“Making Plans to Make Plans”
Laura Higashi-Poynter
Experience 360.433.7549
laura.emiko@gmail.com
i 6+ years of work//internship//volunteer experience with: Sustainable Connections [Bellingham, Wa], 2020 Engineering [Bellingham, Wa], Domistyle Design [Bellingham, Wa], Maul Foster & Alongi [Bellingham, Wa], Bikram Bellingham [Bellingham, Wa], Skagit Publishing [Mt. Vernon, Wa], Sarvey Wildlife Rescue [Arlington, Wa], Pacific Benefits Group [Beaverton, Or]
i Dynamic engagement in Sustainable//Smart Growth Design [including Green Playhouse Design Competition with Sustainable
Connections & NW Washington Sustainable Design & Development Conference],
Redevelopment Recommendations & Form Based Codes in Urban Transitions Studio [collaboration with WWU, the City of Bellingham, Sustainable Connections, & Futurewise], Strategic Planning & Outreach via independently
compiling a draft funding guide & case study guide [through Maul Foster & Alongi],
Environmental Impact Assessment & SEPA [EIA Birch Bay Report]
i Aquired Bachelor of Urban Planning from Western Washington University [Huxley College of the Environment]
GIS / Cartography
Selected Works {mixed media}
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PLAYhouse {Competition}
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{re}imagining State Street
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21st & Harris {development}
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Oil Spills & Marine Stewardship {maps!}Areas in the San Juans Cherry Point
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Ferndale
^ Straight of Georgia
"A stewardship ethic reflects the existence of an ecological conscience, and this in turn reflects a conviction of individual responsibility for the health of the ecosystem." -Aldo Leopold
2
Bare Island
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/
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Bellingham
Bellingham Bay
Matia Island
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Boundary Pass Waldron Island
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Ch
an
S t r ait
Jones Island
n ua
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Yellow&Low Islands
nel
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San Juan Island
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ra
it
Pile Point False Bay Haro of Ju Strait a
^
n de Fu c a
Sinclair Island
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a
^
Cypress Island
Blakely Island
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^
^
Padilla Bay
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Fidalgo Island
Charles Island
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1
San Juan Island
Fidalgo Bay
Anacortes
Lopez Island
Argyle Lagoon
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Guemes Island
^ Decatur Island
Lime Kiln Haro Strait
St
Ro s
^
Shaw Island Friday Harbor
1
^
Bell Island
Lummi Island
o
Sa n J
Spieden Island
Lawerence Point
Orcas Island
Gulf Rock
ri
i
Contents
0
5
10
20 Miles
^
^ Original Oil Spill Aquatic Reserve Bottomfish Recovery Zone Marine Biological Reserve National Estuarine Research Reserve State Underwater Marine Park Whalewatch Exclusion Zone
Sucia Island
2
Ewing Cove
Laura Higashi-Poynter, Projection: Miller Cylindrical, WWU, ESRI, IOSA, Stewardship Network of the San Juans, May 31, 2012
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M H I D E AW G WA iAY
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A PRIL 1, 2013
21st & Harris {Development} The [focal] point of this project was to showcase the best sustainable develop{ment} proposal for the empty lot, located on 21st street & Harris ave. I made the recommendation of building [five] rowhouses. In addition to the rowhouses, I also prescribed an alleyway running behind & improve{ments} to Harris Ave, which would enhance the walkability in this unique neighborhood. Western Washington University
Bellingham Bay
p N
South Hill
Historic Fairhaven
Site character{istics}: i 15,000 Square Foot Lot Size [100’x150’] located in Bellingham {WA}
Happy Valley
I-5
i High demand for housing; {proximity} to WWU, Historical Fairhaven & Downtown Bellingham i Multi{tude} of cultural, recreational, economic & educational opportunities close by i Community support; efforts towards sustainable {design} practices
21st & Harris {Development}
i Before & After i View {looking} South from Harris Ave
21st & Harris {Development} Details{!} w [Rooftop] Patio & garden
Fenced backyard w Alley w {addition} w Northwest craftsman {style} architecture
21st & Harris {Development} Improve{ments} to Harris Ave... Why? {Shortcomings}
Sidewalk & green space only on South side of Harris Ave
{Currently} no available Bike Lanes
Oversized [vehicle] travel lanes
Goal? Support safety, walk{ability}, & use of alternative modes of transportation
How? Green Space w
Bike Lanes w
wSidewalks Reduced-size wTravel Lanes
Harris Avenue Improve{ments}: Plan & Section Views
i i i
{re}imagining State Street The State Street Corridor Design {Study} was a comprehensive & collaborative project produced by the Urban Transitions Studio. Each team was appointed a 2-Block {segment} within the corridor to evaluate & propose [alternative] development opportunities
using Smart Growth & New Urbanism design {principles}. My team was assigned the Northern-most 2-block segment [Ellis to East Champion St]. I was specifically in charge of pre-liminary site analysis, building {design/style} & [open] space design.
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Vision i
i Create a {welcoming} northern entry into downtown i Provide the feeling of safety throughout i Generate the desire to walk State St. at {all} times of the day i Amplify the existing {natural} features to create a beautiful and usable space i Maximize {infill} and embrace residency
{re}imagining State Street I develop[ed] the site analysis; identifying the strengths & shortcomings. From this analysis, proposed changes {were} formed & designs began... 1. Mixed-use: currently Whidbey Island Bank 7
2. Mixed-use: currently Firestone Tire Co. 3. No Change: Louis Auto Glass 4. Plaza & additional office {space}: currently Whatcom Co Health Department 5. No Change: Walton Place II & Mixed-use 6. No Change: Walton Place I {Affordable Housing}
{re}imagining State Street
7
i Existing: Whidbey Island Bank [view West from State St]
i Proposed: Mixed-Use Building [view West from State St]
Design {Specifics}: i Building [front] built to sidewalk: Pedestrian Friendly i Architectural designs to break-up [large building] forms: defined appearance Above: Rendering of proposed rooftop patio & garden for residents Center: Rendering of proposed mixed-use building
i Mixed-use infill: commercial & residential i Rooftop Patio & Garden: Placemaking for residents
{re}imagining State Street
7
i Existing: Firestone Tire [view Southwest from York St]
i Proposed: Mixed-Use Building [view Southwest from York St]
Design {Specifics}: i Building [front] built to sidewalk: Pedestrian Friendly i Architectural designs lending to {auto district} area i Mixed-use infill: commercial & residential Above: Concept showing rooftop penthouse patios
patio &
Center: Rendering showing garage-style windows
i Rooftop Patio & Penthouse Patio: Encouraging green
rooftops
{re}imagining State Street
7
i Existing: Whatcom Co Environmental Health Building
i Proposed: Mixed-Use Building & Plaza [view East from State St]
[view East from State St]
Design {Specifics}: i Partially-covered plaza: planning for Pacific Northwest weather i Architectural designs compliment [existing] structure
Above: View depicting office [addition] & Plaza
wing
Center: Rendering of proposed mixed-use building
i Mixed-use infill: civic & commercial/office i Add-on [office] wings: enclosing plaza + economic opportunity
{re}imagining State Street Shortcomings [weaknesses]
i Whatcom Creek: No public access & [views] obstructed by overgrown vegetation i Safety: Surrounded by {three} roadways i Use: no current use or attractions Plan View [site analysis]: Existing open space
[Existing] Northeast view over Whatcom Creek
Opportunities
[future strengths] i Whatcom Creek: Inviting landscaping & [unobstructed] views i Safety: Dense trees along Eastern edge, {enclosed} seating, sidewalk bulb-out i Use: Seating, pathways & entryway sign to downtown
[Existing] Southeast view over open space
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{re}imagining State Street Concept Plan
7
My objective was to design a Northern entryway sign to both welcome [people] into the central business district & celebrate the unique mountainous {landscape} that surrounds [Bellingham]
I chose to design pathways & seating areas to be curvilinear & {free}-flowing to compliment Whatcom Creek’s [natural] form. Vegetation & landscaping encompassing the seating areas enhances the sense of enclosure & safety from the surrounding roadways
{re}imagining State Street
PLAYhouse {Competition} I was selected by Rose Lathrop {Green Building & Smart Growth Program Manager at Sustainable to render team
Connections}
designs for the
2013
Green Playhouse Design Build Competition
i Details i {What} Imagine This! [Home & Landscape
Tour & Sustainable Connections] Teams design a temporary & {eco}-friendly PLAYground for a [downtown] space.
{Who} Teams consist of [at least] one builder/architect &
any other industry professionals- subcontractors, designers & student participants
{The Stakes} PLAYhouses will be part of an auction, [awards] ceremony & Kids’ Choice Awards Proceeds go to {local} organizations & projects helping to promote {green} building
& environmental education. 1st 2nd & 3rd place featured in [local and regional] publications. *Note: This is a current project; additional playground renderings will be added when finished
PLAYhouse {Competition}
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Team Wigwam [Hide]away i
{{HammerTime Carpentry & 2020 Engineering}}
2’- 6” 9’
4’
4’- 9”
6’
1’- 6”
6’
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M H I D E AW G WA AY
A PRIL 1, 2013
PLAYhouse {Competition} i
Team Crooked House i {{Domistyle Design}}
There was a (green)
Crooked House Solar PV Panels
Ladder & Loft
Green Roof Recycled Windows Green Roof
Collapsible Jungle Gym & Ladder in Back
Countertop Repurposed Wood
Recycled Metal Siding & Cedar Shingles Recycled Door
April 1, 2013
PLAYhouse {Competition} i
Team Shout & Sprout i
{{Bellingham Bay Builders, Zervas Group Architects, Samish Woods Montessori School & Bourne Engineering}}
Suspended between Trees
Green Roof
Climbing Wall
Living Wall Bike to Generate Electricity & Water Pump
Hatch & Bucket
Water Barrel
Bourne Engineering
Bengal
^ GIS
Vientiane
Rangoon
^
Thailand
& Cartography {Maps!} Philippines Manila
Andaman Sea
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Bangkok
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Cambodia
Philippine Sea
Phnom Penh
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with map {designs} & schematics has quickly become a tool to convey [important] information Philippines China way in an {aesthetically}South appealing
Gulf of My fascination Thailand
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Sea
Malaysia
Sulu Sea
Brunei
Bandar Seri Begawan
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Philippines
Palau
Cellebes Sea
Lumpur The following mapsKuala & schematics demonstrate work that I completed for [projects]: Malaysia Singapore iOil Singapore Spills, Boom Strategies & susceptible Marine Stewardship areas {San Juan Islands}
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iBirch Indonesia
Indonesia Bay Shoreline {Enhancement} Environmental Impact Assessment Indonesia Java Sea
Indian Ocean
Banda Sea
Jakarta
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Indonesia
Flores Sea Dili
^ Christmas I.
Savu Sea
Arafura Sea
Timor-Leste
ivisualizeiquestionianalyzeiinterpretiunderstand [data]irelationshipsipatternsitrendsi
Australia
GIS & Cartography {Maps!} Oil Spills & Boom Strategies in the San Juans
Oil Spills & Marine Stewardship Areas in the San Juans
Cherry Point
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Ferndale
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/ ^
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2
Bare Island
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Bellingham
Bellingham Bay
Matia Island
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Waldron Island
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^
1
^
ra
it
Pile Point False Bay Haro of Ju Strait a
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n de Fu c a
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^
Decatur Island
Fidalgo Bay
Padilla Bay
St
ra
it
5
10
20 Miles
^
San Juan Island
Sucia Island
S t r ait
^ Cypress Island
Blakely Island
^
Guemes Island
Pile Point False Bay Haro of Ju Strait a
Exclusion Boom
San Juan Island
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Anacortes Fidalgo Island
n de Fu c a
Argyle Lagoon
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Decatur Island Lopez Island
^ 0
5
10
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^
20 Miles
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Boom Strategies Exclusion/Collection Exclusion Diversion/Deflection Diversion Diversion/Collection
2
Deflection/Exclusion Deflection/Collection Deflection Collection
Sucia Island
Ewing Cove
Laura Higashi-Poynter, Projection: Miller Cylindrical, WWU, ESRI, IOSA, Stewardship Network of the San Juans, May 31, 2012
Sinclair Island
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^
1
Aquatic Reserve Bottomfish Recovery Zone Marine Biological Reserve National Estuarine Research Reserve State Underwater Marine Park Whalewatch Exclusion Zone
Lummi Island
o sa
^
^ Original Oil Spill Argyle Lagoon
R
^
Shaw Island
1
^
0
^
^
Lime Kiln Haro Strait
^
1
n el
^
^
Anacortes Fidalgo Island
Charles Island
Orcas Island
San Juan Island
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Lopez Island
an
^
Guemes Island
^
Jones Island
Ch
^
Cypress Island
Blakely Island
Lime Kiln Haro Strait
St
Spieden Island
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a R o s^
^
Shaw Island Friday Harbor
Sinclair Island
^
o
Bell Island
Waldron Island
o
n el
^
Bellingham
Bellingham Bay
n ua
Yellow&Low an Islands
San Juan Island
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^ Matia Island
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^
ri
n ua
Ch
S t r ait
Jones Island
Lummi Island
Sa n J
Sa n J
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2
Boundary Pass
^ Lawerence Point
Orcas Island
Gulf Rock Spieden Island
Straight of Georgia
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Boundary Pass
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A shore attachment has been secured in the northeast corner of Hughes Bay and crews are preparing to connect the boom, which will provide protectionfor this beach and other ecologically-sensitive areas on this side of the bay.
Straight of Georgia
"A stewardship ethic reflects the existence of an ecological conscience, and this in turn reflects a conviction of individual responsibility for the health of the ecosystem." -Aldo Leopold
Ferndale
Ewing Cove
Laura Higashi-Poynter, Projection: Miller Cylindrical, WWU, ESRI, IOSA, Stewardship Network of the San Juans, May 31, 2012
Exclusion Booms
2
GIS & Cartography {Maps!} As part of the requirements for any proposed action that poses a {significant} adverse impact on the environment, the State Environmental Policy Act [SEPA] requires the completion of an Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA]
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Project Reaches & Conceptual Phasing
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Ce ntra
My contribution included {compiling} all maps & schematics needed for the report through Western Washington University
Birch Bay Shoreline Enhancement
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Enhancement {Details}: 0.25
0.5
#
0
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Below: current shoreline [waterside]
Above: current [pedestrian] pathway
1 Miles
iLandside improvements: [Re]construction of the road & addition of two [five foot] bike lanes
Birch Bay Shoreline Enhancement
Whatcom
San Juan
Skagit Chelan
Clallam
Island Jefferson
Snohomish 0
12.5
25 Miles
Âą
iWaterside improvements: Removal of fill & debris along [specified] shoreline areas & replacing with a sand covered gravel berm & adding a pedestrian pathway that will consist of a sidewalk & rain {garden}
GIS & Cartography {Maps!} Birch Bay Shoreline Enhancement
Birch Bay Shoreline Enhancement Zoning and Parks HARBORVIEW RD
Species and Spawning Areas
ANDERSON RD
BIRCH BAY - LYNDEN RD
Birch Bay Birch Bay
0.25
0.5
1 Miles
BAY RD
± Shellfish Eelgrass Beds Great Blue Heron Conservation Area Spawing Areas for Chinook, Chum, and Coho Salmon; Steelhead Trout, Herring, Pacific Sand Lance, and Surf Smelt
Environmental Impact Assessment Project, WWU, 2012
Commercial Residential
Zoning
0
0.25
Parks
BLAINE RD
BIR CH S ET BA Y DR DR
ALDERSON RD
SUN
0
JACKSON RD
KARBER RD
TERRELL RD
JACKSON RD
BAY RD
ARNIE RD
BLAINE RD
SUN
S ET
BIR CH BA Y DR DR
ALDERSON RD
BLAINE RD
ALDRICH RD
BLAINE RD
BIRCH BAY - LYNDEN RD
0.5
Bay Horizon Birch Bay
Rural
Environmental Impact Assessment Project, WWU, 2012
± 1 Miles
GIS & Cartography {Maps!} Birch Bay Shoreline Enhancement
Birch Bay Shoreline Enhancement
Soil Types and Distributions
Watersheds and Waterways Dakota Creek
ni a
Birch Bay
Cr
aC ree k
N Bank Nooksack, Nugent- Lynden
Ri
ee k
W. Bank Nooksack at Ferndale
Terrell Creek L.Terrel/ Cherry Pt. regions
r ve
ck sa ok No Wiser L., S. Bank Nooksack
Birch Bay
m
ive iR
Marietta Region
Fossil Bay Bellingham Bay
Lummi Island
5
ek
ee k
No
ck sa ok
Whatcom Creek Squalicum Harbor L. Whatcom and Whatcom Creek
Padden Creek Chuckanut/Samish Bays
Birch Bay/ Drayton Harbor
m
iR
ive
r
±
Whatcom Creek
0
2.5
5
Glacial Till
Bedrock
Fine-Grained Glacial Outwash Alluvium Coarse-Grained Glacial Outwash Bog or Marsh
Undifferentiated Alpine Glacial Drift
1 Miles
Te
rr
ell
Cr
ee
k
Terrell Creek
±
10 Miles
Volcanic Deposits
0.5
r ve
Bellingham Bay
Pre-Fraser Non-Glacial Till
0
Ri
Squalicum Creek
Portage Bay
10 Sunrise Miles Cove
Birch Bay
Cr
aC re
m Lu
Nooksack Mouth
Lummi Bay
Legoe Bay
ni a
r
Lummi River/ Peninsula
Echo Bay
Dak ot
Salish Sea
Tenmile/Fourmile/Deer Creeks
m Lu
2.5
Ca lif or
California Creek
Salish Sea
0
Fishtrap Creek
re ek
Ca lif or
Bertrand Creek
re ll C
Birch Bay/ Drayton Harbor
Dak ot
Te r
Drayton Harbor
±
Environmental Impact Assessment Project, WWU, 2012
Environmental Impact Assessment Project, WWU, 2012
GIS & Cartography {Maps!} Birch Bay Shoreline Enhancement
Birch Bay Shoreline Enhancement
Conceptual Cross Section: Shore and Landside Renovation
Powerlines to be Relocated Underground
Parking areas to be Reconfigured
5'
5'
9'
12' LANE TYP
12' LANE TYP
5'
Flow Line
Vegetated, Landscaped Backbeach with Meandering Pedestrian Trail and Parking area
Typical Section- Landside Reach
5'
1' Thick Layer Sand Top Elev 10'
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15
Birch Bay Drive with Bike Lanes (One each side) Road to be Realigned
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1' + Thick Layer Gravelly Sand Groynes to be removed
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12
12 8
Path
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6
8
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1
4
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0
0
-4
-4
-8
-8 140
0 0
25 5
50
75
100
20
10
SCALE (FEET)
Environmental Impact Assessment Project, WWU, 2012
125
4
ELEVATION, FT
# #
ELEVATION, FT
#
8
Bike Lane
Rain Garden 1'
2%
Bike Lane
1'
2%
0
-4 -8
Compacted Subgrade 3" Compacted Depth Crushed Limestone
100
Plant Strip
@@
Side Walk
2" Compacted Depth Crushed Surfacing Top Course
3'
Gravel Berm Top Elev 9'
Relocated Underground Utilities
Existing Subrade
High Permeability Planting Soil
10" Compacted Depth Gravel Base
125
Scale 1" = 10'
Central Reach
Environmental Impact Assessment Project, WWU, 2012
Concrete Curb and Gutter (Inverted)
150
162.5
Selected Works {mixed media}
‘mix-tape’ [compilation] of my hobby work I enjoy using mixed-media {types} in my creations to offer a unique blend of styles & artwork
Enjoy!
Selected Works {mixed media}
Touch
{the study of hands}
Selected Works {mixed media}
Touch
{the study of hands}
Selected Works {mixed media}
Left: {Interior} Sketch Below: Abstract Bubble
Diagram
Selected Works {mixed media} [Abstract]ion
Contact me! Email: laura.emiko@gmail.com Website: www.issuu.com/LauraPoynter Phone: 360.433.7549