Works at
City of Edmonton
Years of experience:
10
Last updated: April, 2022
2012 - 2014
Education |
2014 - 2021
Career Milestone 1 |
2021 - Present
Career Milestone 2 |
Present
Future Ambitions |
---|---|---|---|
North Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
|
EDA Planning and Urban Design
|
City of Edmonton
|
Continue to be an active advocate for the profession and a voice for other LATs. |
I started my career as a Junior Landscape Architectural Technologist with a private Landscape Architecture company in Edmonton. I was involved in compiling construction drawings, tender documents, and the implementation of projects varying in type and size. Having this varied experience and working under senior LAs at the beginning of my career has given me broader perspective of what I can do and achieve as an LAT.
The first thing that surprised me, and continues to do so to this day, is how broad our industry is in scope and scale. Landscape professionals are, and in most cases should be, involved in projects throughout the design and implementation phases in order to provide our subject matter expertise.
The second thing that surprised me was how little the general public knows about Landscape Architecture and what LAs and LATs are capable of. This is slowly changing and I personally take it upon myself to explain to people who we are and what we do when they ask what Landscape Architecture is.
Through my career I have been responsible for numerous aspects of projects. I have been involved with public consultation, concept drawings, preparation of tender drawings, documents, and specifications, construction drawings, landscape inspections, record drawings, and much more. I have constantly strived to push the envelope on what LATs can get involved in.
My days vary depending on the deliverables needing to be completed. Some days I draft all day, others I'm involved in planning meetings, and sometimes I'm out on site all day. I enjoy variety and try to switch it up as much as I can.
Critical thinking, an understanding of multiple CAD programs, being able take and give constructive criticism, plant knowledge, and understanding that the industry is forever changing so it is important to keep an open mind.
Personally I'm a plant person, my passion lies with all things trees, shrubs, perennials, soils, and anything organic. I take personal satisfaction on researching new plant varieties and finding the right plant for the right place.
River Valley Alliance shared use trails within the North Saskatchewan River Valley, Jasper Avenue streetscape revitalization, low impact developments such as SWMFs, dry ponds, and projects with soil cell installations, and park designs to name a few. I'm most proud of working in natural areas and providing an ecological way for citizens to access them.
At the beginning of my career I found it challenging sometimes to provide support for why I chose to do something either on a construction drawing or on site. Over the years I have overcome this by asking questions, doing my own research, and always remembering that nothing is arbitrary; every line on a paper or decision made in the field has a reason, reaction, and consequence
Ask questions, never be afraid to ask questions, there is no such thing as asking a bad question, and most importantly ask questions!
To be an advocate for the profession.
To continue my research and education within this industry.
And to continue to enjoy and experience everything this industry has to offer.