About Noreen Murphy Hughes

I am an architect from San Francisco who spent her career in an exhibit-based design practice, primarily in zoo’s, museums and aquariums. My projects include the Los Angeles Zoo Entry, Monterey Bay Aquarium remodels, the Exploratorium and the Officers’ Club exhibition about the 250-year history of the Presidio of San Francisco.

To become an architect 40 years ago, it was essential that I learn to draw in order to communicate design ideas. Not with a computer, but by hand. I have no formal training, but I have spent thousands of hours refining my skills at drawing and watercolor, for work and for pleasure. I particularly enjoy capturing the spirit of places when I travel.

I currently live part of the year in Cortona, Italy and prints of my work are sold at Galleria Il Pozzo, a local shop.