Melissa N Brown, Landscape Archtecture Design Portfolio
Melissa Brown
Landscape Architecture Design Portfolio
Melissa Brown
ABOUT ME
A lifelong gardener, I am passionate about creating spaces which improve the human experience and increase ecological functions. As a volunteer I’ve enjoyed educating others on how to create sustainable resilient gardens.
My background in landscape maintenance and horticulture has provided me with a unique perspective and extensive knowledge of plant behavior within landscapes.
CONTACT
PHONE
(407) 446-8439
EMAIL
brown.melissa.n@gmail.com
LINKEDIN
linkedin.com/in/melissa-nicole-brown/
EDUCATION
MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
The University of Texas at Arlington, TX | 2024
BACHELOR OF UNIVERSITY STUDIES
The University of Texas at Arlington, TX | 2019
ASSOCIATES OF SCIENCE IN HORTICULTURE
Valencia College Orlando, FL | 2008
ORGANIZATIONS
DFW | TEXAS | NATIONAL | AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Member | Aug 2019 - Present
UTA STUDENT CHAPTER | AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Vice President | May 2021 - June 2023
EXPERIENCE
INTERN | TALLEY ASSOCIATES
Dallas, TX | May - November 2023
HORTICULTURIST | FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN
The University of Texas at Arlington | Jan 2022 - May 2023
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT | INSTITUTE OF URBAN STUDIES
Fort Worth, TX | May 2014 - Aug 2019
SENIOR HORTICULTURIST | SEA WORLD
Orlando, FL | July 2008 - Oct 2010
TECHNICAL SKILLS
AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
3D MODELING
Sketchup Pro, Lumion
OTHER
Arc GIS, GRAPHICS
VOLUNTEER
INTERN | LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER
Austin, TX | April 2013 - May 2014
WATERSHED VOLUNTEER | SAINT JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Orlando, FL | 2008 - 2010
01
THE MARKET: LEWPSS
DALLAS, TEXAS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION + VISION
The LEWPSS is a vibrant hub where residents, staff, and visitors can Live, Eat, Work, Play, Shop, and Sleep. Situated within the Southwestern Medical District, this mixed-use urban development seamlessly integrates with the iconic Dallas Market Hall and Renaissance Hotel. Pedestrian-focused skywalks and sidewalks, lined with bioswales and shaded by both new and existing trees, connect the district, prioritizing health and safety.
The design places a strong emphasis on creating a serene environment, with ample large and pocket parks dispersed throughout. Buildings are thoughtfully designed to offer relaxing nature views, enhancing the overall experience for users. Notably, to ensure a safe and uplifting atmosphere for patients visiting the children’s hospital, the site is designed without roads crossing through it. Additionally, a spacious play area adjacent to the Children’s Health Buildings provides a joyful space for young patients.
BLUE-GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
People
• Space for Children of all abilities to Play
• Wide Tree-Lined Sidewalks to Encourage Active Living
• Views of Nature to Reduce Stress Environment
• Blue - Green Infrastructure
• Preserve Tree Canopy
• Increase Biodiversity
• Enhance the Medical District
• Multiple Housing Opportunities at all income levels
• Mixed-Use Commercial Spaces to Drive the Local Economy
TRAFFIC FLOW
BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURAL PARKING
ROADS AND SURFACE PARKING
• Mitigate the Urban Heat Island
THE MARKET: LEWPSS
PERSPECTIVE IMAGES
URBAN DESIGN STUDIO V | PROFESSOR: TANER OZDIL | PROJECT LENGTH: 5 WEEKS
TOOLS: AUTOCAD | SKETCHUP | PHOTOSHOP | LUMION
NEW DEVELOPMENT CENTRAL PARK
PARK VIEW FROM OFFICE TOWERS SKYWALK
TOOLS: AUTOCAD | SKETCHUP | PHOTOSHOP | LUMION
MULTI MODAL TRANSPORTATION
1.7 ACRE PLAY SPACE WITH GRASS BERMS
ENHANCED SOCIALIZATION THROUGH CLIMATE RESILIENCE
ARLINGTON, TEXAS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION + VISION
A university campus landscape should serve as a natural haven where students and faculty can relax, socialize, and find respite from their academic endeavors. However, in North Texas, the weather can often be challenging, making outdoor spaces uncomfortable and susceptible to climate-related stresses that undermine their intended purpose.
The thesis titled “Landscape Design That Enhances Socialization & Community Through Climate Resilience: Guidelines for North Texas Universities” proposes guidelines aimed at creating landscapes that promote social interaction while remaining resilient to the region’s climate extremes.
With the frequency of record-breaking heatwaves, droughts, intense rainstorms, and occasional cold spells on the rise, it is crucial for landscapes to be designed with resilience in mind to withstand these climate threats effectively.
Nedderman
UTA GREENE RESEARCH QUAD
Bioswale
ENHANCED SOCIALIZATION THROUGH CLIMATE RESILIENCE
PERSPECTIVE IMAGE
UTA BLVD ENTRANCE
TOOLS: AUTOCAD | SKETCHUP | PHOTOSHOP | LUMION
SHADED PLAZA WITH EYE OF UTA FOUNTAIN
MUSEUM KINETIC GARDEN
ARLINGTON, TEXAS
This design was crafted with the intention of drawing more visitors to an underutilized area of downtown Arlington.
Inspired by the kinetic artworks of Alexander Calder, the landscape design incorporates sculptures and plants which are chosen for their ability to sway gracefully in the breeze, ensuring year-round visual interest
/ SPIDERWORT / GUARA MIX
CREPE MYRTLE
AMERICAN ELM
JUNIPER
RED OAK
HABITURF 17. LITTLE GEM MAGNOLIA 18. BULBINE
19. RED YUCCA
20. KINETIC SCULPTURE 21. FRIENDSHIP STATUE
PERSPECTIVE + PLANT LIST
SEASONAL INTEREST MATRIX
VIEW OF GARDEN FROM MAIN STREET
1. DAY LILY / SPIDERWORT / GUARA MIX
2. SEDGE / DAYLILY MIX
7. RUSSIAN SAGE
12. CREPE MYRTLE LEGEND
16. HABITURF 17. LITTLE GEM MAGNOLIA
RED YUCCA
KINETIC SCULPTURE
JJ CULBERSON FOUNTAIN
PARIS, TEXAS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION + VISION
The design proposal for the historic downtown fountain plaza in Paris, Texas, aims to maximize impact while being mindful of the city’s limited resources.
The primary objective is to develop a cohesive design that attracts visitors throughout the year. New benches have been strategically placed along the sidewalk, enhancing accessibility and comfort. To ensure durability and stability, existing bricks will be repositioned with a concrete border, harmonizing with sidewalks in other parts of the city. An arbor is also proposed to provide shade and create an inviting atmosphere for visitors.
MCNAIR ELEMENTARY GARDEN DESIGN
DENTON, TEXAS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION + VISION
The proposed design will rejuvenate a courtyard at a North Texas elementary school. It includes enhancements to the existing pond and introducing a vegetable garden alongside native, pollinator-friendly plants. This setup will provide students with opportunities to learn about their local ecosystem and gain insights into food production processes. The site will also feature seating areas for students and faculty to relax, complemented by a shade structure that offers a comfortable environment for outdoor learning.
THE ARLINGTON GREENWAY
ARLINGTON, TEXAS
PROJECT DESCRIPTION + VISION
The Lincoln Square area, along with commercial zones east on Collins St and those directly north across I-30, are strategically positioned to attract substantial business traffic as people traverse the metroplex. However, despite being technically walkable, these areas lack a seamless transition between sections.
The Arlington Greenway aims to address these challenges through mixed-use urban development, creating spaces where communities can gather and thrive. A bluegreen infrastructure corridor will link parks throughout Arlington, featuring shaded walkways adorned with locally adapted plants to facilitate multimodal, pedestrianfriendly transportation. This interconnected network of bioswales and landscaped areas will not only absorb stormwater but also provide a pathway for pollinators to traverse the city.
