I was born & raised in Aberdeen, Mississippi, which is in the northeast quadrant of the state. My hometown is in the region between Tupelo, Columbus, & Starkville (home of Mississippi State University). This region is known as the “Golden Triangle Area”. Aberdeen is on the Tombigbee River, near the Alabama state line.

Like most of us who go into drafting & design-related fields… when I was growing up, I always loved to draw. I especially enjoyed technical types of drawing. I still do. I love drawings & art of all kinds.

I earned an A.A.S. Degree in Drafting & Design Technology in 1993, from Itawamba Community College, which is based in Fulton, MS. I studied primarily at the ‘Technical Campus’ in Tupelo (where I lived). I also considered pursuing a degree in Architecture at MSU (after starting my first architectural job). I started taking prerequisites for that, but it never did work out for me to go. I later took some additional classes in Land Surveying in the Civil Engineering Technology program at Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, MS.

In 1993 I went to work as an entry-level CAD Technician in an architectural firm in Tupelo. I was fortunate enough to start my career working for a great group who is very technology-oriented, & I learned a lot in those first few years. I lived in Tupelo & worked there until 1997.

I contemplated going into the Architecture Program at Mississippi State University, but the logistics of that never worked out for me. If any school offered a degree in Architecture on a part-time basis, I would pursue it. It’s only offered on a full-time basis. I’ve never quite understood that. (If someone finds a place that DOES offer it on a part-time basis, please let me know!)

I would love to be able to take an architectural licensure exam, just to see how I would do. Back in the day, people like me (trained professionals without a formal architecture degree), based on years of experience COULD take the exam & become licensed… at least in some states, but that ended years ago.

Over the years, I visited Asheville, NC several times… & I fell in love with the place, as so many of us do. I moved to Asheville in early 1997. (Long before it became “Beer City”.) It’s quite different here now, but I still love this town & these beautiful mountains! Asheville is still my ‘home base’ for now, but I am hoping to branch out to the West Coast…  specifically the Santa Cruz & Venice, California areas… more will be revealed on that in the future. 

I continued my career working in architectural firms in Asheville. I am now considered a ‘senior-level’ CAD/BIM Technician/Designer when working in an architectural office. Over the years, ‘construction detailing’ became my main focus when working with architects. I also have experience in CAD/BIM management, project management, and maintaining the computer systems & networks in the offices where I’ve worked. In my former ‘day job’ roles, I provided general support to architects… whatever it took to get the job done on a daily basis. Most of the projects that I worked on in former jobs were ‘commercial’ in nature (meaning non-residential), & my work was done under the direct supervision of licensed architects. At one point or another, I’ve worked on almost every type of building. I started my career working on Health Care facilities, & I spent many years working on K-12 Educational buildings & other Public Works projects. I’ve also worked on quite a variety of commercial buildings along the way.

I did my first freelance project in 1999. For many years, my freelance work was done mostly ‘on the side’, while working full-time for someone else. I worked in one architectural firm in downtown Asheville for 13 years, total. I was planning to stay with that company, but during the later years of the recession, I was laid off from & eventually downsized out of that job in 2012. (Sadly, that once strong & reputable company faded away into virtual nothingness, due to TERRIBLE MANAGEMENT & DECISIONS.) Since then, I have worked primarily for myself. I am currently self-employed full-time.

Most of my independent/freelance work has been residential in nature; plans for custom homes, renovations & additions, miscellaneous drafting, etc… for which no licensed architect is required. Typically, on my residential projects, I provide what is considered a good ‘builder’s set’ of drawings; which is a solid, complete set of drawings, as needed to develop & understand the design, acquire a building permit, & construct the project; without being overly detailed. I have completed literally hundreds of projects with satisfied clients.

I have also done miscellaneous CAD/BIM work for architects & engineers over the years. I can also do “non-building related” CAD & 3D Modeling work….such as machine parts, products, inventions, CAD/BIM objects/templates, etc.

If you wish to discuss a potential project; I will provide more information & explanation of my services as we continue our discussions, and/or as needed for your specific project.

My full resumè, references, & project list are available upon request.