A private garden
Baltimore
The client wished to rejuvenate the front gardens of his home and add a terrace, walkway and plantings to the back yard. An unusual property shape and gently sloping topography in the back presented challenges that were resolved by designing a circular brick patio in the center of the property. This became the focal point and connector between the back door of the house and the rear alley.
A Setting Fit for a Wedding
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
In anticipation of their daughter's nuptials, the owners decided to renovate their spacious backyard. The design addressed several important issues that had to be resolved for a large event to take place there. Safe access and circulation that included numerous activity nodes on the sloping terrain, adequate space for a large tent, and the privacy and security of the guests were among those issues. The resulting master plan features twin stairways, a stone seat wall, a secondary stone terrace and expansive lawn that complement the architecture and materials of the historic house. Guests navigated easily between activities while enjoying the gardens and a beautiful September evening.
Jacmel Promenade
Jacmel, Haiti
My design for this project, constructed by the Haiti Ministry of Tourism in 2013, features a swirling mosaic pattern derived from Haitian art. Made from local beach stones and mosaic pieces gathered and fitted by Haitian artisans, the design symbolizes Jacmel's artistic heritage. The promenade itself connects the beachfront with the adjacent neighborhood and preserves the stand of palm trees along the beach.
A backyard design/build
Baltimore
Following an addition to the back of their home, the clients wished to further expand their living area into the outdoors. Retaining walls moved the downward slope away from the rear entrance, while random-width bluestone flooring within the addition was continued on the side and rear terrace paving. Giant flagstones navigate the slope toward the garage, creating a naturalistic piedmont setting for native trees, shrubs and perennials.
Pimlico Race Course
Baltimore
My thesis project was inspired by the lament I felt when passing by or attending events at Pimlico Race Course. A blighted, underutilized, but nonetheless beloved place, I believe it can be so much more. My research and analysis on Pimlico and West Baltimore paved the way toward a master plan that preserves the race course's historic form and social function while restoring its ecology and enabling it to more fully interface with its urban surroundings.
A master plan rendering of the Pimlico Race Course site features new park and community amenities.
Concept sketch for a Pimlico overlook, library and community center, situated within the present infield.
Synopsis of the thesis, as presented to the Alliance for Historic Landscape Preservation in 2013.
Inspiring places
are everywhere
Bel Ayiti
BEAUTIFUL HAITI
This album of photos is the by-product of a graduate school trip I took to Jacmel, Haiti in the fall of 2010, a mere ten months after the earthquake in January of that year. We were stunned by the devastation left by the earthquake. But the natural beauty of the island and the visual, cultural richness of Jacmel is also stunning. As Jacmel rebuilds, it continues to inspire the creative spirit of its citizens and all who visit.
A Native Garden in the City
BOLTON HILL, BALTIMORE
A neglected courtyard at a downtown church was a prime opportunity for the congregation to develop a community space surrounded by native plantings. The new brick terrace, seating and garden provide peace, fellowship and inspiration for all who visit.
