Issuu

Mauricio Machado

Professional Summary

Landscape Architecture Graduate fluent in multiple online programs involving graphic design, 3D renderings, and architectural plans. Excited to learn more about the field and what it takes to be a creative and sufficent landscape architect.

Background

Since I was a kid, imagination has always been one of my strongest qualities. I’ve always found the most joy in projects where I could take an idea from my mind and bring it to life. When I designed my high school garden, for example, I envisioned a space filled with fruits and vegetables that students and teachers could enjoy for years. That experience sparked my passion for landscape architecture — a field that perfectly blends my love for creativity and nature. Beginning my degree during the COVID year of 2020 came with its challenges, especially since much of my learning took place online. Still, my dedication and genuine interest in the subject helped me grow and adapt through those early years. I know I still have so much to learn, but I’m motivated and excited to see where this journey takes me. Outside of school, I also enjoy photography and clothing design, which allow me to express creativity in different ways.

Computer

Experience

Cal Poly Pomona | Pomona, CA

Landscape Designer | Restoration Project

01/2024 - 05/2024

• Assessed water quality issues and habitat degradation due to algae buildup and freeway smog

• Proposed a multi-system ecological restoration strategy, including gravel filter beds, vegetative buffers, aeration systems, and green walls

• Designed vegetative buffers using native species to filter pollutants and reduce smog impact

• Integrated smog-eating pavement to address airborne pollutants from adjacent highways

• Promoted biodiversity by selecting climate-adapted native species like sages, sycamores, ceanothus, and manzanitas

• Illustrated system concepts with diagrams to communicate ecological processes and design logic

• Focused on long-term sustainability and ecosystem health restoration

Cal Poly Pomona | Pomona, CA

Latino Cultural Landscape Design | Disney Studio

08/2023 - 12/2023

• Collaborated on the design of an outdoor landscape surrounding a Latinofocused museum in Central Washington, D.C., alongside other major cultural institutions.

• Presented final concept proposals to a panel of Disney Imagineers, receiving feedback from industry leaders in themed design.

• Coordinated design tasks with student peers and exchanged ideaswithfacultyandprofessionalmentorstoensureacohesive and culturally sensitive design.

• Created immersive 3D visualizations using Rhino 3D and Twinmotion to effectively communicate spatial concepts and user experience to stakeholders.

• UtilizedPhotoshopandAdobeIllustratortodeveloppresentation boards and conceptual diagrams.

• Conducted plant research to select species that reflect Latino culturalidentity and thrive in the D.C. climate.

• Designed on-site programming and interactive elements to encourage cultural education and visitor engagement.

Table of Content

1318 Lucy Drive CA

2025 Revit / Enscape Project

Front Elevation

Rear

First Floor Second Floor

Elephant Hill Park

Project Stages

The inital investigation began with the idea of restoring locations in the LA area that were once lush landscapes that were now destroyed due to human activity or unmaintenance. Landing on Elephant Hill in Pasadena, I dedicated a semester on figuring out methods on restoring it as well as adding systems for locals to enjoy.

Implementing the system Diagram, the following landscape was designed; having additional paths and spaces to include the following actvities.

A systems diagram for a landscape helps visualize and understand the interactions between its components, aiding in effective planning, management, and communication of ecological relationships and impacts. It serves as a tool for predicting and monitoring how changes in one aspect of the landscape may affect others over time.

The following activities include: stargazing nights hosted by astronomers, art workshops for all ages, community volunteer days every month, early morning meditation sessions, hikes, and much more.

The Restoration and Preservation of Elephant Hill

Project Introduction

Elephant Hill has been around for centuries and was once even used as a field for cattle to enjoy in the 1900’s. However in more recent events, people have used the landscape to drop hundreds of pounds of liter and even use it to go offroading. Local families have started a movement called “Save Elephant Hill” in an attempt to not only stop what is going on but to restore it to its natural state. The hill is located in South Pasadena where many wildlife hop from landscape to landscape in search of food, water, and shelter. With the programs in this project we not only address this wildlife needs, but help create activities for everyone to enjoy as well without interfering with them.

Inventory & Analysis

Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies

Professor

Systems Concept

Restoring Life and Water: A Vision for the Lyle Center

System Solutions for Fauna & Water Quality Improvement

System Details

Vegetative Buffers (Tree Plantings)

Solution: Planting trees and shrubs along the freeway edge to act as a buffer can help filter out particulate matter and pollutants in the air, reducing the impact of smog. Trees such as eucalyptus, sycamore, and other hardy species known for their ability to absorb pollutants can be selected.

Smog-Eating Pavement

Solution: Use smog-eating or photocatalytic pavement materials that can help reduce air pollution. These types of materials break down pollutants in the air, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), by using sunlight and chemical reactions to neutralize them.

Provide Suitable Habitat for Ducks and Other Wildlife

Solution: Ducks require specific conditions such as shallow, clean water for feeding and nesting, as well as vegetation and shelter along the water’s edge. By enhancing habitat features, you can attract and support wildlife.

Aeration Systems

How it works: Aerators or fountains circulate the water and add oxygen, which helps break down organic matter and prevents algae blooms.

Benefits: Improves water clarity and supports aquatic life by increasing oxygen levels.

Types Of Systems

LA 4781.01

Cal Poly Pomona

Landscape Architecture

Professor Cheryl Lough

Mauricio Machado

CPPLA Fall 2024

Encourage Biodiversity with Existing Native Plants

Photos

Fauna

Project Introduction

Who is the client?

Hosted by Walt Disney Imagineering, our class ( Bobby Brooks Studio 2023 ) was tasked with the objective of creating a Latin Museum and a landscape in the heart of Washington DC side by side other museums that represented Latinos and everything about them.

What

was the challenge?

Figuring out what methods were best to highlight our goals was a matter of trial and error. Many concept ideas were made and even more didn’t make it to the final presentation. Above is a collage of every latin country in the world united as one, each flower representing the core flower of the country.

What was your solution?

The Illumination of the Latino Communities Resiliency is explored through the themes of Unity and Origin. The programs of Learning, Celebration, and Connection showcase these themes with spaces throughout the site.

Each spectrum of color represents the color of a plant group throughout the seasons (months) of the year. The five spectrums are a combination of all 23 plant types hand selected to be a part of our site ( as illustrated in the United Mural ). Our five groups include herbs, trees, ferns, succelents, and grasses. This change in the spectrum allows us to support our overall theme of color within our site while creating a vibrant evironment for visitors to enjoy.

Making

Site Surroundings

Additional Work

AutoCad / Rhino3D Project

The process started with drafting the floor plan and elevations in AutoCAD to establish precise dimensions and layout. The 2D drawing was then imported into Rhino 3D, where the structure was modeled in detail, including walls, windows, roof elements, and any custom design features. Once the 3D model was finalized, it was exported to Twinmotion for rendering. In Twinmotion, materials, lighting, and environmental elements like landscaping and sky settings were applied to bring the design to life. The final rendering captured realistic textures and lighting, transforming the original sketch into a fully visualized residential concept.

Additional Work

During a recent project, a client was in need of a revovation on their roof at his house located in Lakewood. Given the task to create a plan to show to the city, I created the following shown. This file shows all perpectives of the house, the square feet, before pictures, and 3d renderings to give the city any information they might need. As of now the project was completed in August 2024.

mauricio.m.2105@gmail.com

tel. 323 - 768 -1480