I began framing homes at age 16 and continued to work for the same New Hampshire builder throughout my college years. In 1988, I earned an undergraduate degree in Art History from Colby College.  After working in residential construction in Wyoming, I moved to Philadelphia and earned a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993.

While studying architecture, I spent the majority of my time working in the Fine Arts wood and metals shop, learning various ways to manipulate and join materials. Following my formal education, I worked in both architecture and construction in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and New Hampshire, before starting my own design studio in Newburyport in 1996. In 2002, the Newburyport office became Graf Architects, and in 2013, I started my solo practice, concentrating on unique design and build opportunities.

I am an NCARB  certified architect, registered in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and a licensed construction supervisor in the state of Massachusetts. I am a member of the NH AIA and the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association.