School Portfolio

JamesWalston

Portfolio

Landscape ArchitecturalWorks

“Crafting aestheticallypleasingoutdoorenvironments”

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About Me: About Me: Image

Resume: Skills

Landscape Design AutoCAD and SketchUp/Idea Spectrum/ Adobe Applications Landscape Design Environmental Sustainability Project Management AutoCAD and SketchUp/Idea Spectrum/ Adobe Applications Creative Problem Solving Environmental Sustainability Entrepreneurial Leadership Project Management Effective Communication Creative Problem Solving Entrepreneurial Leadership Experience: Effective Owner Communication Walston Outdoor Design, Delmar, NY

Work2013-Present Experience: April, Internship Title

Owner Young Landscapes, Delmar, NY

Walston Design, May 23rd-Outdoor August 26th 2022 Delmar, NY

April, 2013-Present Fine tuned construction building techniques/ hands on learning with large upscale landscape construction/ interpreting design hands-on documentsexperience from paper finished build Refining construction methods and gaining in to smaller scale landscape projects and lawncare, while also interpreting design documents from paper project. to the completion of the build project, all contribute to the foundation of starting my Projects ownpersonal company.

All Landscape design/ build projects can be found on walstonoutdoordesign

Internship Title Instagram page.

Young Landscapes, Delmar, NY

James Walston Objective Objective

As a young entrepreneur with a passion for landscape architecture, I am seeking As a young entrepeneur a passion background, for landscapecreative architecture, I amand seeking opportunities to leveragewith my academic mindset, entrepreopportunities tocontribute leverage my creative mindset, and projects. entrepreneurial spirit to to academic innovativebackground, and sustainable landscape design neurial to innovative and sustainable landscape design Growingspirit up intoacontribute family where my father owns a construction company hasprojects. signifiGrowing up inmy a family my father owns a construction company has significantly shaped careerwhere aspirations.

From a young age, I actively participated in the workings construction industry, alongside my participated father on various cantly shapedof mythe career aspirations.

From working a young age, I actively in projects. experience not not only only instilled instilled in in me me aa strong strong work work ethic ethic but but projects. This This hands-on hands on experience also fueled my passion for a career within the construction field.

The dynamic and also fueled my passion for a career within the construction field. The dynamic and challenging nature of the industry has always captivated me, and my early exposure challenging nature of the industry has always captivated me and my early exposure to the intricacies of construction has solidified my desire to contribute to and excel to the intricacies of construction has solidified my desire to contribute to and excel in this dynamic profession. in this dynamic profession.

Education

Bethlehem Central High School Diploma Undergrad Landscape Architecture Student N.Y.) September 2017-June 2021 Bethlehem Central High School (Bethlehem, Umass Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts Umass Amherst (Amherst, MA) August 2021-Graduating May 2025 Start Date: August 2021/ Graduation Date: May 2025 Bachelor of Science: Landscape Architecture

Internship Project Award: May 23rd- August 26th 2022

Helped construct 127 Luther Rd. East Greenbush (Featured on Capital Region Parade Fine tuned construction building techniques/ hands on learning with large upscale of Homes) receiving an award from Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Associalandscape construction/ interpreting design documents from paper to finished build tion project.

References Jenn Baniak-Hollands: Owner of Hollands Homes Team at Keller Williams References Capital District/ Email: jennhollandshomes@gmail.com T#: 518-935-4600

Jenn Baniak-Hollands: Owner of Hollands Homes Team at Keller Williams Capital

District/ Email: jennhollandshomes@gmail.com T#:Email: 518-935-4600 Matt Young: Owner of Young Landscapes LLC/ info@younglandscaping. com 518 729-2406 MattT#: Young: Owner of Young Landscapes LLC/ Email: info@younglandscaping.com T#: 518 729-2406 Barret Owner of Mack andand Associates/ Email: bdm@mack-associates.com T#: BarretMack: Mack: Owner of Mack Associates/ Email: bdm@mack-associates.com 518-465-1451 T#: 518-465-1451

CONTACT: Contact:

18 Oakwood Place, Delmar, NY 12054| jameswalston11@gmail.com| 518-2580667 | LinkedIn: Walston | Instagram: walstonoutdoordesign | [Portfo18 Oakwood Place,James Delmar, NY 12054| jameswalston11@gmail.com| 518-258-0667 | LinkedIn: lio Link] James Walston | Instagram: walstonoutdoordesign |

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Selected Design Works: 01

­

New England Coastal Charm

966 Smith Neck Rd, South Dartmouth, MA

)

­ ­

Route 9 /116

Main Street

Boltwood Avenue

Sellen St.

South Pleasant Street Amity Street

James Walston Amherst Town Common Site Assessment Diagram

0’ 20’ 40’

80’

120’

Spring Street

N

Permeable Paver 10,000 SF Building 6000 SF Toddler Play Space 3500 SF Preschool Play Space Forest Walking Path W Stump Trail 6

42 Space Parking lot

Semester V, Studio VI, taught by Dan Gordon, the proprietor of Dan Gordon and Associates Pages 3

6

02

“Revitalizing Amherst Town Commons” Downtown Amherst, MA

Semester IV, Studio IV, taught by Samantha Solano, landscape architecture professor at Umass Amherst Pages 7

10

03

“Integrating the Pioneer Valley” Downtown Amherst, MA

Semester V, Studio V, taught by Carey Clouse, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, Umass Amherst 1

1

Pages 11

15

2 2

01 Residential Work

My residential studio project: “New England Coastal Charm” located in Dartmouth Massachussets, sits on a property spanning nearly seven acres along the water, holding an immense potential within its untouched parcels. Beginning with the initial client site visit, the design process unfolded through meticulously traced rough plans, culminating in a final rendered product characterized by organized, clean circulation and well-defined rectilinear spatial divisions. The project reflects a thoughtful approach to maximizing the site’s potential while maintaining a sense of order and clarity in its design.

­

) ­ ­

­

­ ­

­

Utilizing proportional scaling, adept program organization, and a wealth of experience in landscape construction, my design approach seamlessly integrates both technical precision and artistic intuition. By combining a computer-rendered aerial plan and a meticulously crafted hand sketch blowup, I strive to showcase the versatility of my design skills. This dual visualization method not only demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of landscape architecture but also offers multiple perspectives, ensuring a nuanced and effective representation of the overall landscape design.

3

The swift execution of these Photoshop renderings enabled me to vividly envision the possibilities for these outdoor spaces, providing the client or audience with a clear understanding of circulation, the layout of the photographed area, and the potential arrangements for various program elements.

4

This cross-section, sliced through the primary patio space with a view extending to the pool and outdoor kitchen area, serves as a crucial tool in comprehending the programmatic layout. Additionally, it vividly illustrates the level of privacy afforded by the evergreen treeline, effectively shielding the outdoor space from the neighboring house situated proximately along the property line.

Slicing through the apple orchard towards the rear of the property, this section reveals the seamless integration of the sport court within the orchard landscape.

The depiction highlights the symmetrical alignment of the sport court amid the apple orchard fields and unveils a dirt access road situated beyond the stone wall bordering the back property line.

Cutting through the stone driveway and facing the horsefield and barn, this section provides a perspective on the scale of the horse barn in relation to the expansive several-acre field.

5

I integrate inspirational images into my design projects, serving as a guiding framework for spatial organization and ensuring harmony with existing landscape features, preserving the essence of desired elements. Crafting an InDesign template with these images and presenting it to a client fosters collaborative discussions, facilitating consensus between the client and designer on seamlessly integrating preferred styles aligned with the inspirational images’ essence into the overall design.

I always add a concept statement not only to aid in categorizing the overall project but also to play a crucial role in maintaining a specific design style aligned with the essence of the concept statement.

Plant Board

I always create a plant board, whether it is for all the plants within the entirety of the design or just for a focused blow-up area where plants are densely packed together.

This helps the client visualize the colorful possibilities that the plants can contribute to the finishing touches of the design and provides overall plant ideas for the project.

Acer rubrum Red Maple

Juniperus virginiana Eastern Red Cedar

Quercus palustris Pin Oak

Liriodendron tulipifera

Pinus strobus Eastern White Pine

Acer palmatum Japanese Maple

Myrica pensylvanica Northern Bayberry

Hydrangea paniculata Limelight Hydrangea

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Hedera helix English Ivy

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Panicum virgatum Switch Grass

Ostrich fern

Russian Sage

Tulip Tree

6

N

Route 9 /116

Sellen St.

South Pleasant Street Amity Street

James Walston Amherst Town Common Site Assessment Diagram

0’ 20’ 40’

80’

120’

Spring Street Main Street

Boltwood Avenue

02 Commercial Work My first ever software-rendered group project at school, “Revitalizing Amherst Town Commons,” near my college campus, transforms a rectangular property in Downtown Amherst, Massachusetts. Starting with traced rough plans, the origional way we learned to design at school, it evolves into a well-organized, fully rendered design that maximizes the site’s potential while sustaining transparency and precision. This studio taught me the most about modeling on computer and gave me confidence with my design skills online

7

In the collaborative endeavor of our group project, my individual contributions showcased meticulous attention to detail, garnering significant praise from the reviewers during our final presentation. Through my perspective, I transformed a collection of images into a cohesive point of view, enhancing the visual appeal with thoughtful rendering adjustments for a more picturesque outcome.

Utilizing perspectives provides a faster method for generating a snapshot image similar to a 3D render, all without the need to create an actual 3D render.

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Program/Recreation

Plantings/ Lawn Space

Circulation/Hardscape

MAIN PATIO SPACE

PARKING LOT SIDEWALK POLLUNATOR GARDEN

MAIN LAWN SPACE

STAGE

Presenting circulation and planting layout alongside program boards for this outdoor space facilitated a systematic project breakdown for viewers, enhancing their comprehension of the parcel layout.

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Utilizing varying levels of opacity and adjusting zoom settings contributed to highlighting lower-profile plants beneath taller trees and plants. Offering enlarged visuals in densely populated areas with significant foot traffic can effectively showcase programming details and designated circulation patterns.

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03 Recreational Work

10,000 SF Building 6000 SF Toddler Play Space 3500 SF Preschool Play Space Forest Walking Path W Stump Trail 42 Space Parking lot

Sh o

rt

6

B

No r th

Sh o

rt

asa Ple t

tree

nt S

My recreational studio project, “Integrating The Pioneer Valley,” is situated in Amherst, Massachusetts, on a roadside property spanning six acres along the bustling North Pleasant Street. The initial site visit and consultation with the preschool’s head initiated the design process, involving the layout of existing site features and utilities. The project progressed from refining the rough design to the final rendition, all created digitally. It demonstrates a creative strategy to enhance the school’s recreational potential, featuring two distinct playgrounds for different class levels, all within the confines of the property boundaries. 1

Permeable Paver

Long

A

1

Long

Transplanting the Pioneer Valley

By Yoni Gesin and James Walston

0’

20’

Scale: (1:20)

40’

100’

Master Plan

My partner and I considered all design aspects suggested by the preschool teachers and the head of the department, ensuring compliance with ADA requirements and local Amherst zoning bylaws. We were also given the chance to create a building layout for the preschool since there were no pre-existing architectural plans for the school’s design on the site.

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These sections present a vibrant exploration of specific perspectives while offering an understanding of depth perception. The thick black line gives a visual representation of the grade alteration, enabling an assessment and evaluation of stormwater management.

Displaying certain graphics beneath the dark black grade change line aids in comprehending the composition of surfaces above, illustrating the extent of root lengths in specific ground areas, and indicating the placement of certain underground utilities.

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This viewpoint reveals the playground area at the previous grade level, highlighting the challenge presented by specific structures to enhance entertainment for the older age group. Additionally, it showcases open spaces within the playground to encourage increased physical activity and stimulate creativity among the older children using the facility.

Creating this perspective was among my initial enjoyable experiences, as it allowed me to contribute to presenting a visually appealing portrayal of the activities that could take place on a pleasant and active day at this playground facility.

This location captures the perspective within the tree stump forest area situated in front of the school building. Preschool teachers have expressed their enjoyment of taking children on nature walks in the existing facility's nature area. Introducing a nature walk tree stump area would facilitate a seamless transition between facilities, making the change feel familiar and natural. Moreover, this offers a fresh space for children to engage with, diverging from their routine playground where they play every day.

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The playground design I steched up served as the foundational blueprint for the typical structure and layout of our preschool facility’s play area. This innovative design not only brought creativity to life but also seamlessly integrated our conceptual statement into the overall spatial arrangement. As we envisioned a harmonious blend of nature and play, the Pioneer Valley Forest inspired the incorporation of tree-like structures and forest-themed elements throughout the entire playground. These thoughtful additions aim to create an immersive environment where children can engage in imaginative play, fostering a connection with nature within the secure confines of our preschool facility.

Presented here is a rendered aerial plan depicting the enlarged playground incorporated into our design.

This illustration specifically outlines the layout of the playground area designated for older children. Notably, it showcases more expansive and intricate playground structures, including sizable slides, ladders, and rock walls, providing a diverse and challenging play environment. In contrast, the younger children's playscape predominantly features sandboxes and smaller climbing structures. This deliberate distinction serves a significant dual purpose, addressing both safety and legal considerations by aligning equipment sizes and difficulty levels with the respective age groups of the children who will be engaging with them.

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Additional Construction A Documentation Project 0 + 00

244.75'

242.47''

245

BR S 83 23' 26"

Rain Garden Overflow Pipe Location

E

246

Property Line

4+

247

245.11'

23

244

B

30'

E

osed

BR N

22

Horizontal Curve #1 Radius 35' Prop

osed

Walk

Poposed Horizontal Planting Curve #2 Radius 25'

HP + 249.34

242 243

246

245

244

247

6 + 0 6 + 7.14 00

00

20' W

0 +

E 241.90'

248

249

Poposed Planting

238 1+

BR

Property Line

Horizontal Curve #3 Radius 45'

N5

6

51'

W

C246.67'

Proposed Drive

E

00

242

.14'

248

246

1" = 20'

BR 109 .6

8'

00

The Image above represents the proposed layout plan and the sites existing grading plan

2+

77.1 2

244

N4

1+

04

5'

53"

243

L1

248

2023

N 20 ' BR

30.64

Proposed Bank Building with Drive through ATM

F 241.67'

248

Instructor: Michael Davidsohn

Proposed Parking

University of Massachusetts Amherst, LARP

Entry Plaza

Proposed Raingarden/Storm Water Basin

Proposed Bank

NORTH

LA 313/613 Final Project

242

Proposed Drive

BR S 4 53' 06" W

Exist

ing W alk

241

187.46'

00

147'

66'

5+

243

Proposed Drive Walk

NAME:

Prop

248

245

D245.21'

This site engineering project involved proposing a bank layout and design, requiring a new grading plan, road alignment plan, and stormwater management plan for precise foundation elevations, earth removal calculations, and verification of parking lot details and connections to surrounding roads.

Powered by DynaSCAPE

R

15

Rain Garden Overflow Pipe Location

246'

245'

247'

245' 245.12'

0 + 79 Walk

Proposed Raingarden/Storm Water Basin

Proposed Drive

Horizontal Curve #1 Radius 35'

238'

243'

0 + 22.03

2+ 1 + 9600 .13

Walk

243'

0 + 50

248'

242'

243.3'

241'

1 + 00

242'

241.54'

Proposed Drive

242'

2 + 21.58

Entry Plaza

Proposed Parking

240'

241.72

Poposed Horizontal Planting Curve #2 Radius 25'

BRLNBC S3'98'E

239' 238'

243.3'

TC:242.94'

243' 243.3'

243'

BRLNBD S3'98'E

243.06'

243.96'

244'

244'

5+ 243'

BRLNCE S35'16'W

36.3

Proposed Drive

246'

245'

4

245'

244.66'

4+ 00

244.22'

0 + 22.03

244'

Prop

BRLNBC S3'98'E

Walk

2 + 1 + 9600 .13

osed

0 + 50

Proposed Raingarden/Storm Water Basin

Poposed Horizontal Planting Curve #2 Radius 25'

245'

Powered by DynaSCAPER

NORTH

Proposed Bank Building with Drive through ATM

1 + 00 BRLNBD S3'98'E

36.3

BRLNCE S35'16'W

Poposed Planting

Proposed Drive

4

245'

BRLNAB S67'20'E 244.22'

246'

245'

247'

245' 245.12'

244' L1

Horizontal Curve #3 Radius 45'

Proposed Bank

1 + 69.80

LA 313/613 Final Project

1 + 50

Revamping the road alignment plan, I crafted a fully functional and dimensioned roadway/parking lot design, ensuring proper slopes for functional usability.

Proposed Drive

2 + 21.58

Entry Plaza

Proposed Parking

5+

1" = 20'

.02 Walk

Horizontal Curve #1 Radius 35'

James Walston

0 + 79

osed

Proposed Drive

1 +244' 69.80

242'

Road Alignment + Layout

00

Prop

Proposed Raingarden/Storm Water Basin

247'

Poposed Planting Horizontal Curve #3 Radius 45'

248'

244' 243.88'

Basin 2 Size: 238' 4,802.94 cu/ft 240' 239'

2023

0 +

Rain Garden Overflow Pipe Location

1 + 50

NORTH

Proposed Bank Building with Drive through ATM FFE: 243.38'

243.12'

BC:242.44'

242'

BRLNAB S67'20'E

239'

241'

osed

Proposed Raingarden/Storm Water Basin

240'

242'

Prop

243'

242'

248'

243.88'

L1

osed

244'

.02

Prop

2023

244'

Proposed Bank

00

244.22'

LA 313/613 Final Project

0 +

I created a detailed regraded plan for the bank lot site, applying methods like the borrow pit approach for accurate earth removal calculations. The design integrated retaining walls, retention ponds, and stormwater catch basins strategically, while ensuring proper sloping in roadways and parking areas for functional and aesthetic optimization.

245'

BRLNAB S67'20'E

243'

1" = 20'

4 +

242'

241'

00

243' 243' 241.72

242'

248'

BRLNBC S3'98'E

242'

NORTH

Powered by DynaSCAPER

242' 243.3'

243.3'

239'

Basin 1 238' Size: 3,315.76 cu/ft

240'

241'

241.54'

242'

TC:242.94' BC:242.44'

FFE: 243.38'

243.12'

243' 243.3'

242'

BRLNBD S3'98'E

243.06'

247'

243'

246'

245'

L1 2023

BRLNCE S35'16'W

Proposed Bank

244' 243.96'

244'

242'

LA 313/613 Final Project

244'

245'

243'

244.66'

1" = 20'

After conducting several stormwater calculations, I identified the appropriate sizes for both on-site catch basins, designed to handle a highly reasonable volume of water runoff post-regrading. The drainage paths were correctly oriented, particularly away from the building, ensuring proper water flow and preventing potential structural damage to the foundation.

244.22'

244'

245' Powered by DynaSCAPER

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