Growing up in the Mid-Hudson Valley, I’ve always been inspired by nature and its restorative beauty. It wasn’t until my early twenties, working as a groundskeeper for the cemeteries near my home, that I discovered a deep inspiration from people and the many forms of expression and interaction that take place in the landscape.
Engaging with people and their stories is one of the most inspiring and motivating aspects of landscape architecture. Each project presents a unique opportunity to discover and imagine a context-sensitive space from multiple points of view that aren’t your own.
Through my work, I hope to assist in the creation of accessible space where people are empowered to remember and share their stories with others, connect and adapt with environments that are conducive to well-being, and continually rediscover a zeal for life and the people that make life worth living.
Education
State University of New York at Cobleskill
Cobleskill, NY
Bachelor of Landscape Contracting
Graduated: May 2017
GPA: 3.23
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
MLA Track III Candidate
Anticipated Graduated: May 2024
Current GPA: 4.0
Honors and Awards
Teaching Assistant
Plants, Bioregionalism, and Ecological Design
North Carolina State University
August 2022-Present
Research Assistant
Just Communities Design Lab
North Carolina State University
December 2022-Present
ASLA Student Honors Award
Student Collaboration Category
Dynamic Roots
September 2023
Relevant Courses
Soil and Water Conservation
Design Development & Construction Documentation
Social Equity and Design
Environment and Behavior
Disaster Resilient Policy, Engineering & Design
Landscape Performance Metrics
Landscape Contracts and Business Law
Relevant Experience
Junior Landscape Architect
Weintraub Diaz Landscape Architecture
Nyack, NY
June 2024-Present
•Assisted landscape architects in developing illustrative and technical drawings and documentation through all phases of design.
•Directed the use of appropriate plant species through thorough analysis.
•Conducted historical landscape surveys and reported findings.
•Determined project eligibility for SITES accreditation credits and prepared relevant documentation.
•Conducted a street tree survey and prepared plans to communicate data.
Intern
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation-Queens Borough Queens, NY
May 2023-August 2023
•Reviewed submittals and shop drawings submitted by contractors.
•Prepared renderings, visuals and minutes for community input meeting presentations.
•Prepared weekly construction duration inspection reports for SWPP compliance.
Project Estimator/Assistant Designer
The Land of ELITE
Poughkeepsie, NY
October 2018-June 2020
•Estimated labor and material for various projects and prepared proposals and change orders.
•Communicated with vendors and arranged material orders and deliveries.
•Prepared three-dimensional representations of conceptual designs.
•Compared actual time and material costs with estimates.
Related Skills
•Familiarity with a wide array of plants and ecological communities.
•Ability to work well in multi-disciplinary design teams.
•Familiarity with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Sketchup, Lumion, ArcGIS, and Rhino.
CAROLINA FARMS
Temple Grandin once said, “The world needs all kinds of minds.” Carolina Farms, situated in the scenic countryside of Stanley County, acknowledges this need, and strives to provide a place where individuals on the Autism spectrum are empowered to live and work rewarding lives with one another.
The master plan for Carolina Farms seeks to assist in the realization of this vision through the creation of space where all kinds of minds can lead dignified, successful, and fulfilling lives in their own way and at their own pace.
is 5% and under. A central challenge of the design was creating space that was accessible while also creating unique places that could accomodate the needs of hyper and hypo-sensitive individuals.
1.EXISTING UTILITIES SHOWN ARE APPROXIMATE AND SHALL BE VERIFIED IN THE FIELD PRIOR TO BEGINNING WORK. CONTRACTOR SHALL CONTACT NC ONE CALL CENTER AT 1-800-632-4949 FOR LOCATION OF EXISTING UTILITIES PRIOR TO BEGINNING CONSTRUCTION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN WORKING AROUND EXISTING UTILITIES TO REMAIN.
2.MATCH NEW CONSTRUCTION TO SURROUNDING ESTABLISHED GRADES.REPORT ANY DISCREPANCIES TO THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT.
3.ALL AREAS ARE TO BE GRADED TO PROVIDE POSITIVE DRAINAGE AND AS SHOWN ON THE PLANS. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL MAINTAIN A 2.5% SLOPE ON LAWNS, 1.5% ON UNIT PAVER SURFACES, 1% ON CONCRETE FLATWORK AND 1.5% ON ASPHALT SURFACES. ALL STEPS, PRECAST SURFACES, CONSTRUCTED SEATING; WALL TOPS SHALL RECEIVE A MINIMUM OF 1% SLOPE TO PROVIDE WASH.
4.UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, SPOT GRADES REFER TO BOTTOM OF CURB AT THE FLOW LINE (ADD 6” FOR THE TOP OF CURB). ALL SPOT GRADES AT THE EDGE OF PAVEMENTS SHALL REPRESENT THE PAVEMENT GRADES, NOT ADJOINING LANDSCAPE.
Given the large variations in elevation throughout the site, establishing a sound grading plan was imperative for the achievement of this goal. Although the landscape was residential in nature, all proposed primary pedestrian pathways throughout the landscape are ADA accessible with a majority of these paths maintaining a slope that
In creating these unique experiences, varying plant palettes and the existing topography of the site was leveraged. For example, in a portion of the site where the topography is steeper, a “sensory slide” can be incorporated into the hillside. Surrounded by a fragrant, colorful plant palette, hypo-sensitive individuals can experience an exhilerating rush of smells, colors, and textures passing by as they race down the slides. Or in the central meadow pavilion, which would serve as a communal gathering space, a calmer planting palette composed of meadow grasses would be used to promote inclusivity.
Together, the proposed grading and planting would help create a landscape that can be accessed and enjoyed by many different people while responsibly conveying and managing stormwater on-site.
Summer sunset prospect from the lawn patio (A).
Carolina Farms- Spring
BATTLESHIP PARK
Wilmington, North Carolina
North Carolina is an ecologically diverse and distinctive state defined by sub-tropical, temperate, and boreal habitats. Its richest biodiversity is found in its coastal plain. At the core of this ecological landscape lies the Cape Fear River basin, the state’s most expansive watershed. Nestled within this basin, across from the historic city of Wilmington, lies Battleship Park.
Located at the confluence of the Northeast Cape Fear and Brunswick River, the U.S.S. North Carolina, the state’s most frequently visited landmark, is situated in a dynamic landscape that has been shaped by its exposure to ever-changing tidal and saline hydrological conditions.
Inspired by the potential and challenge of this ecologically rich and diverse site, our multidisciplinary team sought to create a master plan that weaves connections between ecology, community, history, and the coursing water.
Collectively, the project creates a living embodiment of the principles of adaptation and remembrance, a landscape where the park’s natural beauty and historical echoes coexist, flourish and adapt to the realities of climate change. In the convergence of history and innovation, this project demonstrates the power and potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve innovative, resilient, and impactful outcomes.
Plan rendering prepared by team member Dillon Patel
THE POTENTIAL OF PLANT COMMUNITIES
The landscape surrounding Battleship North Carolina is composed of a patchwork of salt marsh plant communities. While the area is dominated by the invasive common reed (Phragmites australis), beneficial native plants such as smooth cordgrass (Sporobolus alterniflorus) have been observed in smaller numbers. Through amplification of native salt marsh plantings and the promotion of biodiversity through the introduction of other beneficial species such as Black Needlerush (Juncus roemarianus), the landscape of Battleship North Carolina can become a place that endures through future environmental changes while supporting an array of local animal and bird species that contribute to the identity of the region.
The waterfront of Battleship Park is composed of three distinct, yet interconnected spaces: The Prospect Pavilion, The Elevated Esplanade, and The Ferry Landing Theater. While each space is unique in terms of accommodated program, each of the spaces is designed to slowly transform over the progression of time. Through strategic grading that elevates the landscape, the accommodation and treatment of tidal flows and stormwater on-site, and the gradual development of novel plant communities, the design ensures that Battleship Park can endure for the forseeable future in multiple different states.
ADAPTIVE PROGRAMMING
The spaces of Battleship Park, such as the Ferry Landing Theater, are multi-functional in nature. Composed of a large central lawn space, accessible pathways, an amphitheater that steps down into developed salt marsh,and a stage that offers beautiful views of downtown Wilmington; the Ferry Landing Theater offers an opportunity for a wide array of programmatic uses across a diverse user group. Whether a sunny Saturday afternoon or a cool Summer evening, visitors can always find something worthwhile in Battleship Park.
As environmental conditions continue to change, so will the character of the Battleship Park waterfront. While certain program elements such as lawn recreation may not be possible in the future, through minor developments of the original design form, new programmatic uses can be accommodated for. Through change and adaptation, there is an opportunity to continue the historical narrative of the greater Eagles Island landscape as a landscape perpetually in flux while simultaneously expanding upon the concept of remembrance that defines much of the existing program at Battleship North Carolina.
ADAPTIVE REMEMBRANCE
The concept of remembrance that is currently a vital component of the user experience at Battleship North Carolina can be expanded upon to include not just the remembrance of military history, but the remembrance of place as well.This idea is represented in the Time Helm, an interactive element that allows visitors to visualize the landscapes of the future or reflect on the landscapes of the past. Here, adaptation and remembrance are interconnected. Through adaptation, the privilege of remembering at Battleship North Carolina is preserved. Through remembrance, the landscapes of the past may no longer exist, but the memory of the place can endure. Through the interconnection of adaptation and remembrance, the landscape can become a place that is both dynamic and rooted.
PUTMAN GARDENS
Durham, North Carolina LAR 503-Design Development and
Throughout the legends of history, the forest has been a landscape where individuals have entered in hopes of finding a more complete, ideal version of themselves.
Evoking the spirit of Duke University as a University in the Forest, the redesign of Putman Garden seeks to enhance the transformative pursuit of knowledge and understanding through the creation of space that encourages group discourse and community-building , accommodates individual study and introspection , and promotes formal educational experiences.
Rather than erasing what already exists, the proposed design interweaves the pre-existing architecture, cultural landscape designed by Carol Johnson, and the bordering mesic forest into a coherent form. The synthesis of these seemingly opposing elements results in a space where people can develop an understanding of themselves and the world they live in while continuously
rediscovering a sense of reinvigoration for the day ahead.
Connectivity between architecture, cultural landscape, and forest is achieved through form layout that reinforces and extends the strong geometry of the Levine Science Research Center and the Duke Engineering Design Pod into the landscape. Weaving and intertwining around these rigid, geometric edges are curvilinear lines that flow around, through and from the existing retaining walls designed by Carol Johnson. Repetition of materials and patterns within this curvilinear form reinforce the overall cohesion of the proposed design as well as guide and direct visitors through the landscape.
Through engagement with Putman Gardens as a part of the greater campus experience, it is the hope of the design that individuals will emerge from Duke University as realized , engaged and empowered contributors to society.
Autumn Morning at the Central Plaza
LEVINE SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER
FORESTED ENTRY CORRIDOR
MEANDERING PERGOLA
CENTRAL PLAZA
PUTMAN MEADOW GARDEN
SHADED SITTING EDGE
SECLUDED PROSPECT
DUKE ENGINEERING DESIGN POD
A major component in the design of Putman Gardens was the development of construction details. Construction detailing was an integral part of the overall design development process in that it provided an opportunity to explore and study the unique elements of the master plan in greater depth. This hyper-focused aspect of the design process also allowed for the development of features that promoted overall comfort and accessibility for different user groups. For example, the idea to include precast concrete curbs as both a means to define pathways and serve as a wayfinding element was defined during the development of standard pavement details. Additionally, the inclusion of saw-scored warning strips at the top and bottom of the stairs was a designed feature that was defined in the construction details and significantly improve the overall safety and quality of the design.
Another element that was refined during the development of construction details was the planter seating wall. This wall helps to define two unique spaces by assisting in changes in grade and providing space for perennial plantings between each of the seating opportunities.
This detail also consisted of a study in seating ergonomics that helped to direct the depth of seating, height of back support, angle between the seat and back support, and the fillet of the seating edge.
The Meandering Pergola
Following the Tupelo-lined, meandering path towards Duke University’s Putman Gardens, one will enter the space through a curved pergola. At first, the central gardens are only partially seen, visible through breaks in an understory planting composed of Witch Hazel, Bottlebrush Buckeye, and Spicebush. An unsettling, mysterious allure pulls the guest under and through the structure.
Steel I-Beams protrude from the earth alongside the strong trunks of Tulip-Poplar and Tupelo. On one side of the path, the cold steel contrasts with the faded, yet warm hues of an old Dukestone retaining wall. This artifact from the past, rests against a backdrop of mature mesic forest like an old stone wall one would serendipitously discover while wandering through the woods. For a moment, with the sound of Autumn leaves crunching underfoot and the dappled sunlight making it’s way through the tree canopy and wood purlins overhead, it feels as if you’re immersed in a forested landscape.
Turning the bend, the wood purlins above begin to rise, as if weightless in comparison to the steel members they’re affixed to, until the entire structure itself opens upon and frames an expansive view of Putman Gardens. The bright red stems of Red-Osier dogwood emerge and rise above the muted yellow and green meadow in the distance. Laughter being shared between a group of friends radiates from the central plaza while the smell of brewing coffee floats through the air.
Here, looking out from the threshold into Putman Gardens, one can find comfort and rejuvenation.
Putman Gardens- Autumn 2022
CHURCH STREET
Wallkill, NY
The owners of this shady little backyard in the Mid-Hudson Valley were looking to create a space where they could gather together as a family and appreciate the landscape with one another. Defined by a small wetland on one side, the space offers views into a natural landscape where an array of migratory bird species live for several months of the year. The goal of this design was to create a useable space where the homeowners could gather while also enhancing the landscape in a way that would support the local bird populations that lived adjacent to the site.
The solution: a firepit gathering space surrounded by a composition of native and non-native woodland plantings. Constructed from irregular bluestone sourced from nearby vendors and natural rocks and boulders gathered on-site, the firepit patio is a place where people can comfortably gather and share stories, informal meals, and a bottle of wine with one another throughout the year.
The designed planting composition provides year-round interest while simultaneously serving as a resource for local wildlife. Understory plantings such as Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), and Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) serve as both a habitat and food source for a number of bird species while also providing the firepit space with a sense of enclosure.
Native and Non-Native perennials mark changes in the seasons and promote feelings of excitement and discovery. Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) heralding in the Spring, Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) cascading between native boulders in the early summer, and yellow and purple Iris flowers followed by pink Astilbe spires are just a few examples of these seasonal moments.
SELECTED DRAWINGS
Drawing is a vital component of my design process and a skill that I’m always looking to improve upon in my work. While digital drawing is a useful tool for preparing detailed representations of space, drawing by hand offers an opportunity for deep meditation, reflection, and immersion within the landscape. This deep level of engagement through drawing, I believe, allows a designer to understand the form, meaning, materiality, and use of landscape to a greater extent than can be achieved solely through digital drawing; and ultimately, results in richer design solutions.
During my graduate studies, I have strived to push my drawing abilities through experimentation with a variety of media and approaches to representation. These experiments include merging analog and digital rendering techniques; using color and value to represent space, texture, and light; and creatively using color in a way that communicates a landscape to a viewer without being an entirely accurate representation of what exists. Drawing with pen, pencil, marker, and watercolor has been a continuously informative practice for my design work and is a skill I look forward to expanding further during my professional career.
