Landscaping & Design/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer almost any question related to design, installation, pricing of landscaping and hardscaping. I am not a horticulturist though so I can not answer questions on pests or diseases of plants. I also can answer questions related to pools, water features, ponds, lighting, grading, drainage, walls, patios, decks and much more.

Experience in the area

I have been doing landscaping since I was 8 years old. My family owned a nursery in Florida when I was a teen and I owned and operated several lawn and landscape companies over the years. I have since completed 6 years of in Landscape Architecture at Purdue University and have a Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture. I have been practicing professionally for 13 years in Atlanta and the south east US. I have worked for some of the best and most well know firms and personalities in landscaping and my work has won many awards. I have worked for the likes of Disney, the 1996 Olympic games, and REIT Post Properties(Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, NY, Tampa, Orlando). I know many of the plants in Georgia and Florida plus surrounding states. I have passed the Georgia Landscape Architects Licensure Exam and can legally call myself a Landscape Architect Lisc. # 001156
I am currently the Department Manager of the Planning and Landscape Architecture Department of a local Multi-Disciplinary firm and used to own and operate Amenity Architects LLC. you may preview our work at www.amenityarchitects.com. My new employer is SoutheasternEngineering, Inc. see www.seenginering.com I am also part owner in the family business Murphy's Garden Art also see at www.murphysgardenart.com.

Organizations

American Society of Landscape Architects, Keep Smyrna Beautiful, ULI, Smyrna Downtown Development Authority, Smyrna Downtown Task Force,

Publications

Landscape Architect and Specifier News, Atlanta Homes Magazine, Landscape Architecture Magazine, Coastal Living, Magazine

Education/Credentials

Pinellas County Center for the Arts 1984 - 1988, Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture - Purdue University, 1994, Mike Lynn Graphics Workshop 1994, University of Georgia Wetland Delineation Certification 1995, Post University Mini MBA 2000, Edinburgh College of Art - 1 year co-op 1993, Intern Smallwood Reynolds Stewart and Stewart Architects Atlanta1993, ISA Certified Arborist 2009

Awards and Honors

ASLA Merit Award 1994 Mined Land Project IN, ACI 1st Place for Hardscape Design / Installation 1999 Biltmore Atlanta. Coastal Living Idea House Design 2005/2006. South Eastern Flower Show People's Choice Award for best garden design, Many more...too many to list.

Past/Present Clients

Disney Imagineers (while employed by others), Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, The State of Georgia, City of Suwanee Ga, City of Norcross Ga, City of Powdersprings Ga, City of Stockbridge GA, Post Properties, Bayfair Homes, John Willis Homes, Pulty Homes, Serenbe Development, Mayor of Smyrna-Georgia Max Bacon, Representative for Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vic,

What do you like about this subject?

I have been enamored with design, landscape and architecture since I was a child. I love being able to see my ideas become reality.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to build a successful department of 10 people. I would like to venture more into the realm of landscape reclamation in returning landscapes to natural states

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

I was "green" before "green" was cool. The term "Green" has been stolen from my industry and we want it back! No matter what they say, a car will never be truly "Green" till it is made of 100% recycled content and powered completely by the sun...because that is what "Green" really is.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Plastic edging and weed mats really don't work. Don't buy rubber mulch or plastic pine straw. This stuff is terrible for the environment and is no different than burying tires in your yard. All these little pieces of plastic end up years from now spread out in the environment. Just imagine plastic pinestraw being used by birds for nests!