Did you know April is World Landscape Architecture Month? This month recognizes the vital role of landscape architecture in shaping the sustainability and experiential qualities of outdoor space in urban and rural areas. Landscape architects create places that are beautiful, functional, and meaningful for people while promoting environmental stewardship and ecological resilience. To celebrate the work of our creative landscape architects, we’re excited to highlight Sam Halish, a landscape planner on our Richmond landscape architecture team!
Before graduating from Virginia Tech in May 2022, Sam already had a plethora of experience under his belt. He interned with Timmons Group for three summers of his undergraduate career and officially began full-time in June 2022. “I had an interview with Scott Wiley, and we immediately hit it off. We had a great connection, and I enjoyed my first summer a ton. The people really kept me coming back. I enjoy all my coworkers and they were ultimately why I came to work full-time.” Sam said.
Growing up, Sam spent a lot of time in nature, so when he had the opportunity to choose a major, landscape architecture was an immediate pull for him. “I earned my bachelor’s in landscape architecture, and I minored in ecological cities, which let me explore sustainability and how it relates to landscape design,” he said.
Since starting with Timmons Group, Sam has enjoyed the ability to work on a variety of unique projects from urban development to parks and recreation. “I love designing and the range of design that we do allows me to keep flexing and expanding that muscle. That’s what really gets me excited,” he said. Through his work, he’s had the opportunity to collaborate with clients and local community members to gain knowledge of their specific needs for a space. “It’s been a rewarding experience to understand who I’m serving with these projects.”
Landscape architects use a wide range of tools, including computer-aided design (CAD) software, geographic information systems (GIS), and hand-drawn illustrations to communicate their design ideas and create detailed plans and specifications for implementation. They use a combination of mathematics and creativity to develop thoughtful solutions for outdoor spaces. “Seeing your design from how you’ve conceptualized it on paper to how it’s built in real life is a rewarding experience. I don’t think there’s much like walking through a space you laid out and designed,” says Sam.
From conceptualization to construction, Timmons Group’s landscape architects seek to create dynamic spaces that achieve timeless appeal and meet the needs of the community. Through the planning, design, and management of outdoor spaces, our folks strive to create landscapes that not only beautify the built environment but also engage and enrich the lives of those who experience them. Take a moment today to appreciate the beauty and impact of landscape architecture in creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces. Happy World Landscape Architecture Month!
Learn more about our landscape architecture services and check out our current openings!
