LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD J AY G R A H A M | M O O DY G R A H A M Jay Graham, a Maryland native, graduated in 1972 from the University of Virginia with a degree in architecture. In his first full-time job in that industry, he was seated near a landscape architect. “It didn’t take me long to realize he was having all the fun,” Jay says. He also held the belief that the space between buildings was often as impactful as the buildings themselves. So it was back to UVA for a master’s degree in their new landscape architecture program—where he even worked on a project for the grounds of that legendary beautiful campus. Eight years later, he returned to head up the same firm where he had started as an architect. In 1984 he went out on his own. “Fortunately I had contacts with some developers and most of my work came from relationships with architects,” he explains. “I speak their language and can make their projects better. That was the basis for my career.” And it’s a career served by an especially “green” resume. Jay’s work can be seen at residential communities, lavish private homes and farms, academic institutions, as well as cultural and public places. Ever been to Wye Hall in Queenstown, Maryland? Then you have enjoyed his efforts. The same can be said for the U.S. Naval Academy Visitor Center, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the University of Virginia School of Law, Government House in Annapolis (the official residence of the governor of Maryland), BWI
Airport, as well as private homes in Georgetown, Chevy Chase and Cathedral Heights, among many others. Jay has recently joined forces to form a new firm, Moody Graham, in D.C., focusing on landscape architecture, garden design and ecological planning for private and public clients. Mentoring is also a big part of Jay Graham’s agenda. “It’s been the best part of my career and the most gratifying part of the profession,” he says. And mentoring begins at home in his world. Jay’s daughter is now a landscape architect practicing with a firm in Colorado. Jay was born in Baltimore but now lives in Annapolis (“You know you are a local when you can find a good parking space,” he explains cheerfully). He considers himself a perpetual student. He’s expanding his knowledge about plants and their origins. He loves to use indigenous plants, no matter where the project is located. “There is still so much more to learn about native plants so [that] they can be used to a greater extent.” Now that the seed has been planted, there will be no stopping Jay Graham. Moody Graham 1318 H Street, N.E. Washington, DC moodygraham.com