VisualCV

I am owner and principal designer of Fountainhead Gardens and owner of On the Terrace. I am also the editor of LandscapeLeadership.com. A 15 year veteran in the landscape industry, I have a bachelors degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University with an emphasis on landscape design.

Presentations

"The Top 9 Reasons Why You MUST Charge Design Fees" - A discussion revealing the nine reasons professional designers must charge for their design expertise, creativity and time. Concepts such as "Client Attraction" and "The Upward Spiral" are explored. (For Professional Designers)

"Leveraging Technology for Maximum Productivity" - An exploration of numerous software and online applications that designers can easily utilize to make their practice and lives more productive. (For Professional Designers)

"Design Techniques to Complement a Home's Architecture and Period" - A discussion exploring the many techniques used to reflect a home's unique architectural style into the garden. We also examine how to design the garden with consideration to the period of the home. (For Professional Designers or Home Owners)

"Case Study: The Tudor Rose - Garden and Architecture as One" - An in-depth look at an extensive garden designed for an English Tudor home built in 1929 on the shores of Lake Macatawa in Holland Michigan. Design techniques and tricks are revealed showing exactly how to tie together a homes architecture and garden. (For Professional Designers or Home Owners)

"Garden Ornament - A Brief History & Modern Application" - An exploration of how ornament was used in great gardens of the past and how designers can utilize these same techniques today. We also discuss material types (stone, iron, terra cotta, etc) and the appropriateness of each. (For Professional Designers or Home Owners)

Writing Topics

• Charging design fees - Why to charge fees, how to charge fees, etc
• Technology - Software and online applications for professional designers
• Inexpensive marketing strategies - Real-world tactics that work
• Design processes - From signing a design contract thru implementation of the design
• Pre-qualifying prospects - Proven strategies for pre-qualifying prospects
• Complementing a home's architecture - Design techniques to reflect a home's architecture in the garden
• Garden ornament - Types of ornament and how to utilize appropriately in a landscape design