Independent Journal

 Arch & Rec. Behind the Movement

Hello, I’m Lauren. I am an aspiring licensed architect with a dual master’s in architecture and urban design with a concentration in healthy cities. This space is a culmination of bringing to light healthy environment opportunities, challenges, and current ideas for what health can provide in our everyday environments. It delves into the intricate connections between health x recreation x sustainability, exploring how these elements intertwine to shape the future of where we live, work, and play.

Why Create the Arch & Rec Blog?

In the summer of 2023, I found myself in Paris—studying architecture by day, wandering Olympic venues by night. Between sketching stadiums and researching adaptive sports, I kept circling the same question: why weren’t we talking about what humans really need in the spaces they move through?

After presenting a reimagined stadium design for disabled athletes, it hit me—the conversation around health, environment, and recreation was far too narrow. We were designing for aesthetic structures, not for the people whose stories were unfolding inside them.

I decided to start a space for conversation by self-creating an accessible space. Arch and Rec is that space—a place to connect the dots between architecture, movement, and the human experience. Because the way we move through the world should be as thoughtfully designed as it is aesthetically.

I also want to explore how movement of the body intersects with architecture. Whether that’s inside our homes, in our communities, or at spaces where dense populations come to celebrate human movement…AKA sports!

Beyond the Blog

(1) I’ve Obtained a Dual Master’s in Architecture and Urban Design with a Certificate in Healthy Cities

I returned to school after a few years working as an interior architect at SOM in San Francisco, where I fell in love with the city and its everyday movement, and of course, being able to continue as a semi-pro athlete in running post-college. I made the move to continue my education a few years later, driven by a desire to delve deeper into architecture and ultimately gain my license as a licensed architect.

(2) I was a D1 college athlete in cross-country/track - Ran semi-pro on two different teams, one sponsored by HOKA in SF and the other by Tracksmith in Michigan.

Where am I now? I am working on my return to running after taking three years away, where I somehow managed to sneak in a full marathon for the first time (without proper training) during architecture school, and now I am ready to be back and ready to move at high speed while my husband coaches me, who I should also mention is a college coach.

(3) I have a Whippet named Enzo, named after the main character in my favorite book, “The Art of Racing in the Rain”

Sweet, cuddling Enzo has his moments of zoomies. I have future plans to race with Enzo and help him become my great running buddy someday when he is old enough. Enzo is my first puppy, and it is hard work, even with my husband at my side! Love him to death though.

A Few of My Favorites

A rotating list of little joys—from running shoe rotations and coffee mixes post miles to design finds and items for green thumbs—that keep me inspired on and off the blog.

  • Trainers

    Current shoe rotation: Saucony Triumphs, HOKA Bondi, and Asics. I have a neutral foot and tend to lean towards a higher cushion shoe type. Most shoes I purchase are older models from Running Warehouse.

  • Sketchbooks & Paper

    Like any artist, designer, architect, or journalist, I have my most desired paper to sketch ideas, note down thoughts, and make lists of to-dos. I always keep coming back to Rhodia.

  • Running Apparel

    My Running wardrobe consists mainly of Tracksmith clothing due to the subtle colors and the fit of their shorts, socks, and sports bras that make choosing a running outfit easy and ready for any type of running.

  • At-home Garden

    My current obsession is buying seeds from Mendards or smaller plants and watching how fast they are growing over the spring/summer season. I recommend starting your own at-home mini garden.