construction
architecture
Kate O'Brien
S u s ta inabl e D e sig n ecology
Education
Conway School of Landscape Design • Conway, Massachusetts
Masters of Science in Ecological Design (June 2015)
The Conway School is an intensive program that provides a unique education with three real-life projects of varying scale and a focus in sustainable design.
Norwich University • Northfield, Vermont
Bachelors of Science in Architectural Studies (June 2014) Minor in Construction Management (June 2014)
Landscape Design & Planning Experience
Trail Design Manual
CIRENAS, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica As part of a two-person team, worked to complete a trailassessment manual with techniques to mitigate conditions including erosion, and steep slopes in a wildlife refuge. The manual defined sustainable trail standards and included construction illustrations. A conceptual connection between the refuge and school campus was designed. (CSLD April-June 2015)
Master Plan
Bernardston, Massachusetts Worked in collaboration with two other students to update Bernardston’s Master Plan with a focus on land use, natural and cultural resources and watershed. Bernardston is a rural town located in western Massachusetts with a population of approximately two thousand people. The Master Plan was developed to address the town's desire to both maintain its rural character and promote economic development. Analyzed viewshed, fragmentation and BioMap2 with data from ArcGIS. Presented at community meetings and conducted interviews with town committees. Provided phased recommendations for the next twenty years. (CSLD January-March 2015)
Landscape Master Plan
Emily Dickinson Museum, Amherst, Massachusetts Inventoried and analyzed site conditions, including existing vegetation, access and circulation, views, town regulations, parking and transportation, drainage, soils and slopes. Designed a landscape master plan that focused on site circulation, sited a new interpretive center, and reflected the landscape of Emily Dickinson’s time. Presented the final document to the Emily Dickinson Museum committee. (CSLD September-December 2014)
Architecture Experience
Solar Decathlon Landscape Designer & Fire Safety Captain Irvine, California
Participated in a competition to design and build a 1,000 sq. ft. solar powered house. Developed the site plan including the exterior ramps with compliance to ADA. Worked on construction documents and ensured that all site work was of safe conduct. (NU October 2013)
Intern, Duo Dickinson Architectural Firm Madison, Connecticut
Built various models during schematic design including residential, educational, religious and an apartment complex. Took measurements at a shelter as well as two residential buildings. Became affiliated with standard dimensions and noted structural components. (June-August 2013)
Intern, State of Vermont Department of Planning Montpelier, Vermont
Identified all of the greens across the state and created ANR Atlas Maps for each green. Traveled to seven greens to take pictures, and converse with locals about how they use the space. Created Illustrated Site Maps for eighteen greens and Case Studies for the seven greens visited. Participated in an interview process and planning conference. Published work on the state's website. (June- August 2014)
Founder and Owner, O'Brien Landscape Clinton, Connecticut
Started gardening and landscaping business. Acquired time management and communication skills balancing various projects. Created designs that fit client's budgets. (June 2010-2013)
Skills
• AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Sketchup, Revit, Rhino, Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Office, GPS • Model making (chipboard, foam, plywood and basswood) • Watercolor, hand drawing, report writing, community meetings and engagement, project budgeting, international experience and public speaking
Awards & Certifications
Norwich Academic Achievement Scholarship (2010-2014) Norwich University Honors Scholarship (2010-2014) Osha 30 Certified •
Certified Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2013)
Visual Design Best in Show (2011) •
Pen and ink drawing of boardwalk extending marsh landscape.
Principal’s Cup Award Scholarship (2010) Knights of Columbus Scholarship (2010) Dowd Scholarship (2010)
Volunteer
Norwich University Buddy Up •
Mentored local children providing games and education. Organized a fund-raiser to collect money for a local family who lost their home.
The Morgan High School • •
Coordinated a community garden day to plant gardens within the school’s courtyard. Held an assembly to promote sustainable practices and started composting at school.
Clinton Pretty Committee •
Worked with members of my town to clean up and revive Clinton.
St. Mary’s •
Raised money for Food For The Poor; taught Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
Locks of Love •
1082 Carlton Pl #TC, Frederick, MD
Donated my hair several times to provide wigs for women with cancer.
kateob9@outlook.com
(860) 510 9531