Landscape Designer
I’ve always had a passion related to gardening, starting with designing my own cut flower garden at 13 years old. My road to becoming a Landscape Designer has been a bit of a meandering path, but always plant based. After finishing high school, I was set to become a wedding florist but then the 2008 economic crash hit, and had to figure out how to find a way to still have a career related to what I love to do in designing with plants…
I’m always one that “if there’s a will there’s a way” to finding an alternative solution to make it happen. I came across Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s Environmental Horticulture AAS degree program in Kirkland, WA. The program expanded my mind that a career in Horticulture is possible, while gaining an excellent foundation in sustainable gardening practices and wanted to pursue further education.
In September 2012, I moved across the globe to Edinburgh, Scotland after receiving an acceptance letter from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to be in their BSc Honors degree in Horticulture and Plantsmanship, awarded by the University of Glasgow. During the 3 years living in Edinburgh, my time at RBGE enabled me to gain in depth knowledge of plant taxonomy, garden design history, and the importance of conservation. I took any opportunity to gain as much knowledge as possible, being fortunate to work in the Botanical gardens and research glasshouses during the summers of 2014 & 2015.
I then relocated back to the Pacific Northwest in 2015 after graduating with my bachelor’s degree, working as a fine maintenance gardener at University Village grounds while expanding further course studies in landscape design at Edmonds Community College. As of 2018, I’ve been professionally involved creating garden designs and working in the Landscape Construction Industry in Seattle and Redmond/ Eastside.
What I love about being a Landscape designer is being able to create peoples dreams of how to use their yard space, whether for entertaining or to contemplate and relax in. Being a Landscape designer has perfectly meshed with both my background in Horticulture and Floristry. From a florist perspective of knowing how to design with color and textures that is both impactful and aesthetically pleasing, and from a horticultural perspective knowing the proper placement of plants for their ultimate health and natural ecological habitation within the landscape.
I often get my design inspiration from my travels from afar, exploring local haunts and the natural beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I still keep up with my floral design skills but in more of a fun pastime and friends’ weddings. You’re more than welcome to take a peek at my Instagram floral page.
I am excited to be part of the Kismet Design team and look forward to creating beautiful spaces for you and your family to enjoy!