Nic

What architect/artist/designer inspires you and why?
Recently, I had the chance to explore Antoni Gaudí’s work throughout Barcelona, and it left a huge impression on me. Becoming more familiar with Casa Milà and the Sagrada Família in person was incredibly inspiring. Their elegance, ambition, and sheer scale are overwhelming in the best way. Walking through Casa Milà, especially the moment you emerge onto the rooftop and encounter the sculptural “soldiers”, is an experience I’ll never forget. Seeing architecture that departs so radically from conventional forms helps broaden my understanding of spatial systems, material expression, and what’s possible when imagination drives design.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
I’ve always had a high level of curiosity, and that has shaped the way I approach my hobbies. I tend to explore different crafts and activities until I reach a solid “jack‑of‑all‑trades” level of understanding, and then I move on to something new. Over the years I’ve spent time learning archery, gardening, carpentry, and various forms of mechanics, from working on cars and motorcycles to tuning nitro RC engines. I’ve also picked up practical household skills like sourdough baking, knife maintenance, smoking meat, and experimenting with different styles of cooking.

On the quieter side, I enjoy making espresso and practicing latte art on the weekends. Most recently, I’ve started exploring astronomy and developing my understanding of astronavigation. While I don’t always pursue each hobby to an expert level, this pattern of curiosity has given me a wide range of experiences and a genuine appreciation for learning new things.