Jacob is in his last year of the
3. What was your undergraduate degree and how did it influence your decision to pursue a MLA?
My undergraduate degree is in Sustainability with a minor in Plant Sciences. I did not know about Landscape Architecture as a discipline until I took an urban ecology course for my sustainability degree. I was instantly drawn towards the field, as I wanted to be a part of creating solutions to the anthropogenic issues I was learning about in my undergraduate courses.
6. What activities do you pursue outside the school?
I enjoy hiking, going on bike rides, walking my dog (anything that gets me outside)
12. Did you have an internship or externship experience? What did you learn from it?
I had the opportunity to intern with Ross/Fowler here in Knoxville, and was exposed to just about every aspect of Landscape Architecture from site visits to project meetings and presentations, construction administration, master plan drafting, detail specifications. I had a great experience of being immersed into the studio and had the pleasure of collaborating with everyone in the office.
14. What do you like the most about the University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
The University of Tennessee has become a second home to me. After being here for the past seven years I have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many amazing people, and travel to countless beautiful places that the southeast has to offer.
15. Do you have any pets?
My partner and I have four cats (Wrigley, Lincoln, Periwinkle, & Voodoo) and one dog (Aurora)
21. How has your perception of landscape architecture changed over time?
When I was first introduced to landscape architecture I viewed it as a means of using plants to beautify our built environment around us. I'm learning the discipline is much more than that, I now view landscape architecture as a design medium that allows us to create interventions / opportunities for people to reconnect with nature.
24. What is the last book you read?
I am currently reading Shrouded in Light by Kevin Williams & Michael Guidi
25. Where do you get the most inspiration for your work/projects?
I am the most inspired by my everyday experiences in the world around me, whether it is a project installed on campus, or hiking out in the smokies, our natural world offers us much more than we see at the surface.
27. What is your favorite graduate school experience?
One of my favorite graduate school experiences has been going on a regional studio trip throughout Appalachia. Getting to see the beautiful scenery that Appalachia has to offer and connecting with communities was a very fulfilling experience.