Member Shoutout: Jessica Fernandez

Name: Jessica Fernandez, Ph.D, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP ND

Current Employer & Position: UGA College of Environment & Design, Professor

Total Years’ Experience: 14

When did you realize you wanted to become a Landscape Architect? What was your path to get here?

I’ve always worked with the landscape in some form, even as a child. I remember creating habitats for crawdads in my creek growing up, experimenting with rock and plant placement in my yard, and trying to build special places out of sticks and logs. I began my formal college education as an international business major. One day a friend and I were walking past the design college on campus, and she mentioned that landscape architecture would be a good fit based on my interests. She was right! I switched my major and have been at home in landscape architecture ever since.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a Landscape Architect to you?

I have two different perspectives on this question as a former practicing landscape architect and now as an educator. In practice, I always enjoyed thinking about how the sites I designed would impact the lives of its users, existing not only as physical spaces but also as places within peoples’ thoughts and memories. Thinking about this, landscape architecture shapes our world in so many significant ways, seen and unseen. As an educator, I’m rewarded daily with the amazing energy, talent, and ideas that future landscape architects bring to the table and enjoy helping them fulfill their dreams!

 What projects are you working on now? And/or what is your favorite project that you have worked on?

My favorite project I’ve worked on was LSU’s Tiger Stadium Plaza. Having completed all of my degrees at southeastern universities, it was exciting to help create a place where I knew that so much activity would occur, and that I would perhaps get to experience one day as a rival fan! Currently as a teacher and researcher, I enjoy exploring new ways to understand place, including through VR, AR, and big data. Technology is changing rapidly and it is fun to figure out how different and emerging approaches can apply within our industry.

 What advice would you give to emerging professionals?

Setting career goals is important to keep you moving forward, but you also must have a level of faith and trust in your journey. The road is rarely straight to get there and it would perhaps be less enjoyable if it was.

 What would you like to do more of, if you could?

I would love to do more watercolor painting and creative writing. My creative outlet is currently through the work of my students. While this is very rewarding, I hope to pick it up again one day myself!

 Is there anything else you would like to share with GAASLA members?

I began my career as a GAASLA member years ago but have since been practicing landscape architecture and pursuing my doctoral degree in other states. I’m so pleased to be back in Georgia where I am from, and I look forward to exploring the significant progress and many changes that landscape architects have made here for people and the environment.