RUPPERT

During my internship with Ruppert Landscape’s DC branch, I worked with a large landscape installation subcontractor that did not have in-house landscape architects. Shortly after I arrived, the branch relocated to a new office featuring an empty raised planting bed outside the building. The branch manager invited me to design a small garden space for it, explaining his vision of a hidden seating area enclosed by lush plantings and connected by a meandering path.

​

This project presented a unique design challenge: I was limited to using leftover hardscape materials and plants from previous installations. In addition, I was given a modest budget to purchase a few key species the manager wanted to highlight. I was also asked to design the company’s main sign and the surrounding entry planting bed. Since no existing plans or measurements were available, I manually measured the entire space, created an accurate CAD base plan, and developed a planting design tailored to the available materials and site conditions.

​

I collaborated with the company’s plant purchaser to source additional plants from local wholesale vendors, ensuring both cost-efficiency and design consistency. Once the design was approved, the branch manager scheduled a team planting day as a bonding exercise. I managed the work site, directed layout and installation, and made real-time adjustments when materials were damaged or unavailable. This required flexibility and problem-solving to maintain design intent under construction constraints.

​

The final design balanced aesthetic appeal with functionality and constructability. The layout featured a simple, adaptable framework meant to evolve as the young plants mature and fill in the space. Using individual pavers instead of a continuous walkway created an organic, informal feel while keeping the design cost-effective and achievable for volunteer construction.