Landscape Architecture Portfolio
Nick Schild, PLAAs I look back on my life, I can never remember a part of it where I did not have the dream of becoming a landscape architect...................
Spring 2009
Principles of Design
As I look back on my life, I can never remember a part of it where I did not have the dream of becoming a landscape architect...................
Spring 2009
Principles of Design
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
SketchUp
Photoshop
Design Typologies
Public Realm
Leisure + Culture Streetscape
Sustainability
Situated on a hypothetical vacant corner lot, the Urban Community Park focused on Urban Heat Island Reduction, Stormwater Mitigation, Urban Greening, and passive recreation for local residents. In addition to being structural elements and visual interests, the water feature and pervious pavers played major roles in protecting the local watershed by capturing and retaining contaminated roadway stormwater. The linear planting of streetscape canopy trees in conjunction with the dense vegetation of the park reduced temperatures of the locations microclimate and provided residents relief in periods of intense heat. When combined, the elements of the park provided an escape from the daily stresses of working and living in a urban environment.
Section drawings depicting the dense vegetation and stormwater harvesting water feature of the park.
The master plan demonstrates the greening of a once impervious vacant lot and the balance between the park’s vegetation cover and hardscaping.
Fall 2009
Project 2
Rendering
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
Design Typologies
Urban Design
Public Realm
Leisure + Culture
Sustainability
This page contains a small collection of hand renderings and models that I did as a student at the University of Florida. Lead pencil perspective drawings, residence elevation, and planting plan drawing were selected to be featured in the collection.
Site Design
Project 3
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
AutoCad
SketchUp
Photoshop
Design Typologies
Campus+Institutional
Conservation
Sustainability
Utilizing the principles of Low Impact Development to site the infrastructure elements of the project resulted in the conservation of valuable shoreline property and extensive buffers to protect the environmentally sensitive areas of the project site. Based on the initial site-analysis of the project, the intent of the conceptual design phase was to mirror the existing shoreline to develop buffers, views, and structure placement. The angular design of the campus structures contrasted the orthogonal plan of the adjacent residential development creating a sense of place, unique spaces, and enhanced the experience of the individual user.
Site Design
Project 4
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
AutoCad
SketchUp
Photoshop
Design Typologies
Urban Design
Community+Residential
Conservation
Sustainability
The goal of the Urban Brownfield Infill Project was to revitalize and remediate a 92 square acre contaminated site located in an undesirable section Southwest Gainesville. A former railroad line bisects the site creating a commercial retail area to the north and a industrial area to the South. As a result of decades of industrial manufacturing, the southern portion of the site became contaminated with heavy metals, petroleum products, and commercial chemicals. In 1998, the site was categorized as a Brownfield by the EPA and became eligible for government funding.
Revitalizing and remediating the site was achieved by utilizing bioremediation methods to remove soil contaminants, integrating mixed-use and residential development, and creating stormwater mitigation areas. The central linear green space of the site served as a stormwater park, recreation area, and a unifying connecting element between the residential community to the West and the mixed-use development to the East. A bike and pedestrian trail that tied into an existing city trail system was developed by capitalizing on the reuse of the sites abandoned railroad line.
Through the process of rezoning and progressive design, the once neglected contaminated industrial site became a vibrant up and coming district for the City of Gainesville. The successful integration of residential to mixed-use appealed to the city’s diverse demographics while creating a walkable community focused on the use of public transportation. The swales and central linear green space allowed for stormwater runoff to be retained on site, protecting the local watersheds and springs from further contamination.
Fall 2009
Project 5
Construction
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
AutoCad
Photoshop
Construction
Design Typologies
Urban Design
Transit+Infrastructure
Grading
Sustainability
The scope of this project was to design/construct a foundation and parking area for a future office building in addition to grading the site to ensure proper drainage. An open space to the North of a lake and centered between two woodland conservation zones to the east and west was selected for the office building and parking lot. In order to prevent further impairment of the lake to the south of the project site a 150 foot buffer was established and an on site stormwater management plan was development. Vegetative swales paralleling the roadway edge and adjacent to the structure and parking areas channeled stormwater to on site retention areas where it infiltrated the soil profile ultimately, recharging local groundwater supplies.
Spring 2010
Planting Design
Project 6
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
Photoshop
Design Typologies
Urban Design
Public Realm
Leisure + Culture
Sustainability
Located within an urban community, the primary function and goal of the Urban Courtyard Design was to create individual spaces that provided the user an escape from the hectic atmosphere of the city. This was achieved by utilizing plant material to create enclosure, reduce noise pollution, and provide a sense of privacy. The secluded unique spaces of the courtyard were formed by the massing of shrubs, sub-shrubs, and groundcovers, essentially creating vegetative walls. Large palms were used in the courtyard planting design for visual interest, dimensional height, and scaling and provided a comfortable feel for the individual user.
Spring 2010
Planting Design
Project 7
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
AutoCad
SketchUp
Photoshop
Design Typologies
Urban Design
Community+Residential
Conservation
Sustainability
Founded as an art colony in 1937 by visionary American artist and architect, André Smith, the Maitland Art Center offers the residents and visitors of Central Florida unique gallery exhibitions, art programming, and a strong curriculum of art instruction in an intimate atmosphere. Visit this historic, aesthetic gem set in the middle of busy Central Florida. The Art Center has a noticeable distinctive character and is one of the few surviving examples of “Mayan Revival” or fantasy architecture in the Southeast. The Center is recognized by the State of Florida as an historic site and is entered on the National Register of Historic Places. Because of the historic nature of the property, the unsustainable and outdated landscape was in dire need of attention.
While maintaining the historic character of the Maitland Art Center a planting design featuring drought tolerant and low maintenance plants was developed to revitalize the current decades old landscape. This was achieved by using proven Florida landscape plant material such as: Rosa ‘Radcon’, Agapanthus praecox, Dianella tasmanica ‘Variegata’, and viburnum Obovatum ‘Densa’. Additionally, the selected plant pallet enhanced exterior environment of the art center by providing visual interest, continuous color, intimate scale, highlighting architectural details.
Computer generated perspectives highlighting the experience of the art center’s users.
Incorporating a Podocarpus macrophyllus foundation planting and specimen Ilex x ‘Conaf’ reduced the rigid geometric feel of the court yard and softened the structure’s orthogonal design. The deep red of the Rosa ‘Radcon’ and the vibrant purple of the Agapanthus praecox blooms added a splash of contrasting color to the earth tone structure in addition to attracting wildlife such as, Butterflies, Honey Bees, and Humming Birds.
The reuse of the art center’s existing planters and landscape beds proved to be cost effective and environmental responsible.
Fall
Project 8
Urban Design
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
AutoCad
SketchUp
Photoshop
InDesign
Design Typologies
Urban Design
Community+Residential
Conservation
Sustainability
Public Realm
Leisure + Culture
Portfolio | Nick Schild | August 2023
As the result of relocating the site’s industrial components to other areas of the city, implementing environmental buffers, and day-lighting Hogan’s Creek, a greenway connection between the North boundary of the Cathedral District and the waterfront was created. In addition to outlining the newly formed Hogan’s Creek Watershed and improving stormwater management in the Cathedral District, the greenway offered the residents and visitors of Jacksonville an expansive downtown recreation area and event venue.
Integrating mixed-use structures, roundabouts, bike lanes, streetscaping, lighting, transit stop lanes provided the newly found district with revitalized identity and provided citizens and visitors with a sense of community. Additionally, the new traffic engineering solutions eased vehicle congestion and provided bicyclist, walkers, and runners a safe lane of travel.
Fall 2010
Project 9
Design Implementation
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
AutoCad
SketchUp
Photoshop
InDesign
Design Typologies
Urban Design
Conservation
Sustainability
Public Realm
Leisure + Culture
Situated in Downtown Gainesville, the Urban Plaza Design
Project’s intent was to provide employees of local businesses a safe retreat for work breaks and lunches. The conceptual phase and design theme of the project was driven by examples and features taken from the prized local area springs. The end result was a environmentally sound, functional, safe, and educational urban plaza that was constructed using local building materials.
Project 9
The “Sequence Shade” structure was designed utilizing the leaf, one of nature’s finest functioning elements as a conceptual example. Mimicking rain droplets and individual leaves, the shade structures provided visitors of the urban park relief from the intense Florida sun. The sleek and suspended design allowed the shade structures to be able to withstand hurricane force winds and meet local wind codes requirements.
Spring 2012
Project 10
Capstone
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
AutoCad
SketchUp
Photoshop
InDesign
Illustrator
Design Typologies
Urban Design
Community+Residential
Conservation
Sustainability
Historic Preservation
Water Conservation Applying the framework of sustainable design and green retrofit methods will significantly increase the performance and energy efficiency of the historic Seagle Building, a 10 story office and condominium building located in downtown Gainesville, Florida. The structure consist of three roof levels, a 10-story tower, two-story 4031 sq ft flat roof, and a one-story 8158 sq ft flat roof. Green roof plantings, outdoor passive recreation areas, large photovoltaic (PV) panel array, and rainwater harvesting system will be employed on the one-story larger flat roof. The second level roof (4031 sq ft) will feature the building’s rainwater and HVAC condensate harvesting system. The focus of this project will be to employ methods from the framework of sustainable design and green retrofit such as green roof design, PV panels, and water harvesting systems to increase building performance and reduce energy consumption of the annex portion of the building. All phases of the design adhere to the standards and codes from The Sustainable Sites Initiative, LEED EB certification, ASTM, OSHA, AICE, and conservation of natural resources.
The goal of Seagle Building Green Roof Project was to develop a diverse program utilizing the framework of sustainable design that will manage and direct the Seagle Building Green Retrofit Project, culminating in an environmentally sound and resource efficient structure that will serve as a model to future sustainable building projects.
Center Right: The shadow analysis suggest that PV panels located on the north portion of the roof will receive at least 5 daily hours (the standard) of peak solar radiance. The specified PV array in the design has the potential to produce approximately 13,500 watts a day.
Upper Right: The 10 story tower located south and attached to the project site, is noticeably the tallest structure in the site context area. Its width is consistent with other structures in the area. Currently, there are not any comparable structures in the area due to the sprawl development that has taken place in Gainesville. In most cases the Seagle Building is 7-8 stories taller than the adjacent buildings.
Right: The central location of the Seagle Building will provide optimal public exposure and demonstrate and model the benefits of sustainable design and green retrofit projects.
The project goal of integrating history with sustainability was accomplished and resulted in a high performing and energy efficient structure. The HVAC condensate harvesting system, green roof, permeable paving, interactive display boards, and organic garden played a vital role in the project’s success.
Spring 2012
Project 11
GIS Studio
Project Skills
ArcGIS
Photoshop
InDesign
Urban Design
Conservation
Sustainability
Water Conservation
This page contains projects selected from my 5th year GIS Studio. Among the selected projects are: feasibility studies, water quality analysis, canopy coverage analysis, amenity distances, and suitability analysis. All of the projects were conducted in Alachua County and addressed current issues and analysis required for state, county, and city sustainability and design endeavors.
Fall 2010
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
AutoCad
SketchUp
Photoshop InDesign
Illustrator
Design Typologies
Research
Conservation
Sustainability
Water Conservation
In the spring of 2012, my final semester, I was chosen to participate in the College of Design, Construction, and Planning annual research showcase. The green roof and plant research I conducted as a student was featured in a presentation and also in a poster session.
Fall
Project 13
Research
Project Skills
AutoCad
Photoshop InDesign
Landscaping
Construction
Irrigation
Design Typologies
Research
Sustainability
Water Conservation
For the past four years, I have conducted research and field trials of new plant selections, media types, and moisture retention components to learn how to improve performance, function, and design of green roofs in subtropical climates. The research focused on the potential for improving greenroof function by better understanding the interactions between climatic conditions and the elements of a green roof. During the course of the research, several new plant species, media components, and design methods that retain the potential to advance and improve green roof performance in subtropical climates were identified.
Alachua County Extension Office
Project 14
Internship
Project Skills
Landscaping
Construction
Irrigation
Design Typologies
Organic Gardening
Conservation
Sustainability
Water Conservation
In conjunction with my green roof and plant research I am conducting, I am testing organic food source and landscape plant species that can adapt to harsh green roof and urban environments. Drought tolerance, low nutrient uptake, soil depth, growth rates, maintenance issues, cold hardiness, and the ability to withstand extreme high temperatures are key factors that are being evaluated. My goal is identify hardy plant species that can be used for urban agriculture and landscaping purposes in multiple planting zones. Last year, the UF green roof agriculture plot produced over 50 pounds of Tomatoes and 15 pounds of Green Peppers.
Fall 2012
Project 15
Urban Design
Project Skills
Landscaping
Construction
Irrigation
Design Typologies
Research
Sustainability
As a research assistant for the University of Florida Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment, I was responsible for propagating, selecting, and maintaining plant material for green roof wind studies and plant uproot testing. Additionally, I contributed to reports, data collection, results analysis, research device development, and assisted the research team with conducting various wind studies and plant uproot testing of built-in-place and modular green roof systems.
Fall 2013
Urban Design
Project Skills
Landscaping
Construction
Irrigation
Design Typologies
Sustainability
Water Conservation
Having 15 plus years experience; I retain expert and working level knowledge related to irrigation design, repair, and installation. This page features a collection of images from some of my recent irrigation installation, designs, as-built diagrams, and repairs projects.
Fall 2014
Project 17
Landscape Design
Project Skills
Landscaping
Construction Irrigation
Hardscaping
Design Typologies
Community+Residential
Sustainability
Water Conservation
This page contains a collection of images that showcase my landscaping and hardscaping skills.
I have been a licensed landscape contractor for 15 years and have worked on a wide range of projects. The images on this page are of some of my most recent projects. In both projects, turf grass was eliminated and replaced native & Florida friendly plants, environmentally conscious mulch, micro-irrigation systems, and permeable concrete pavers.
Fall 2012
Project 18
Urban Design
Project Skills
Landscaping
Construction
Irrigation
Design Typologies
Research
Sustainability
Water Conservation
For 4 plus years, I have volunteered my time, horticultural knowledge, and plant propagation skills by assisting with various projects associated with the University of Florida’s Charles R. Perry Construction Yard Green Roof. My volunteer work included growing plant material, installing plant material, design, irrigation development, and maintenance of the green roof.
Fall 2015
Project 19
Construction Drawings
Project Skills
Hand Graphics
AutoCad
Photoshop
InDesign
Landscaping
Construction
Irrigation
Design Typologies
Community+Residential
Sustainability
Water Conservation
Spring 2013
Project 20
Urban Design
Project Skills
Landscaping
Construction
Design Typologies
Research
Sustainability
Water Conservation
Since I was a child, I had a love for plants and the environment. Plant propagation is a hobby of mine that I am extremely fond of and enjoy doing. In addition to being a hobby of mine, I have applied my plant propagation skills to several University of Florida and landscape installation projects growing unique plant species that typically cannot be found at nurseries.
Spring 2013
Project 21
Urban Design
Project Skills
Landscaping
Construction
Design Typologies
AutoCad
Sustainability
Water Conservation
Landscaping
Construction
A collection of recent commercial and high end residential landscape design projects.
Spring 2012
Urban Design
Project Skills
Media Coverage
Design Typologies
Research
Sustainability
During my time as a student and also as a research assistant at the University of Florida, I was featured in the Gainesville Sun, Home Magazine, and in University Scholars Program Booklet. The articles and images showcased my plant and green roof research.
Construction Drawings
Starkey Ranch Publix
Project Skills
AutoCad
LandFX
Landscaping
Construction
Design Typologies
Community+Commercial
Construction Drawings
Starkey Ranch Business Park Parcel 1
Project Skills
AutoCad
LandFX
Permit Landscape
Construction
Design Typologies
Community+Commercial
PLANTINGSOILANDBACKFILL:PLANTINGSOILFORUSEINPREPARINGBACKFILLFORPLANTPITSSHALLBEAFERTILE, OPTIMALPHLEVELSANDSOILAERATION.ROTOTILLTOADEPTHOF6"ANDINCORPORATEACOMPLETESLOWRELEASE COMMERCIALFERTILIZER:FERTILIZERSSHALLBEUNIFORMINCOMPOSITION,DRY,ANDFREEFLOWINGANDDELIVERED SHRUBSMIXTURESHALLCONSISTOFASLOWRELEASETHEFORMULATIONOF3PARTSNITROGENTO1PART PHOSPHOROUSTO2PARTSPOTASSIUM(3-1-2RATIO).ALLTREESANDSHRUBSSHALLBEFERTILIZEDBIMONTHLYDURING ANDAPPLIEDPERMANUFACTURE'SRECOMMENDATION.UPONESTABLISHMENT,THETURFSHALLBEFERTILIZEDATA RATEOF1LBOFACTUALNITROGENPER1000FT.SQ.ORPERMANUFACTURE'SRECOMMENDATION.(NOTE:BAHIATURF
Fall 2020
Fall 2020
Sapphire Point
Construction Drawings
Project Skills
AutoCad
LandFX
Enhanced Landscape
Construction
Design Typologies
Community+Residential
Fall 2020
Sapphire Point
Construction Drawings
Project Skills
Construction Drawings
Barrington at Sterling Hills
Project Skills
AutoCad
Hardscape
Construction
Design Typologies
Community+Residential
Bell Shoals Road Expansion
Fall 2009
Bell Shoals Road Expansion
Illustrative Concepts
Project Skills
SketchUp
Photoshop
Design Typologies
Urban Design
Community+Residential
Conservation
Winter 2016
Illustrative Sections
Connected City Project
Project Skills
SketchUp
Photoshop
Design Typologies
Urban Design
Community+Residential
Conservation
Landscape Inspection
Landscape Inspection
Project Skills
Landscape
Construction