3. Philosophy
This portfolio and resume highlight several of my favorite projects and
accomplishments from my undergraduate design studios, extended
internship, and professional experience.
My design philosophy is driven by creative concepts and ideas, while
still implementing the elements and principles of design. I believe that
responding to each project with a vision, passion, and an open mind
significantly impacts and shapes my ability to create innovative solutions.
The most enjoyable aspect of design for me is the unique process that
evolves for each project.
I am inspired by landscape architecture because it connects people with the
land in many different ways. I am particularly intrigued and interested in
sustainable design, planning, and park design.
4.
5. objective
An employment opportunity in landscape architecture, planning, and design
education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. Iowa State University, Ames, IA. May 2008
responsibilities
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants throughout all stages of the design process
• Revise design plans based on client input and direction from project manager
• Develop site analysis plans and documentation depicting design opportunities and constraints such as land
uses, topography, and site context
• Design various presentation materials (Master Plan Reports, Final Design Boards, Conceptual Books)
including graphics, layout, imagery, color schemes, and fonts
• Survey development sites and complete construction inspections for compliance to code
accomplishments
• Involved in diverse projects: Planned communities, international resorts, theme parks, golf courses & commercial
• Participated as member of design team receiving 2nd in City of Newport Beach Park Competition
• Produced Final Concept Book for Heng Qin Island Resort & Spa in China
• Coordinated 3-D SketchUp model with architectural character, building components, and topography in
development of Final Illustrative for a planned community in Egypt
key skills
• Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Arcview GIS Mapping, Microsoft Office Suite
• Extensive knowledge and experience with Adobe Creative Suite for graphic presentation materials
• Creative expression throughout all stages of the design process
• Diligent and dedicated to meeting project deadlines
• Team-oriented in approach to design
professional experience
• Graphic Design and Private Residential Landscape Design. Self-employed. May 2009 - present
• Various retail and sales positions. In California and Iowa. March 2009 - present
• Landscape Architect. Rabben/Herman design office. Newport Beach, CA. July 2008 - November 2008
• Planner Intern. Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo. Irvine, CA. Extended Internship. January - August 2007
• Site Inspector and Land Surveyor. Snyder & Associates Engineering. Ankeny, IA. May - August 2004
• Landscape Installation and Sales. Earl May Nursery. Cedar Rapids, IA. November 2002 - July 2003
8. I worked at Rabben/Herman design office for approximately four months
in 2008. I worked on different teams within the firm on various projects. I
helped the teams wherever assistance was needed. It included work in
Sketch-Up, AutoCAD, color rendering, and Adobe Suite.
The experience I obtained there included preparation of construction
drawings, design details, master plan reports, concept design, and
presentation materials.
Major responsibilities included attending Monday morning staff meetings,
working under a Project Manager, meeting deadlines, modifying adjustments
to the Principal’s comments, and contributing ideas to the team.
11. Rabben/Herman
Landscape Architecture Master Planning Urban Design
Rabben/Herman
design office
Landscape Architecture Master Planning Urban Design
ST. JUDE MEDICAL CENTER Scale : 1” = 8’-0”
Work Experience - RHDO,
Parking Structure South Elevation November 3, 2008
Newport Beach, California
Internship Experience - WATG,
Irvine, California
Hospitality Interior
Design Competition
Assisted Living Therapeutic
Rabben/Herman
design office
Fullerton Parking Structure final elevations.
Landscape Architecture Master Planning Urban Design Spaces Design
ST. JUDE MEDICAL CENTER
Scale : 1” = 8’-0”
Parking Structure West Elevation November 3, 2008
ISU Campus Community
Design Ames, Iowa
Suburban Cornfield Design
West Liberty, Iowa
Sustainable Agriculture
Story City, Iowa
Various Studio
Projects
Newport Beach Park Competition concept plan.
12. CALIFORNIA
My internship experience was in Irvine, California at WATG. I interned there
for eight months in 2007. I worked in the Master Planning department and
here I learned many important things about how a professional firm works.
My personal experience included graphic design and presentation work,
marker rendering, Photoshop rendering, AutoCAD, and Sketch-up.
Major intern responsibilities included attending Monday morning staff
meeting, attending Master Planning meetings, sitting in on client meetings,
working in charrette-based atmosphere, meeting various deadlines, and
contributing to the Master Planning team.
14. Conceptual plan showing land uses in Heng Qin Resort, China.
Sketch-up conceptual work showing land uses.
15. Work Experience - RHDO,
Newport Beach, California
Internship Experience - WATG,
Irvine, California
Hospitality Interior
Sketch-up conceptual work showing land uses. Design Competition
Assisted Living Therapeutic
Spaces Design
ISU Campus Community
Design Ames, Iowa
Suburban Cornfield Design
West Liberty, Iowa
Sustainable Agriculture
Story City, Iowa
Various Studio
Projects
Final aerial perspective - Yacht resort in Egypt.
16. HOSPITALITY
The main goal of this project was to create an experience and branding for a
hotel site on the Mississippi River in Davenport, IA.
PROGRAM: Designing a hotel using the outdoor landscape as a themed
design principle. Creating spaces to tie the indoor and outdoor spaces
together and form an overall setting with numerous experiences. While doing
all this, meet all the requirements and necessities of a hotel
GOALS: Understanding the connection between the interior and exterior
spaces. To obtain knowledge about interior design and the effects it has on
the overall architecture of resort design.
GROUP MEMBER: Sarah Mayer
19. Lounge area looking out over the river.
Work Experience - RHDO,
Newport Beach, California
Internship Experience - WATG,
Irvine, California
Bar, lounge, and restaurant elevation. Hospitality Interior
Design Competition
Assisted Living Therapeutic
Spaces Design
ISU Campus Community
Design Ames, Iowa
Restaurant elevation looking over the river. Suburban Cornfield Design
West Liberty, Iowa
Sustainable Agriculture
Story City, Iowa
Various Studio
Projects
Lounge area and restaurant elevation.
20. ACCESSIBILITY
The main goal of this project was to create a useable space for elderly
patients and obtain a visual experience for patients with dementia.
PROGRAM: Designing three separate spaces using the back yard approach.
Giving the spaces a home-like feel to “de-institutionalize” them.
GOALS: Understanding how elderly people use spaces and the
accommodations they need for everyday life. To design different spaces using
planting schemes, outdoor activity use, and conceptual themes.
GROUP MEMBERS: David Locke, Andy Uchytil
22. Front Entrance garden final planting plan (back yard schematic design approach).
Front entrance elevation.
23. Dementia garden final planting plan.
Shade diagram process sketch which
influenced design.
Work Experience - RHDO,
Newport Beach, California
Internship Experience - WATG,
Irvine, California
Hospitality Interior
Design Competition
Assisted Living garden final planting plan.
Assisted Living Therapeutic
Spaces Design
ISU Campus Community
Design Ames, Iowa
Suburban Cornfield Design
West Liberty, Iowa
Conceptual design sketch which Sustainable Agriculture
portrays the outward focus.
Story City, Iowa
Various Studio
Projects
24. PUBLIC
PROGRAM: Designing a dominant pedestrian corridor that addresses existing
site issues and incorporates unifying elements to create a variety of spaces
in a way that compliments and enhances surrounding areas on
Iowa State University Campus.
GOALS: Designing an environment that optimizes functional use of space and
creates an identity which improves aesthetics, historical integrity, safety, and
security. Working in a team-oriented process to meet a defined deadline and
deliver a final product to the client (Iowa State University).
GROUP MEMBERS: LA 401 Fall Class - Section 2
27. Perspective showing large pedestrian gathering space.
Work Experience - RHDO,
Newport Beach, California
Internship Experience - WATG,
Linear design process diagram. Irvine, California
Hospitality Interior
Perspective showing native prairie swale within walkways. Design Competition
Assisted Living Therapeutic
Spaces Design
ISU Campus Community
Design Ames, Iowa
Perspective showing hardscape pedestrian space. Suburban Cornfield Design
West Liberty, Iowa
Sustainable Agriculture
Story City, Iowa
Various Studio
Projects
Elevation showing native prairie swale and pedestrian walkway.
28. Plan showing plaza space and pedestrian corridor between the Memorial Union and Lake Laverne.
Elevation showing views looking towards the Campanile and central lawn area.
29. Work Experience - RHDO,
Newport Beach, California
Internship Experience - WATG,
Irvine, California
Hospitality Interior
Aerial perspective showing front green space of the Memorial Union entrance. Design Competition
Assisted Living Therapeutic
Spaces Design
ISU Campus Community
Design Ames, Iowa
Suburban Cornfield Design
West Liberty, Iowa
Sustainable Agriculture
Story City, Iowa
Various Studio
Projects
Elevation showing pedestrian paths and accessibility.
30. GREEN
The main goal of this project was to create a environmentally friendly housing
development using sustainable practices.
PROGRAM: Developing 80 acres of farmland into a housing development.
Creating an active outdoor environment using a network of paths to connect
neighborhood green spaces.
GOALS: Creating a sense of place within the community. Improvements and
issues dealing with on-site hydrology including storm water management, no
curb and gutters, and rain gardens.
33. Diagrammatic process sketch showing green space.
Work Experience - RHDO,
Newport Beach, California
Internship Experience - WATG,
Irvine, California
Hospitality Interior
Design Competition
Assisted Living Therapeutic
Spaces Design
ISU Campus Community
Design Ames, Iowa
Suburban Cornfield Design
West Liberty, Iowa
Sustainable Agriculture
Story City, Iowa
Various Studio
Projects
Site plan diagramming, showing use of space and conceptual work.
34. SUSTAINABLE
The main goal for this design is developing 4,000 acres using suitability
analysis to find the highest suitable land for each use. Agriculture must
independently support the community development for 6 months of the year.
PROGRAM: Designing a sustainable community at regional scale.
Incorporating urban components, crops, pastures, animals, and wetlands.
GOALS: Understanding sustainable agriculture approaches, food calculations,
utilization of all types of land, and Low Impact Design (LID) elements and
standards. To use sustainable agriculture as a practice technique that
enhances the design scheme.
36. Regional Plan showing separation of agriculture uses, housing developments, and prairie wetlands.
Section showing root growth and trail system between woodlands and crops.
37. Work Experience - RHDO,
Newport Beach, California
Internship Experience - WATG,
Irvine, California
Initial Conceptual bubble diagram
showing land uses.
Hospitality Interior
Design Competition
Assisted Living Therapeutic
Spaces Design
ISU Campus Community
Design Ames, Iowa
Suburban Cornfield Design
West Liberty, Iowa
Sustainable Agriculture
Story City, Iowa
Various Studio
Projects
Site plan showing the two housing developments.
38. FUNDAMENTALS
The various projects are a collection of different studios throughout my
college career. I believe they all have shaped me in different, yet valuable
ways. Each project has its own significance. Some projects show my creative
side and others reflect my knowledge of technical
and construction details.
The fundamentals of design are portrayed in every one.
40. Built box representation of Savannah Studio Travel experiences.
Charcoal self portrait (32x40”).
Interpretative model. Built box representation of where I was born.
41. Work Experience - RHDO,
Newport Beach, California
Internship Experience - WATG,
Irvine, California
Comprehensive grading plan for Ames pool project (Pen & Ink). Hospitality Interior
Design Competition
Assisted Living Therapeutic
Spaces Design
ISU Campus Community
Design Ames, Iowa
Suburban Cornfield Design
West Liberty, Iowa
Sustainable Agriculture
Story City, Iowa
Various Studio
Projects
Retaining Wall Construction detail (AutoCAD).
42. references
Dan Herman Matthew Beehler
Principal - Owner Associate Vice President - Master Planning
Rabben/Herman design office - RHDO Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo - WATG
833 Dover Drive, Suite 9 8001 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 500
Newport Beach, California, 92663 Irvine, CA 92618
949.548.3459 / M: 714.366.5786 949.574.8500
danh@rhdo.com mbeehler@watg.com
Matt Hazard Chris Bradley
Project Manager Project Manager
/Herman design office - RHDO Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo - WATG
833 Dover Drive, Suite 9 8001 Irvine Center Drive, Suite 500
Newport Beach, California, 92663 Irvine, CA 92618
949.548.3459 / M: 949.274.5464 714.580.2228
matth@rhdo.com modcon75@yahoo.com
Heidi Hohmann Cigdem T. Akkurt
Associate Professor Associate Professor
Department of Landscape Architecture Iowa State University
Iowa State University 581 Design, Ames, IA 50011-3094
146 Design, Ames, IA 50011-3094 515.294.8978
515.294.8938 akkurt@iastate.edu
hhohmann@iastate.edu
Tom Dunbar
Owner
Dunbar/Jones
526 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
866.564-5240 / 715.630.9764
tdunbar@dunbarjones.com
