“I live to create beautiful landscapes” Benjamin Himschoot
himsben@gmail.com (352) 665-9344
Art Projects Transformations Process Bio Illustration - 2 Visioning - 4 Renderings - 6
Residential - 8 Enhancements - 10 Social Spaces - 12
Updating - 14 Rejuvenation - 16
Design Process - 18 Design Development - 20 Construction - 22 Completion - 24
ResumĂŠ - 26
Illustration Outdoor Classroom A growing school in Union Grove, WI needed an outdoor classroom for its students, and I was asked to create a range of design options for the space. Several alternate proposals were developed, incorporating the use of native Eden stone versus cultured block materials. Evergreen Arborvitae were selected for windbreaks, while sun angles and shade were also considered as part of the design.
YORKVILLE ELEMENTARY OUTDOOR CLASSROOM OPTION #1
YORKVILLE ELEMENTARY OUTDOOR CLASSROOM 3 OPTION #3
4
Visioning
Making a Statement This local brewhouse wanted to make a statement. My design vision included several versions of a living green wall to create a landmark in the local community. I used Photoshop rendering techniques to illustrate two different versions of a green wall to my client. The first is a system of corten steel planters to support climbing vines supported on tension wires to cover the façade. The second rendering depicts a modular green wall structure to create an instant, solid green wall.
Tall Paul’s Brewhouse Downtown Gainesville, FL
5
Renderings This iconic S.C. Johnson Wax building in Racine, Wisconsin was originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright was in need of a landscape makeover. Utilizing native plants suitable for the local climante and in keeping with the Prairie Style of landscape architecture, a design concept was developed.
6
SC Johnson - Building 27 Landscape Rendering
Residential
8
Custom New Home Winnetka, IL
This new home construction for Shaw Homes featured a blend of contemporary and modern design elements, including bluestone stoops and porch, tumbled pavers at entryway and in back patio, and a blend of annual and perennial plantings. A custom outdoor lighting system accents trees and plantings to create a refined look for the sophisticated Chicago North Shore.
Enhancements Brookfield Beauty This existing landscape was outdated and overgrown. I was employed to create a new vision for the front and back yards, including the demolition of an old rotten deck and replacement with a Rivenstone paver patio. The front of the residence worked with the existing structure of established trees to create attractive new plantings for curb appeal.
10
Lakefront Garden This project engaged creative editing of existing structures and additions to the landscape. The addition of a custom granite sphere fountain and lighting accented the existing courtyard. On the courtyard exterior, retaining beds constrcuted from cultured stone were added to create structural stability and replace rotten wooden timbers.
11
Social Spaces Outdoor Entertainment Outdoor kitchens, seat walls, pergolas, outdoor lighting, fire pits, and paver patios reflect a new trend in outdoor living. These design elements can add significant value and increase functionality of the landscape.
These projects reflect a diverse mix of client-specific program elements. From rustic backyard fire pits, to sleek, modern grill islands and outdoor kitchens, my designs are always custom-tailored to meet specific client aesthetic and functional requirements.
12
Updating
14
Before
After
Renewing a Mid-Century Modern This residence was purchased by a local architect, who wanted to give the overgrown and outdated landscape a facelift. The project involved the removal of the existing landscape and broken asphalt driveway, and a modern, low maintenance design was developed for the site. The use of concrete, granite, and steel edging for the pathways, along with clean lines echoed the modern design aesthetic of the residence. A variety of textures, colors, and plant materials were used to create excitement and a rugged natural beauty in contrast with the crisp, clean lines of the modern structure. 15 A custom lighting and irrigation system create seamless maintenance for the landscape.
Rejuvenation
Recycling Landscapes I used Feng Shui principles to design and to reenvision an existing landscape and creatively edit the existing structure to create a cohesive landscape (right). Existing concrete rubble on site, along with an antique copper basin were used to create a custom fountain, completed with limestone boulders, flagstone, beach pebbles; planted with 16 and succulents (above).
Before
An area of overgrown viburnums (right) were transplanted to another area on site to provide privacy screening, and the planting bed was transformed into a succulent rock garden, outlined with a river of beach pebbles.
After
17
Design Process Bringing Ideas to Life My design process begins with developing clear objectives for a project through understanding the site and the needs of my client (Photos from initial site visit: near right). Concepts are explored by creating different design alternatives, then the best option is chosen and refined into a preliminary design. The design is further edited until all objectives are addressed in a design that matches the taste, lifestyle, and budget of my client. I look for inspiration from many sources, including nature, other designed landscapes, and even in the materials that I am using. For me, successful design solves a problem in a unique and beautiful way. In this example, my client wanted an edible garden with an Asian design aesthetic. After working through several iterations of the design (center), a finalized 18 design was developed (far right).
Design Development
Concept Building a Pergola 20
Construction
This example shows the design of a pergola structure that begin with a design sketch, then was modeled using Google SketchUp, and constructed on-site. The structure used custom mill-hewn cypress wood beams and steel plates for strength and stability.
Completion
Construction I take pride in being part of the construction process, as seeing a project come to life is a very rewarding experience. I also enjoy solving problems along the way as site conditions sometimes present unique challenges. This series of photos show the edible Asian garden under various phases of construction. Hardscape being installed (below), the installation of a subterranean drainage reservoir(right), plants waiting to be installed (middle right), and custom concrete stepping stones lined with welded steel edging ready for gravel (far right).
22
23
Completion
Creating an Edible Asian Garden The result of this project is an edible landscape featuring clean lines, miniature landscapes, outdoor rooms, and a basalt column fountain (right). Plant varieties include nectarine, citrus, avocado, fig, blueberry, guava, pomegranate, pear, and grape in addition to a mixture of traditional plant materials. The large pergola serves as a trellis for Kiwi vines, and custom Cypress planting boxes provide areas for vegetable gardening. The use of steel and concrete give a modern edge the design, while the use of natural stone 24 to and large massing of ground covers give a rich, organic feel to the landscape.
25
Benjamin Himschoot, MLA 1420 W Lunt Ave #2E Chicago, IL 60626 (352) 665-9344 | himsben@gmail.com
OVERVIEW
Highly energetic landscape and construction expert seeking permanent position within a growing design-build firm. 10 years experience in working with landscapes including sales, design, and project management. Hivghly motivated and attentive to detail with a passion for bringing landscapes to life.
EDUCATION Masters of Landscape Architecture – University of Florida – 2010 Bachelors of International Business – University of North Florida – 2002
KEY POSITIONS HELD The Bristol Group, LLC Residential Sales Manager / 2014 to Present / Bristol, WI Currently serve as head of the residential landscape department overseeing project design, sales, and construction of high-end residential landscapes. Increased sales by over 250% during first year in position, while streamlining operations, increasing efficiency, and improving profitability.
dr3design, LLC Project Manager & Designer / 2012 to 2014 / Gainesville, FL Served as project manager and designer in a design/build landscape architecture firm specializing in custom landscapes for public and private clients. Scope of work includes site planning, landscape design, planting plans, renderings & illustrations, construction documentation, and project implementation. Work with clients to develop strategic design solutions from concept to design and documentation, through installation, and long-term care. Himschoot
Landscaping and Himschoot Tractor Service
Owner & General Manager / 1996 – 1998 & April 2004 — January 2008 / Lee County, FL Worked as field-laborer and later operations manager of company. Scope of work addressed residential and commercial projects including excavation, site preparation, grading, water management, hurricane restoration, demolition, and landscaping. Oversaw all aspects of sales, project estimating and bidding, contracts, billing, materials
supply, logistics, and customer service. Managed all aspects of projects from small residential construction to largescale land clearing while concurrently managing multiple crews and projects. Successfully started a landscaping division that provided residential and commercial design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes. Worked with existing client base from the construction company to expand operations into landscape services. Services also included re-landscaping of existing homes and sites, as well as long-term landscape management.
C.H. Robinson International Logistics Coordinator / August 2001 - April 2004 / Jacksonville, FL – Madrid, Spain – Miami, FL Coordinated global import and export operations of multi-modal shipments across three international branches. Primary duties involved time-sensitive import and export coordination for rail, truck, ocean, and air cargo. Handled necessary documentation, transportation, tracking, and billing of shipments. Additional duties included monthly data analysis and reporting to customer accounts, as well as technical support.
SKILLS PROFILE Proficient in AutoCad, Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, Sketch-Up, SPSS, Arc GIS as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Excels in design, project management, and logistics. Creative and analytical thinker, attentive to detail, and excellent organizational skills. Also fluent in Spanish & English, with intermediate proficiency in Brazilian Portuguese.
ACTIVITIES & SERVICE City of Gainesville Development Review Board Member – 2012 to 2014 Graduate student representative for the University of Florida Student Chapter of the American Association of Landscape Architects (SCASLA) from 2008-2009 English Teacher volunteer for Inglés Abre Puertas (English Opens Doors) program for the Chilean Ministry of Education, teaching English with students from K-12. May to August, 2008 Member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) - 2007 - Present Member of Sigma Lambda Alpha – National Honor Society for Landscape Architecture – 2008-Present Extended curriculum vitae and references available upon request.
27