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Jon Brooke

Jon Brooke

Evanston, IL, US

 

About 

I am a Landscape Architect with wide experience in all areas of Landscape Planning, Design and Construction.

My belief is that good design must be supported by a sound understanding of materials, processes and
technology, whether these processes and technologies exist on a molecular level, or on the scale of an entire urban region, or bio-region. In almost 22 years of professional experience, I have worked in a broad array of areas of practice in landscape architecture, and each area has demanded attention to such detail. During this time I have become known for my deep knowledge and passion for all aspects of the profession, as well as my ability to impart this knowledge to others, whether informally  to colleagues, or formally clients and students.

Employment 

Design Workshop, Chicago, IL, US, Office Director

Office leader for new Chicago office of Design Workshop

Leading projects and business development.

May 2014 - current
 

Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, IL, US, Associate Adjunct Professor

• LA503 Advanced Contemporary Theory, Spring Term 2009–2014
• LA497-157 Independent Study/Research, Spring 2010

The LA 503 syllabus focuses on the importance of detail in contemporary theory of design through the understanding of the impact of materiality on design form, and the place of a design element within a context of larger systems on a range of scales, minute to massive. These foci are examined through both theoretical research and design activities. To this end, the class incorporates lectures and student-led research on landscape architects and designers in other fields, together with design exercises focused on tiny details in their context on large sites. I have encouraged students to use diagrams and drawings as research tools to draw inferences from reference materials that do not necessarily focus on detail, or from precedents that are not well documented.

Jan 2009 - current
 

Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects, Chicago, IL, US, Principal

Principal Landscape Architect in Commercial Studio of Mid Size Landscape Architecture Firm

Key roles included:
Design and Project Management
Staff/Team Management
Marketing and Development

Project/client types:
Higher Education, Corporate, Commercial Mixed Use, High End Retail, Municipal/Transportation, Healthcare, High-End Residential

Mar 2006 - Feb 2014
 

Land Design Collaborative, Skokie, IL, US, Senior Associate

Senior Associate in small Landscape Architecture Firm

Key Role:
Project Manager/Designer

Project/client types:
Municipal/Transportation, Education, Parks and Recreation, Urban Design, Master Planning

Feb 2002 - Mar 2006
 

Thompson Dyke & Associates, Chicago, IL, US, Landscape Architect

Landscape Architect in Mid-size Landscape Architecture and Planning Firm

Principal Role:
Project Design and Management

Project/Client Types:
Park and Recreation design and planning, Urban Planning, Residential Development, Retail

Sep 1998 - Feb 2002
 

Halsted Welles Associates, New York, NY, US, Design Director

Design Director in Design Build Landscape Architecture Firm

Key Role:
Project Design, Client Management

Project/Client Types:
High End Urban Residential, Rooftops

Sep 1995 - Sep 1998
 

Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, GB, Research Assistant/Lecturer

Research Assistant in Landscape Architecture Practice Group
Lecturer in BA Landscape Architecture Program

Key Roles:
Responsible for research and coordination of University research project associated with planning and development of The Earth Centre project, an Environmental visitor attraction in South Yorkshire, UK. Research focused on environmental assessment, design of sustainable landscape and project-based education.

Lecturing included teaching classes and leading field trips in 3 year BA Landscape Architecture Program.

Feb 1993 - Jul 1995
 

Buckinghamshire County Council, Architects Department, Aylesbury, GB, Landscape Assistant

"Year Out" Landscape Intern in County Architect's design group

Key Roles:
Project design and management

Project Types:
County-owned facilities including schools, police and fire stations, parks, healthcare facilities.

Aug 1990 - Aug 1991
 

Education 

Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, GB, Grad. Dip Landscape Architecture

Post Graduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture

Sep 1991 - Jul 1992
 

Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, GB, BA Landscape Architecture

BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture

Sep 1987 - Jul 1990
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills