Stanford University’s director of architecture discusses her passion for preservation, rappelling down a historic structure and the building that laid the foundation for her career.
What draws you to architectural preservation work?
The ability to connect the past, present and future. A society demonstrates its collective values when it decides which cultural achievements are worth preserving.
What’s a gift you received that you’ll never forget?
Time! It is irreplaceable.
Does your job take you to places most people never see?
I have had the opportunity to go to many hidden, daring places on campus: climbing the roof of Leland Stanford Jr. Museum, entering the crawl space beneath the Memorial Church, walking on scaffolding along Old Chemistry’s front façade, rappelling down the side and flying over the top of Hoover Tower in a bucket.
Do you have a favorite podcast?
Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford.
Sum up your life philosophy in one sentence
Learning and curiosity should never die—if they do, your spirit ends up dying with it.
Which architect do you admire and why?
I admire the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. As a child, I came across the image of Fallingwater near Pittsburgh. I was mesmerized by the floating cantilevers magically suspended over a waterfall. That very day my path towards architecture became crystal-clear.
What subject has been occupying your mind lately?
Backyard vegetable gardening.
What’s a quote that really resonates with you?
“Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it. Right is right, even if no one is doing it.”
How would you describe your own home’s aesthetic?
Comfortably eclectic. Travel memorabilia lovingly displayed tell fond stories at every corner.
What’s one thing you’ve brought back from a trip abroad?
An “om” singing bowl and mallet from McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala. It makes a mesmerizing sound.
Is there a cool architecture fact everyone should know about Stanford?
I have heard contrary theories, but I sincerely believe that in envisioning the Stanford campus, Jane and Leland Stanford tried to recreate the family’s last happy moment together before their son was tragically lost to typhoid. The architecture deliberately recalls Italian Romanesque rather than the popular Collegiate Gothic of that era.
What’s guaranteed to make you laugh?
My threshold to laugh uncontrollably is extremely low. I enjoy a good laugh anywhere and any time.