ABOUT ME

Mile-by-mile I am constantly learning and experiencing new landscapes. I was born in Palm Springs, CA and grew up there until my departure for college at Colorado State University in beautiful Fort Collins, CO. There I studied Landscape Architecture which opened up my eyes to the many facets of design, architecture and ecology.

My passions began to sway more into permaculture design which is why I ended up here in Vermont. Working at an organic farm, I am constantly learning practical methods of sustainable agriculture from seed to harvest. I get to take that knowledge and add it onto my site analysis and design skills to take me into the next part of my future.

Having gained such an interest in sustainable design integrated with food systems, I am currently applying to serve abroad with the Peace Corps to do just that! I shall keep you all updated on my acceptance and (hopefully) my departure.

In the meantime, enjoy this landscape architecture portfolio meets photography meets photo blog!

PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT

Questions by Professor Merlyn Paulson

Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University

1. Tell us about yourself

I have a passion for nature and learning how to preserve it back to the way in which it may naturally sustain itself. Unfortunately, the destruction that has already taken place on the landscape cannot be undone; we can only attempt to bring it back towards its natural processes. Who I am coincides with that - though I have been dealt some unruly cards in life, I can only regenerate by adapting to positive changes. I feel that being able to understand a landscape as an eternal life cycle, it brings in a humanistic perspective on its past, present, and future potential.

2. Describe your design process

RESEARCH

With both landscape architecture and permaculture design, the design process must always start with research. A lot of this includes studying the history of what has taken place on the given landscape. It's important to understand the social structure and culture of the people who have a relationship with the site or simply the history of the landscape's processes. Research of a site has no boundaries.

SITE ANALYSIS

Now it's time to really study the landscape. Watershed patterns, topography, sun and shade patterns, circulation, vegetation and wildlife are all crucial factors to consider before implementing a design. The best way to conduct such research is through the use of Geographic Information Systems and site visits. For future reference, it is always helpful to make diagrams out of this information.

CONCEPTUAL MODELS//SKETCHES

Now that there is a better understanding of the site, abstract ideas may take place. I usually execute this through model-making and quick sketches to interpret what's been going on in this landscape and what needs to happen next.

LAYERS UPON LAYERS OF TRACE PAPER

What better way to create a design than to continually add on and improve your last design! It has always been difficult for me to get the first stroke down onto my first layer of trace paper.. I have learned that it is easier for me to execute general forms of what I forsee my design to be, then to work more with the topography of the site before going back to form. Form and function work hand-in-hand so I try to let the form follow naturally after the function of the landscape is taken care of.

DESIGN ALTERNATIVES

There is never one single solution to solving the problems of a landscape. After the final layers of trace paper are able to be interpreted into actual designs, it's now time to chose the preferred alternative. This is usually the design where the form complements function while keeping the integrity of the site's context.

3. Define what you wish to be known for in the office

What I would like to be known for in an office is to be the one who is never to be found in the office. I dream of being able to work outside whether it be conducting field research or building the designs myself.