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

My love for landscape architecture began in a small horticultural design studio in the latter half of my undergraduate career at Texas A&M. It was there where I learned the fundamentals of planting design and my curiosity for this field was found. Thanks to a passionate and wildly talented professor, the blinders that had kept me from seeing this fascinating world were removed from my eyes. I started noticing the intricate detail that went into not just planting beds but also things like benches, sidewalks, stone pavers, terraced amphitheaters, and everything!

I was enthralled with this new realm. The amount of work and effort that went into creating the seemingly mundane parts of my environment around me intrigued me. As my senior year was approaching, I knew that I had to learn more about this field. Pursuing my master’s in landscape architecture felt like something I had to do, and it was there that my love for LA solidified. Not just landscape architecture but design in general. I fell in love with the process, the research, and the beautiful mix of art and science. I was hooked.

 

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

During the first year of my master’s program, my class went on a field trip to look at different firms and projects in Dallas, TX. We were in the heart of Dallas and found ourselves in the lobby of some downtown high-rise. Marble stone surrounded me on all sides, minimalistic lighting fixtures hung from the 20’ ceilings, and furniture that took the form of a sculpture rather than a place to sit were tucked in the corners of the room. I was in awe.

We packed ourselves into the lobby’s elevator and ascended to the top to see this “highly acclaimed” firm that my professor kept going on about. I didn’t really know what I was going to see, I was just along for the ride. But that all changed when those elevator doors opened. My jaw dropped upon seeing the overwhelming chaos that was this office, controlled chaos, that is. Trash paper with abstract doodles was sprawled out on what seemed like every table in the room. Markers, opened and unopened alike, lay at every employee’s desk just waiting to be used. A team of designers in an all-glass conference room huddled around a desk, intensely discussing what looked like some sort of charrette. One would make quick marks followed by a few comments, while the others would stand back, tilt their heads, and squint their eyes. Similar to how one would take in a work of art at a museum. A moment of silence ensued, and another designer would then step up and add to the conversation. I was amazed. The intensity within this office was palpable, and I loved it. It was beautiful and loose; it exuded this creative flow that I had never witnessed before then. It was right then that I knew this was the field for me.

 

What are some of the key motivators that drive you to excel in your professional field?

In school, I was exposed to a whole new realm of landscape architecture. A realm that revolved around change in a way that I hadn’t seen before. Not just creating beautiful neighborhood parks or trail systems but big-picture projects that set out to create real change within our natural and built environment. The kind of work that doesn’t just impact a few hundred users but generations of users for the foreseeable future.

Some of these projects tackled issues like marginalized communities, inclusivity, rising sea-level challenges, and sustainable practices within the field. Studying this kind of work made me eager to be a part of a team that strives for this kind of change. This is something that motivates me to continue my advancement in this field. To gain more knowledge about the things that got me excited in school and the things that weren’t talked about as much in school, like the business side of landscape architecture.

 

Can you tell us about a (RVi) project or achievement that you’re particularly proud of in your career? (if a project, be sure to get photos of it!)

Well, I’m still quite new to RVi; I haven’t worked on any projects that are built just yet. But I am eager to continue to invest myself into this firm so that one day I can be a part of a team that does create an awesome project that I can be proud of! I’ve been working a lot on the planning side of RVi, but I hope to soon be fluid between both the LA side as well as the planning side so that I can get exposed to both realms!

 

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in your industry?

ASLA is a great resource to see the newest trends and news about what’s going on in the LA world. I’m often on their website looking into articles about what’s happening in our field. I sometimes check out big firms’ websites to see if anything new is going on with them. Also, just keeping in touch with the colleagues that I have made over the years is always helpful. Asking what’s going on in their firms and what’s new with them.

 

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

Licensure! I’ve just finished creating all my accounts for CLARB and TBAE, and I’m about to begin studying for my first exam, the 2^nd exam for licensure. I’m going to begin studying at the end of June, and I will sign up to take the exam in December! This is a goal that I set for myself after my 3-month check-in at RVi. I’m so grateful for the resources that RVi gives its employees who are seeking licensure. The literature, practice exams, and study groups will undoubtedly be a huge help in furthering my advancement in this field.

 

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

I fortunately haven’t had to face any adverse situations in my professional career just yet. Although in school, my first year in the MLA program at Texas A&M was somewhat of a challenge for me.  I came into the program with a background in traditional media. In terms of software knowledge, I was severely behind all my peers. I had never used AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Adobe Suite apps. Catching up to my peers in this arena was not an easy feat, but I was able to slowly learn and grind my way to where they were regarding software abilities. I was learning various software as I was getting assignments that required their use, it was a challenging obstacle and really pushed me in ways I hadn’t been pushed up until that point. I can now say that I am quite confident in my abilities with multiple software and am eager to continue to grow in my understanding of them.

 

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

Make sure this is something you are passionate about. Don’t go into this field half in, half out, the number of hours and work you will put into this learning what is required to be a landscape architect will be completely in vain if you don’t absolutely love this field. Find out what discipline of landscape architecture excites you. The beautiful thing about landscape architecture is the myriad of avenues one could take within this profession. Don’t assume you will find the perfect job right out of school or your dream discipline in LA upon graduation. This field requires experience for you to go where you want to go. It’s a slow grind but well worth the wait. Always be learning something new! There are constantly new things you can grow in, whether software, new policies, or trends in the field. Be a sponge and absorb as much as you can!

 

Beyond your professional life, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment? (Please send photos of hobby/personal interest/family/pets/etc)

I have a deep love for music. I write and play guitar. I typically hover around writing and jamming psych rock, jazz fusion, and soul music. I don’t play in a band or anything more, so just jamming friends in my free time. Since moving to Austin, I’ve gotten into film photography, specifically street photography. There is something wonderful about shooting candids in the streets, not thinking and just shooting. It’s a rush and a beautiful way to tell a story. I very much enjoy the analog approach that comes with shooting on film. Every shot counts, and every shot is money. I’ve brought that cost down by learning to develop and scan my negatives at home. The medium of photography is something I’m quite fond of. I’m not an excellent photographer by any means, but I’m learning and having fun while doing it, and that’s all I care about. The last thing I’ll share is my newfound love for biking! It has been such an incredible outlet for me. It’s just so nice to get out on the streets and cut it up through downtown. Lately, I’ve been going for distance and duration. I started small with 5-mile and 10-mile rides but have worked my way up to consistent 15-20-mile rides, and last week I set a new PR for a distance of 30.2 miles! I was stoked but also nearly injured myself. My goal is to hit a 50-mile ride before the end of the year!

 

Lastly, if you could choose one word to describe your professional philosophy or approach, what would it be and why?

Receptive. I think it is always important to be able to receive in this field. Whether it’s critique, advice, or praise, it’s sometimes easy to get prideful and think you know what you’re doing but being receptive and reminding yourself that you are just a wee minnow in a vast ocean is humbling. People have been in this industry for decades, and I have more than enough to learn and grow in. Be receptive to whatever is thrown your way.