Rachel Martino, Landscape
Where are you from?
I'm originally from Medford Oregon.
What inspired your decision to come to Environmental Design at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder?
I have loved painting and drawing for most of my life and I’m also very passionate about environmental issues. The ENVD program seemed perfect for me because it combines this passion for design and beauty with a deep appreciation for ecology and sustainability. It feels like a path for me to make a tangible difference in the world around me.
Did you know right away that you wanted to major in landscape architecture? How/when did you know?
I had a gut feeling when I began the program that I would end up majoring in landscape architecture, but it wasn’t until my first landscape architecture studio that I was certain. My brain just loved it. Landscape architecture was a way for me to channel all of my intellectual and creative energy towards something good.
Do you have a favorite project that you’re currently working on/have worked on in the past?
In my 1130 landscape studio we all proposed designs for a tiny little park in downtown Denver. It was the first time I ever got to choose all of the plants for a site, and I focused on native edible plants in my design. I did everything in that project by hand, and so it felt like I was making art. I was really proud of that project.
What has the program taught you about yourself as you’ve taken on your educational career?
I can be a problem solver.
What would you like to do upon graduating from Environmental Design?
I would like to get a job in the field, working for a landscape architecture firm.
What tips or advice would you give to future design students?
Put your heart into every project you do. Take every design as far as you possibly can. Try and stand out if you can, because this is a program where risk is rewarded. Good design takes work.