Growing up as a Navy brat, I had the unique experience of moving 14 times, living in places like California, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This constant change allowed me to experience a wide variety of landscapes and climates, from the sunny beaches of California to the rich, bio-diverse environments of the South. I was fascinated by the different biomes I encountered, especially the lush wetlands and oak-filled forests that defined the southern states.
During summer camp at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, I developed a deep interest in environmental conservation and wildlife. That experience helped me understand the delicate balance between human activity and nature. These early life experiences fueled my passion for landscape design, giving me a broad perspective on how to integrate diverse elements of nature into the spaces I create.
Growing up with parents deeply involved in permaculture, I’ve always been surrounded by the principles of sustainable living and environmental stewardship. From a young age, we had a garden wherever we lived, no matter how small our space was. This early exposure sparked my passion for designing landscapes that work harmoniously with nature.
After moving to Mississippi, my family and I got to work building a homestead, raising animals like chickens, guineas, ducks, and rabbits—all of whom have custom-built enclosures we crafted ourselves. Alongside this, we’ve developed a large garden space that I’m now using to grow crops to sustain our family. This journey is as much about learning as it is about cultivating, and each season brings new lessons.
I believe that creating beautiful, functional landscapes can bring communities together and foster a deeper connection to the land. My goal is to share my journey and inspire others to embrace sustainable practices, no matter their space or experience level.
At just 17, I began my college journey at Pearl River Community College, still uncertain about the direction I wanted to take for my future. I initially pursued business before considering a path in engineering, exploring different fields as I searched for my true passion.
While at Pearl River, I joined the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, where I led a significant college project to establish a community garden on campus. The project involved not only creating a sustainable green space but also implementing classes to teach students how to care for it. I worked closely with community leaders and held meetings to advance the project to its next phase. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was paused, but I plan to revive it soon after my recent graduation from Mississippi State University.
I had the pleasure of studying landscape design at Mississippi State University for three years, where my coursework played a crucial role in shaping my approach to design. In my first year, I was introduced to key foundational concepts such as digital and hand rendering, soil science, and sustainable communities, all of which provided a strong base for my future work. I learned to blend technical skills with a deeper understanding of ecological systems, which has been invaluable in my projects today.
In my second year, I delved into the construction side of landscape architecture, learning about plant materials and construction techniques that gave me the practical skills needed to bring designs to life. This hands-on experience further solidified my understanding of how to turn creative visions into reality.
My final year focused on the financial aspects of landscape design. I gained expertise in financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost estimating, irrigation, and lighting systems. These skills have allowed me to manage projects efficiently and ensure that every design is both beautiful and cost-effective.
Before founding my design business, I gained invaluable experiences across a variety of fields that continue to inform my approach to landscape design. My first job as a camp counselor at the Audubon Zoo summer camp helped develop my leadership and communication skills, while also deepening my understanding of environmental education and habitat preservation.
Next, I worked at Pearl River Blues, a local blueberry farm, where I learned the intricacies of sustainable agriculture and land management. I worked the fields, assisted with hospitality, and experienced firsthand the operations of a "you-pick" farm. This hands-on experience with the land has influenced my appreciation for functional landscapes that are both productive and beautiful.
During community college, I had the opportunity to participate in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in Boca Raton, focusing on renewable energy solutions for water turbines. This program gave me a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and environmental conservation, which has shaped my focus on incorporating sustainable solutions into my designs.
While at university, I completed an internship at FatherNature in Alabama, where I worked as a design assistant alongside experienced landscape architects. This hands-on training gave me the technical skills necessary to translate creative concepts into tangible, functional designs. I continued to refine my design skills under my father's mentorship at Pearl River Eco Design, where I gained deep insights into the intricacies of landscape architecture.
During my time at Mississippi State, I had the privilege of participating in The National Collegiate Landscape Competition. My first experience took place at our university, where I was an officer helping to organize and host the event. We welcomed schools from across the country to compete in various landscape-related challenges. It was an incredible learning experience that showcased the depth of talent within our field.
The following year, I participated in the competition in Utah, where I had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful landscapes and the hosting university. I competed in plant ID events, plant problem diagnosis, and arboriculture techniques, further honing my skills in plant care and diagnosis. This event was an invaluable opportunity to connect with other passionate students and professionals in the landscape industry, further solidifying my passion for this field.
In addition to my formal education, I was an active member of my university’s horticulture club. I played a key role in growing a wide variety of plants for our winter and spring sales, which were essential for funding the club. This experience expanded my knowledge of plant propagation and care, while also providing opportunities to engage with the community during the sales. Advising customers on plant selection for their gardens gave me valuable client relations skills, enhancing my ability to communicate and collaborate with clients in my professional work.
Today, I combine all of these experiences to create landscapes that are not only visually striking but also sustainable and functional. I get to experiment and hone the skills I’ve acquired on our family’s homestead. My design philosophy revolves around a deep respect for nature and an understanding of how different elements - plants, water, and hardscapes - can work together harmoniously to create outdoor spaces that enhance both beauty and usability. Whether it's a small urban garden or a large rural landscape, my goal is to design spaces that reflect my clients' needs while promoting environmental health and sustainability.
I would like to take a moment to thank those who have supported me and helped shape my journey into the landscape design field. First and foremost, my deepest gratitude goes to my family for always being there, encouraging me through every phase of my life, and offering unwavering support. From the beginning, they have believed in my vision and stood by me as I navigated my path.
I am also incredibly grateful to my teachers and mentors who provided guidance, understanding, and patience, especially during those sleepless nights filled with projects. Their encouragement and belief in my potential have been invaluable in helping me reach where I am today.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank the organizations that helped fund my education. The generosity of The Garden Club of Mississippi, the PRCC Development Foundation Scholarship, Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association Round Up for Education Scholarship, Coca-Cola Scholarships, and many others has made it possible for me to pursue my dreams. Your support has allowed me to focus on my studies and grow as a designer, and for that, I am forever grateful.
As I continue to grow in my career at Pearl River Eco Design, my five-year plan is centered on expanding my skills and exploring areas of landscape design that I didn’t have the chance to dive into during school. I’m fortunate to live and work here on homestead.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work from the comfort of my home, which allows me to dedicate time to honing my crafts and pursuing my passions. With 10 acres at our disposal, I’m excited to turn this land into a canvas for passion projects that reflect my love for both design and plants. My goal is to take our homestead to the next level, embracing a more sustainable lifestyle while sharing the journey along the way. Through blogging and documenting this adventure, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty and potential of living close to the land and nurturing their dreams from home.
One of my key aspirations is to learn how to create sustainable dwellings, such as adobe homes, which align with my passion for eco-friendly and resilient designs. I also aim to start my own "you-pick" farm, building on the knowledge I gained working at Pearl River Blues, while incorporating innovative and sustainable farming practices.
In addition to these hands-on projects, I plan to master new and powerful design tools that will elevate my design capabilities and allow me to bring more advanced, detailed concepts to life for my clients. Finally, I have a strong desire to travel to other parts of the world to learn from diverse landscapes and meet experts in the field. By connecting with global professionals, I hope to gain fresh insights that will inspire my work and help me bring a broader perspective to landscape design.
