Asking Me

How long have you been working as a landscape architect? 

I’ve been working in the industry since graduating in 2013, so I suppose that would make it 7 years already!  I became a registered Landscape Architect in 2018. 

What geographic regions do you work in?

I work mostly in the Twin Cities area, but cover all of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of Wisconsin and Iowa.

In one or two sentences, what is the focus of your work?

I work with architects, landscape architects, engineers, contractors, municipalities, business owners and management with their site furniture and lighting needs.  I use experience as a Landscape Architect and product and material knowledge to problem solve with clients finding design and product solutions!  I no longer practice traditional landscape architecture, but I am deeply connected to the profession as a vendor.

Can you give students some insight into ASLA and your path to ASLA-MN, President-elect? 

ASLA is such an important organization for landscape architects.  You will quickly learn just how tight-knit the community is.  ASLA and affiliate local chapters provide resources for landscape architects to connect with peers, expand their business, and support legislation that impacts our careers.  I became involved with ASLA-MN as a young professional at my first firm.  I was quickly introduced to a community of landscape architects from various sectors and firm sizes, different educational backgrounds and expertise. I can confidently say that ASLA-MN opened a lot of doors for me professional. I decided to stay involved with ASLA-MN for both my professional growth and to give-back to organization.

How did your education at NDSU prepare you to be a landscape architect? 

The program not only prepared me with a foundation of technical skills and credentials necessary to start my career, but also expanded my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, grew my confidence in public speaking and persuasion, and sparked curiosity and opened my perspectives through travel.

What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned here? 

I learned that every one of my classmates were unique in their perspectives, talents, and skill sets and that collaboration equates to success.

What advice do you have for current landscape architecture students? 

Don’t give up, put yourself out there and start somewhere.  Don’t become overwhelmed with your first move. You are a Bison and part of a big network of talented landscape architects across the world! Get involved with ASLA, reach out to alumni, make yourself known and ask for help!  You will be pleasantly surprised by how many people are willing to lend a hand if you ask.