Where and what did you study in undergrad and grad school?
I studied at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where I received my undergrad and graduate degree in Architecture. I was also a graduate assistant in the digital fabrication lab and worked at the Campus Architecture Office.
Where did I grow up?
I grew up in Warrenville, Illinois.
Do you have a child?
My wife Colleen and I had our first child, McKenzie Harper, last November. She is the joy of our lives and such a happy little girl.
Do you have any pets?
One dog – she’s spunky and sweet and looks like a teddy bear. Her name is Sadie Mae and has her own Instagram and at one time had more followers than Aria Group. Sadie is 5 years old and is a Havanese.
Best travel story?
For our honeymoon we went to Italy. We immersed ourselves into the culture and traveled only by foot or public transit. We stayed only at local bed and breakfasts. We traveled to the Vatican in Rome, did a cooking class with a chef in Florence, explored St. Mark’s Square in Venice, and enjoyed the views in Positano.
Favorite Restaurant in Chicago?
Lou Malnati’s. What is more Chicago than deep dish pizza?
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla but that’s because it needs to be paired with brownies or blueberry pie.
What is your drink of choice?
Blue Moon Belgian White with an orange slice and a splash of orange juice.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I am a black belt in two styles of martial arts Tang Soo Do and Hapkido. I practiced for 10 years and was an instructor for all ages but loved teaching the little ones.
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