COG: What pulled you to a career in architecture?
DJ: It started with my late grandfather who I used to follow around as he fixed and designed things—from cars to landscaping. That’s what began my love for doing things with my hands at a young age. It wasn’t until high school that I enrolled in an engineering technology academy where my class was tasked with creating a space for the county fair. After that, I was hooked. I started to explore what I could do to cultivate that interest, and my teacher told me about the drafting elective available my senior year. I enrolled and that’s where my journey began.
COG: Where did you study and what was that experience like?
DJ: I earned my undergraduate degree in Architecture at SCAD in Savannah, with two minors in Architectural History and Sustainability. I then went on to get my Masters Degree in Architecture in May 2013, also from SCAD. Undergrad was such an intense experience for me and I knew that if I hadn’t gone straight for my Masters, I might have never gone back. Afterwards, I was really burned out and needed to take a break, so I went to work at Home Depot and then at Shaw Industries.
COG: How did those jobs push you to get back into Architecture?
DJ: At Shaw, I was an estimator, where I oversaw the execution of carpet design estimates for projects and worked closely with clients. During that time, I really got to understand the client perspective and building those relationships. But, I always knew that I wanted to give architecture a try and challenge myself. That’s when I found Corcoran Ota.
“Desiree joined our team as an Architectural Intern in 2016. At that time, she was mentored by one of our top project managers. Everyone at COG gets a mentor, no matter how advanced they are in their career. When we told Desiree it was her turn to mentor the new group of interns, she immediately shined, putting her heart and soul into each and every one of them. The once unsure architectural intern found her calling in teaching and developing. She’s since been promoted to Production Manager and continues to guide and help shape budding architects early on in their journey.” – Patti Corcoran, VP Business Development.
COG: Where do you find inspiration for your work?
DJ: My faith and family are important parts of my life that keep me grounded when things get stressful. I also volunteer with my church to help people locally and globally.
COG: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
DJ: I’m currently learning Korean and American Sign Language.
COG: If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be and what would you be doing:
DJ: I’d be in Italy enjoying the gardens and landscape.
No matter how tough things get, Desiree always has a smile on her face and can find humor in tough situations. And that laugh—she has the best laugh you’ll ever hear. Maybe one of the most touching aspects of Desiree is when she sings happy birthday to us when our special days come around. We’re lucky to have such an incredible person and talent on the team.