“As a Rose Fellow I hope to become a better designer by engaging with various communities and learning from and collaborating with other fellows. I couldn’t think of a more valuable way to start my journey than through this fellowship. I look forward to gaining insight into the development of affordable housing, while discovering solutions to some of its current challenges. I see my role as a designer to be a public facilitator, giving a megaphone to amplify voices who aren’t always heard.  I believe that architecture can dignify residents while creating a space of pride.” 
 
As a western North Carolina native, Aaron is excited to be helping Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) expand their network of projects into other mountain communities and making an impact on the community he grew up in. With this project, he will be able to bring his own lived experience and understanding of the needs of the area to the decision-making and design proposals. Aaron hopes that his fellowship will bring a different perspective to MHO’s process by emphasizing the connection between health and housing.  
 
Aaron received his M.Arch and certificate in Community Build from Clemson University and graduates summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Appalachian State University.