Ladd Schiess
Posted by Communications2 on May. 5, 2024 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
Name: Ladd Schiess
Title: Senior Associate
Company: G Brown Design, Inc
How long have you been an SMPS member?
1 year
How long have you worked at your company?
2 years
How would you describe your role/job?
In a small design firm like G Brown, it’s important to wear many hats. As a landscape architect, my job is part horticulture, architecture, civil engineering, and art. As an employee of a small firm, I get to add to it proposal writing, marketing, and general office tasks. Project managing from design through construction allows me to work with many allied industries and get to know our clients.
What are the rewards of your job?
Although I spend much of the time stuck behind a desk, I do get to go to job sites and see my designs get built. There is nothing more rewarding than developing great working relationships with clients, contractors, and other design consultants who come together to create a physical place that you can all go back again and again. It’s great knowing you are a part of something that benefits your community.
What are your challenges?
With the market being as hot as it has been, managing time between existing projects and marketing can be difficult. Both endeavors need attention. Additionally, time is needed to mentor emerging professionals.
What has been your most meaningful project?
Wow! Which of my babies is my favorite? Ok, it’s not quite like that, as I do have favorites. The one that rises to the top is the Fortaleza Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Brazil. Imagine working on a project that takes you to the tree farms of Brazil for days as you see the variety of plants and construction methods used there. What made it so rewarding was size (nearly 4 city blocks) and quality of the project as well as this amazing team I worked with. The cherry on top was revisiting last spring with my wife and the landscape contractors as they explained how this is the most beautifully designed and maintained landscape in the entire state of Ceará. It still makes me smile.
How has SMPS membership helped you?
The SMPS workshops have helped me not only be a better marketer, but have helped me be a better professional. The information shared from our SMPS community to my office have helped us improve our methods, procedures, and attitudes to create a more successful workplace.
What's the best career advice you've received?
Go home! (set boundaries)
What's the best career advice you've given?
I once gave advice and years later it was told back to me: If you are stuck designing parking lots, make them the best parking lots that they can be. Don’t wait for your best to arrive, bring it to where you’re at.
What has contributed to your success?
The great people I have worked with have contributed to my success on every level. From seasoned professionals to emerging professionals, the variety of perspectives helps you see all the way around. The key is to remember what they say and apply it at the right times.
What’s on your bucket list?
- Finish moving-in and remodeling our house (it’s been 3 years!)
- Travel to Hawaii, Japan, China, Egypt, Türkiye, Spain
- Go on a cruise
What was your childhood dream?
Design and manage successful botanic gardens with all sorts of plants and flowers. (I also really wanted to go to be a Landscape Architect and go to Rio de Janeiro, both of which I have done.)
Guilty pleasure:
I’m an open book; I’m not embarrassed about anything 😉. JK, ask me in person if you really want to know and maybe, just maybe, I’ll tell you.
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