Employee Spotlight: Will Hellman

Will Hellman is a Project Manager at RVi with experience in master-planned communities, multifamily housing, and parks and recreation. We asked him to share more about his background and experiences.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in Landscape Architecture/Planning?

I suspect I was secretly recruited into the field of landscape architecture when I was 5 years old at a Kansas State University career fair where I was given a K-State Department of Landscape Architecture branded pencil, paper, and engineer’s scale. I rediscovered these items 17 years later while cleaning out my childhood room during summer break. The following fall, I took a course on the history of urban planning and was reintroduced to Landscape Architecture. It occurred to me that many of my interests aligned with the field of Landscape Architecture: the outdoors, designing, problem-solving, construction, and plants. Later, I pursued a graduate degree in the field.

Could you share a memorable moment or experience that solidified your passion for Landscape Architecture/Planning?

For me, it was working on the Esplanade Naples Golf & Country Club, from the amenity campus construction documents, seeing it under construction, and finally having a cold beer at its Bahama bar with the team that worked to put it all together. It was the kind of moment that makes you stop and reflect on all of the effort that went into the project and how successful it turned out.It inspired my continued pursuit in Landscape Architecture. It was also inspiring to see how much our clients rely on and respect our professional skillset.

Can you tell us about a (RVi) project or achievement that you’re particularly proud of in your career?

I’m particularly proud of my professional licensure, and all the experiences, learning moments, and projects with the RVi team that led me to it.

Are there any specific professional goals or aspirations that you’re currently working toward?

A professional goal I am currently working on is to expand my presence within our industry. I have been very focused on improving my skill set and professional experience within the boundaries of the Bonita Springs market, and want to engage outside of my comfort zone to work with new clients, projects and challenges. I hope to contribute to the advancement of Landscape Architecture.

Have you faced any significant challenges in your professional journey, and how did you overcome them?

One of the greatest challenges I have faced is being too rigid in my design approach and creativity, and I admittingly am still challenged by. It has taken a while to overcome my tendency to apply practical and technical solutions to otherwise creative challenges. What has helped me to work towards overcoming this is observing other designers’ processes as well as practicing quick sketches to get ideas out as they come. Without a doubt, there is a Will Hellman practicing civil engineering in an alternate universe.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in Planning or Landscape Architecture?

Turn the career into what you want it to be. Planning and Landscape Architecture is a diverse field, so engage in as many opportunities and experiences as possible and dial in on what drives you. Once you find it, immerse yourself in it, but keep an open mind about other opportunities that present themselves. There is no definitive path you must follow in Planning and Landscape Architecture–let your career evolve around your interests and expertise.