Alex Michael Smith

LandConcepts Group, Blue Bell, PA, US, Landscape Designer/Project Manager

http://www.landconceptsgroup.com/

• Schematic design, campus/educational/recreational facility planning, park/trail design, stormwater management, wetland delineation, construction documentation, cost estimates, planting plans.
• Project Manager: Mount Saint Joseph’s Academy Master Plan Development, Miles Park Armed Forces Monument.
• Render plans, perspectives, sections and elevations within various mediums of hand drafting, 3-D modeling, and other computer software programs (Adobe Series, AutoCAD, SketchUp).

Waterfront Toronto, Toronto, ON, CA, Landscape Design Representative

http://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/

• One of sixteen LA students selected to participate in a collaborative design workshop (16 weeks) in association with Waterfront Toronto, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, and other community representatives.
• Created a conceptual master plan of a seven block site, to be part of the new Lower Don Lands redevelopment initiative in Toronto, Ontario.
• After each LArch and Arch team finalized the overall neighborhood design, individuals then focused on a specific, self-interest design area to further investigate and develop.
• “Waterfront Index Park" proposed sustainable redevelopment of a seven block neighborhood adjacent to the historic Ship Channel in Toronto, Ontario. The waterfront community park also created a new recreational tract for locals, and initiated innovative stormwater management strategies, while highlighting the redesigned ecological spillway and its surrounding ecosystems.

Conewago Creek Initiative, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon Counties, PA, US, Community Outreach Representative

http://www.conewagoinitiative.net/

• One of three LA students to participate in an independent study / community volunteer program (12 weeks) in association with Penn State’s University Park Landscape Architecture Program, Penn State's Capital Campus Hydro-Engineering Program and the Conewago Creek Initiative.
• Introduced an informative management booklet (print / online versions), which addressed stormwater dilemmas and emphasized sustainable design solutions. Developed and presented a lecture series focused on cost efficient stormwater management strategies for local community.

Groundwork Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, US, Landscape Design Representative

http://www.groundworkbuffalo.org/

• One of fourteen LA students selected to represent Penn State University in an integrative design studio (16 weeks) in association with Groundwork Buffalo (non-profit community outreach organization) and other local community leaders.
• Developed cost effective design concepts of vacant properties in Buffalo, NY. Assisted with design strategies and solutions, looking to retrofit both small scale residential properties and overall neighborhoods.
• “Artist's Corridor" proposed new, low-cost redevelopment designs of several vacant residences located in Buffalo's Eastside Neighborhood, providing varying opportunities to express the "inner artist." Designs introduced "safe sites" including mural/graffiti parks, community dye and paint gardens, and sculptural showcase parks allowing for a new overall community identity.

Penn State University: The Hamer Center for Community Design, University Park, PA, US, Research Assistant

http://hamercenter.psu.edu/welcome

• Produced data sets, maps, and aided as research assistant to Jessica Cook (PSU MLA Program) and Dr. Timothy Murtha (PSU Landscape Architecture Professor).

• "Examining the Relationships Between Design Quality Indicators of the Built Environment and Health Status of Youth In Rural Pennsylvania" -- Numerous studies have linked health (and obesity in particular) to the active living opportunities close to where people live. Moreover, it is likely that the attractiveness of the sidewalks and parks in the community also have an effect on willingness to be physically active. This study looks at the relationship between body mass index (BMI) as a measure of obesity, and thus health; neighborhood walkability; and perceived attractiveness as measured by a design quality indicators analysis (DQI). This study is set in rural Pennsylvania.

The Pantheon Institute (Sede di Roma), Rome, Italy, Bachelors, Rome Study Abroad Program: Landscape Architecture

https://stuckeman.psu.edu/arch/sede-di-roma

• Department wide study abroad program in association with Penn State University.
• Program focused on historical vs. contemporary urban development and streetscape design.
• In addition to the educational experience, self-growth and professional education trips throughout Europe included: London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, Venice, Cinque Terre, and Florence.