This is a unique blog post; one which does not involve design, architecture or construction. To me, its far more important and at the same time very unfortunate. When I started my practice in 2004, it was one of the most challenging professional endeavors I had made. It was foolish, daunting, exciting, and the best career decision I could ever imagine. When I was ready to take this architectural design studio to the next level in 2005, it came in the form of establishing an actual office in Boston. I set up an official architecture firm at 118 South Street in the Leather District. It was just me, the four walls around me, wonderful windows overlooking the neighborhood, and a small number of projects to keep me busy. I was learning some new things as I went along, and had to navigate the tough road of getting a new business off the ground. At times it was lonely, dealing with struggles of a first time entrepreneur, and this is when the idea of getting a dog began to make sense to me. An office dog - how cool would that be? 

Not to get into the details of how I came about finding one of the most beautiful German Shepherds you'd ever seen, I can say that 2005 was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Roy, the one and a half year old long haired Shepherd, became my office companion and a new member of our family at home. His steady presence during those early challenging years of ONY architecture comforted me and provided therapy in ways I can not describe. As my practice began to establish a more firm footing, and as my family began to grow, Roy was always there as a source of comfort, love and joy. 

And now after over 10 years of wonderful, life enriching memories, I've come to a point where with great sadness I'm writing this tribute not a pet, or a dog, but to a beautiful friend.