Here’s the tl;dr: I’m a designer, operator, and futurist, with a particular interest in designing a more equitable, sustainable, generative, human-centered economic system. I’m also a lifelong musician, and a maker of many other kinds of art.

If you geek out over robots, test new software tools recreationally, create multimedia art, scorn binary thinking, or spend a lot of time thinking about the future of the economy, we probably have a lot in common. 🤖

This site is a space for research, conversation, and sharing my work. Usually, I write about things like:

• the future of the economy

• new types of construction and material science in the built environment

• how our physical and virtual environments are evolving over time, and how it’s affecting us

• the business of managing real estate (and how it needs to change)

• my favorite systems and tools for doing creative work

• art and the blockchain

• renovating our wild old house

• the joys and challenges of operating a small business

• managing mental health as a CPTSD survivor

• the emotional side of personal finance

• developing an art practice

and maybe some other things to keep things spicy!  🌶

If you’re working on a project and want to connect in more depth, send me an email to set up a consultation. I’m an experienced consultant and would love to learn how we could collaborate. You can check out my past work here to get a better sense of my skillset and experience.

Whether you’re here to collaborate or just stopping by, thank you. I still feel amazed at that the magic of the internet and the ways it can bring like-minded people together.

I hope you have a great day, full of experimentation, creativity, and joy! 🌸

WORK EXPERIENCE

NASA
Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD)
Innovation Architect

Hourglass Collaborative
Founder

FWD Partners
Co-Founder

Autodesk
Boston Technology Center
Launch Team;
Senior Manager for
Innovation Engagement

District Hall
Founding General Manager

City of Boston
Innovation District Manager

Hacin + Associates
Designer

EDUCATION

Northeastern University
B.S in Architecture, 2011
Reggie Lewis Scholar
2010 School of Architecture Design Award + Engagement Award

HONORS + AWARDS + PRESS

Advisory Committee for the Bass Initiative on Innovation and Placemaking
Advisor, Brookings Institution

Mayoral Neighborhood Innovation District Advisory Committee
Vice Chair for Encouraging Entrepreneurship

“Innovation Districts Are a Clear Path Forward for Cities and Metros”
Article, The Brookings Institution

“The Rise of Innovation Districts: A New Geography of Innovation in America”
Speaker + Research Contributor, The Brookings Institution

“Cities As A Lab: Designing the Innovation Economy”
Research Contributor, American Institute of Architects

Energizing the Massachusetts Fashion Economy
Speaker, Mass Fashion Symposium

“From Pop-Up to Permanent: A Strategy to Save Local Retail”
Article, The Boston Globe

“Shining Bright”
Boston Magazine feature on Hourglass

“Red Ahead”
Feature in Boston Common Magazine on my lasercut jewelry and accessories

Sasaki Foundation
Advisory Council
Former Member

“What Policy Framework Allows for Successful, Equitable Co-Living?”
Spearker, Co-Liv! Conference

“Neighbohood Development: Models for Success in Revitalizing Local Brands”
Speaker, City Nation Place Conference

“Breaking Barriers: Creating Career Paths in the Innovation Industry”
Speaker, Inclusive Innovation Conference

“Working w/ the Big League: How Startups Can Partner With Large Companies”
Speaker, The Capital Network

“Careers for Innovators and Idea Makers”
Speaker, Northeastern University

“Transforming Local Government in an Innovation Era”
Featured expert for a speaking tour of Australian cities coordinated by Microsoft. Multiple talks in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra.

“ ‘Squishy stuff ’ the secret to innovation in Boston”
Article in GovNews Australia

Adelaide looks to Boston as SA government eyes future as tech startup centre”
Article in Adelaide Financial Review

City of Boston ONEin3 Impact Award
Recognizing contributions of young civic leaders in Boston (under the age of 35)

“Meet the Mayors” at MassTLC Annual Meeting
Moderator for a panel discussion featuring the Mayors of Somerville, Worcester, Newton and Holyoke about innovation and the future of their cities

BostInno Alumni Impact Award
Awarded to young alumni of Boston-area schools who have had a substantial effect on where Boston is today, and where the city is headed in the future.

“How Singing in the Subway Helps Nicole Fichera Stay Sharp at District Hall”
Feature in BostInno

“Is This What ‘Innovation’ Looks Like?”
Feature on District Hall in CityLab

“Innovation Districts Are Catalysts for Urban Growth”
National League of Cities CitiesSpeak.org

Architecture Boston
Associate Editor and Contributor, “Change” Issue.