as well as a cousin who was like my second father, and no matter how many welcomed births I hear about in December, I am always melancholic and deep into my thoughts around this time of the year.