Evan Froelich PORTFOLIO Selected Works 2008-2015
CONTENTS LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION
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PLANT SCHEMES
5-6
SITE PLAN
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Perennial Garden Patio Garden Backyard Border
Virginia Beach Office Park
GIS ANALYSIS Virginia Beach Fairfax County
9-10
DESIGN VOLUNTEER
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LANDSCAPE SKETCHES
13-14
ARCHITECTURAL SKETCHES
15-16
ARTWORK & PHOTOGRAPHY
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RESUME
19-20
Storefront Project
LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION Perennial Garden
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This perennial garden, designed and installed for my parent’s residence in 2015, takes inspiration from the naturalistic, ‘New Perennial’ style of Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf, designer of the High Line. The goal was to reduce unused lawn area and to create an attractive, low-maintenance, and butterfly-attracting garden. The selected plants are well adapted to our climate of warm and humid summers and mild winters. Since being established, the plants are largely self-sufficient besides occasional weeding and a once-yearly cut-back for the perennials.
Plant varieties include various types of sedum, echinacea, catmint, spurge, baptisia, allium, foxglove, veronica, salvia, schizachyrium and other ornamental grasses. They were strategically placed in order to provide diverse and attractive plant compositions. Small boulders and recycled chimney flutes add additional character.
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LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION Patio Garden
This project, started for a client in 2011, was instrumental in helping me to form a design process. The client sought a front yard patio and garden between the walkway and house, as a sort-of adaptation to a front porch. The resulting design included a slate patio, several bushes along the foundation and a variety of low-maintenance groundcovers. The client, a gardener herself, challenged my design thinking as we collaborated on a plan. I continue to design, install plants, and maintain other parts of the owner’s residence today.
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LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION Backyard Border
2013. After a tall fence had been erected, the client wanted to soften the look of it using a colorful and dynamic border of plants. The chosen plants required the ability to compete with surrounding pine trees as well as provide screening and interest. In the design, we wanted to create a balanced mix of formal and natural plants that would blend well with the existing woodland landscape.
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PLANT SCHEMES Left. 2013. An old sink becomes a planter. These concrete sinks, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th century are a rarity. Found at a salvage yard, but unable to be restored as a sink, it found a new home as a planter. Filled with a variety of perennials, the soft texture of the plants juxtaposes nicely against the stark concrete. Below right. 2014. As part of an overall landscape design for a neighbor, this photo shows the diversity in texture and color we sought to create. Having a fully west exposure and completely open canopy, this garden required sun and drought-tolerant plant varieties. Below. 2013. Creating interest during a time of year when the landscape can look dreary is an important factor that I consider in plant design. Combined with evergreen perennials, spring bulbs can create a beautiful vignette.
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Right. 2015. A variety of lowmaintenance sedums fill old chimney flutes providing interest and contrast to this garden. Bottom. 2014. Winter is typically not a colorful time of year for gardens, but with the right plants, interesting effects can be achieved during this time.
2014. Sometimes simplicity speaks for itself. This custom designed and built trellis pairs well with the sensuous lines of a climbing hydrangea.
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SITE DESIGN Virginia Beach Office Park 2015. As part of a Landscape Architecture Design and Planning course, students were asked to choose a site and propose a design plan for redevelopment. My site is located in an office park in Virginia Beach and much of the current footprint is covered in parking lot. I wanted to create a larger mix of uses and incorporate sustainable features, such as complete streets (bottom left).
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The larger building (A) is existing. Across the waterway, there is a residential neighborhood with no connectivity to the office park. My design sought to create connection between these two separate uses, by initially creating a pedestrian bridge (B). The parking lot is removed in favor of a plaza and park space (C) that would attract both employees and residents across the waterway. A new cafĂŠ space adjoining the plaza (D) would also draw users. A central lawn area that terraces down to the waterfront would allow for outdoor play and theater (E). A native meadow (F) would add biodiversity and beauty to the site. A bus station (G) outside of the cafĂŠ would give both employees and residents an alternative transportation opportunity to other areas of the city.
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GIS ANALYSIS Virginia Beach 2015. As part of the same Landscape Architecture Design and Planning course, students were asked to assess the city of Virginia Beach as a whole. The first step in the analysis was creating GIS maps in order to evaluate the current assets and zoning provisions of the city.
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GIS ANALYSIS Fairfax County
2015. As part of a Land Analysis course, students were asked to perform an in-depth study to evaluate numerous assets in the county of our choosing, including Culture, Ecology, Development, Recreation, and Transportation (CEDRT). Pictured below is the Cultural Assessment for Fairfax County and analysis using a variety of GIS maps.
CULTURAL ASSESMENT
Green Infrastructure Plan for Fairfax County, VA By Amelia Hulshult, Kay McKenzie, Evan Froelich
CEDRT
GOAL: Create a sense of place and community
INCOME & TREE COVERAGE
HISTORIC SITES
SCHOOL FACILITIES
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Objective 1: Create a Sense of Place in Impoverished Areas
Objective 2: Preserve Historic Sites
Objective 3: Increase Educational Landscapes
The purpose of this map was to see if there was a correlation between income and tree coverage. As you will notice, the higher income areas, in general, have greater tree coverage. Lower income areas on the other hand, have less tree coverage (as noted by the magenta circles). This indicates disparities in tree numbers between areas of wealth and areas of poverty and highlights the fact that lower income residents typically cannot afford the green space that most suburbs offer. Tree planting and other green infrastructure initiatives can significantly improve areas lacking green space, resulting in health benefits and wellbeing for the whole community.
Fairfax County has 13 designated historical districts as seen on the map. It’s in their best interest to preserve these heritage sites to engage its citizens and offer places that contribute historic, educational, cultural, and potential green space value to the community. A long-term plan for the preservation of these sites should include better access by way of public transportation and trail systems. Additionally, these sites typically hold significant green space and ecological value, lending themselves well for use as public parks. Consideration of potential uses through public input and carefully guided planning will help to make these sites a valuable asset to current and future residents.
On the map, all K-12 schools are identified signifying many potential opportunities to meld the minds of young children and adolescents through educational landscapes. These can include rain gardens, bioswales, vegetable gardens, native gardens, permaculture gardens, and other types of landscapes that offer great benefits to the environment and community. By introducing young minds to educative landscapes, it will instill ecological values at an early age and contribute to greater environmental stewardship.
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its beacon being the iconic Carlton Abbott designed bridge (attached). It's also worth noting that it's located at the intersection of high-intensity Buttermilk Trail users and recreational JRPS users. Many of the paths are actually userdefined, and could use a bit more definition/safety upgrades.”
Map:
DESIGN VOLUNTEER Storefront Project 2014. As a volunteer with Storefront for Community Design, I provided a conceptual design plan for the 22nd Street Entrance to the James River Park System. After meeting with the park superintendent who expressed his desires for an improved entryway to the park system, I performed a site analysis and proposed a design that addressed the current issues with the entrance.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN CONCEPT For James River Park System – 22nd Street Entrance Provided by Evan Froelich | Fern Hill Landscaping March 2014
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Existing Conditions:
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FERN HILL LANDSCAPING | PHONE: 804.397.9770 | EMAIL: FERNHILLVA@GMAIL.COM
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In its current condition, the 22nd Street Access to Belle Isle probably lends itself well to regular users who are familiar with it, but it may be impeding use among a wider group of people for a number of reasons. Foremost, there’s little indication from Riverside Drive that anything below exists; passerby may not know that this is 2! one of the main access points the James River Park System. Additionally, there is lack of overall definition to the space. This may be fine may be fine for regulars, but for an average user or newcomer, it may not leave a positive impression. Better indication of where to go and how to get there would enhance user experience. Some other concerns include a partially dilapidated pavilion, stairs that are worn and show structural deficiencies, tree stumps, and mud that collects at the base of the pedestrian footbridge, creating safety and maintenance concerns.
-The second retaining wall would radiate from the circular base of the pedestrian bridge as a way of terracing the steep embankment and providing further definition of the space. Topographically-speaking, the base of the pedestrian bridge sits at a low point, and therefore special measures should be taken to divert water away from the bridge base, to both preserve its structural integrity and reduce maintenance. Runoff can be collected and infiltrated through a rain garden between the outer “bench” wall and the new retaining wall. Beyond that, excess water should be directed as far away form the bridge base as is possible.
Suggested Improvements: -For erosion control, the creation of curved steel retaining walls in two key locations are proposed (formed concrete is also an option). The first wall would start at the main trailhead off of Riverside Drive and wrap around the front of the pavilion structure, towards the Buttermilk Trail. There is clear evidence of erosion at the base of the pavilion where the foundation is exposed. The intention would be to save the structure and make it an asset. Any measures to correct structural deficiencies should be considered. The area between the structure and the retaining wall now becomes a planting bed that can be backfilled with topsoil and filled with native plants. Other improvements could include creating openings in the back wall of the pavilion for safety and natural light and removal of the steel beams. -The second retaining wall would radiate from the circular base of the pedestrian bridge as a way of terracing the steep embankment and providing further definition of the space. Topographically-speaking, the base of the pedestrian bridge sits at a low point, and therefore special measures should be taken to divert water away from the bridge base, to both preserve its structural integrity and reduce maintenance. Runoff can be collected and infiltrated through a rain garden between the outer “bench” wall and the new retaining wall. Beyond that, excess water should be directed as far away form the bridge base as is possible.
-A few modifications to the main trail off of Riverside could enhance safety and usability. Currently, the trail has a more-or-less direct path down the slope. By slightly shifting the direction of the trail to one side, the grade can be reduced. As proposed, the path would veer left of its current location and follow the contour line of the new retaining wall. Additionally, railroad ties or granite steps could be embedded into the trail to help with traction and erosion control. Besides those improvements, all trails would largely be kept natural and as they are. -Meadows are recommended as low maintenance plantings in the open areas. These can be completely native, or semi-native and are appropriate for a park system that is trying to preserve its wildness. In the natural succession of habitats, meadows generally become woodland over time in our area. In order to preserve the integrity of the meadows, they would need regular maintenance, especially in the initial stages of establishment. Besides providing erosion control and beauty, one of the other objectives in using meadow plantings is to keep the vista to the bridge and river beyond, as open as possible. They would also bring diversity to the site by attracting insects and birds. Other Improvements:
2. Meadow -Meadows are recommended as low maintenance plantings in the open areas. These can be completely native, or 3.semi-native Rain Garden and are appropriate for a park system that is trying to preserve its wildness. In the natural succession habitats, meadows generally become woodland over time in our area. In order to preserve the integrity of the 4.of Pavilion would need regular maintenance, especially in the initial stages of establishment. Besides providing 5.meadows, Gravelthey Parking Strip erosion control and beauty, one of the other objectives in using meadow plantings is to keep the vista to the bridge 6.andConcrete river beyond,Retaining as open as possible. They would also bring diversity to the site by attracting insects and birds. Wall Extension Other Improvements: 7. Existing Vegetation -Fieldstone boulders to shore up concrete steps leading to pedestrian bridge -Replacement of railings -Extending concrete walls to keep runoff and mud away from the base of the pedestrian bridge -A gravel parking strip along Riverside Drive is proposed for maintenance vehicles -Thinning out of trees to further open up the vista to the river -A crosswalk on Riverside Drive that would slow traffic and call more attention to the entrance
-Fieldstone boulders to shore up concrete steps leading to pedestrian bridge -Replacement of railings -Extending concrete walls to keep runoff and mud away from the base of the pedestrian bridge -A gravel parking strip along Riverside Drive is proposed for maintenance vehicles -Thinning out of trees to further open up the vista to the river -A crosswalk on Riverside Drive that would slow traffic and call more attention to the entrance
Concept Design:
-A few modifications to the main trail off of Riverside could enhance safety and usability. Currently, the trail has a By slightly shifting the direction of the trail to one side, the grade can be reduced. As proposed, the path would veer left of its current location and follow the contour line of the new retaining wall. Additionally, railroad ties or granite steps could be embedded into the trail to help with traction and control. those Retaining improvements, Walls all trails would largely be kept natural and as they are. 1.erosion Corten or Besides Concrete more-or-less directList path down the slope. Reference
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LANDSCAPE SKETCHES 2008 – 2014. Sketches are the first place I start for any design or concept. Pictured on the next few pages are a variety of rough and final sketches. While some ideas come up when studying other design work, I often discover more ideas as I put pen to paper.
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ARCHITECTURAL SKETCHES
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ARTWORK & PHOTOGRAPHY
Whale on canvas. Watercolor and pen
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Stick art on canvas. Spray-paint and watercolor
I find inspiration in nature. Whether it’s travels to the Oregon coast (right) or southwest Virginia (below), there is often an indescribable feeling of a place. It’s hard to replicate that feeling, but it is something that I attempt to bring into my design work in order to create places that can be experienced, not just looked at.
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Evan Froelich 2004 Milbank Road, Richmond, VA 23229 | 804.397.9770 | evanfroelich@gmail.com
EDUCATION B.A. Public & Urban Affairs; Landscape Architecture Minor Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA Major GPA: 3.34 / 4.0 Overall GPA: 3.15 / 4.0
December 2015
WORK EXPERIENCE
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Owner, Fern Hill Landscaping, Richmond, VA • Operate and manage landscape company providing sustainable landscape design, installation and maintenance services in central Virginia • Tasks include handling client relations, managing employees and subcontractors, providing estimates and invoices, project designs and presentations, accounting, insurance and licensing, and manual labor • Have developed a client base of 14 regular maintenance customers, and many repeat customers for larger projects such as design, planting, mulching and pruning
Feb’12 - Present
Intern, Chesterfield County Department of Planning, Chesterfield, VA • Documented and presented design successes and failures in the county • Developed working knowledge of zoning ordinance and plans review process
June’15 - Aug’15
Landscape & Construction Crew Member, Chapel Valley Landscaping; Ogburn Construction, Inc., Richmond, VA • Performed lawn and landscape maintenance for large apartment complexes and worked on various construction projects, including home kitchen/bath remodels and home additions • Required special attention to detail and adherence to a strict schedule
June’10 - Sep’11
Work Study, Virginia Tech Art History Department, Blacksburg, VA • Photographed, edited, labeled, and uploaded book imagery into a database, accessible by professors for use in lectures and presentations • Honed my skills in organization, time management, and visual processing
Aug’09 - May’10
Sales Representative, Vector Marketing, Richmond, VA • Scheduled appointments with customers to present product offerings and made 77 product sales worth $15,000 • Established good communication skills and rapport with clients
Sep’07 - Dec’07
COMMUNITY SERVICE Storefront for Community Design, Richmond, VA • Provide pro-bono, conceptual landscape design services for Storefront, which is Richmond’s non-profit, urban design and building resource • Collaborated on a public works project that received $90,000 in funding from Altria
July ’13 - Present
Farm Volunteer, Morning Star Ranch, Valley Center, CA • Performed farm labor and partook in daily, community-engaging events as a volunteer with WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) • Learned about the process of producing and selling food from farm to market
February ‘12
Teach For Jamie, Blacksburg, VA • Taught basic German to 4th & 5th graders as part of an after-school language and culture program • Tasks included making weekly lessons plans and creating games and learning exercises
Fall ‘09 – Spring ‘10
SKILLS • Well-developed leadership & managerial skills in business operations • Experience in Microsoft Office Suites, ArcGIS, Photoshop, AutoCAD, and Sketchup • Basic linguistic skills in German and Spanish; grew up in Austria with travels throughout Europe and Kenya
CERTIFICATIONS & HONORS • Class C Virginia Contractor’s License • College Dean’s List - 4 semesters • Boy’s State Leadership Action Program at Liberty University; participated in a week-long civic government exercise
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