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Regina, Landscape Designer II at Siegfried Engineering : Advize Career Interview

A career in landscape design offers a dynamic blend of art, science, and math, as evidenced by a Landscape Designer II at Siegfried Engineering.

This professional's journey began with childhood construction experiences and evolved through a UC Davis education, focusing on the artistic aspects of the field.

The daily work is varied, encompassing office design and on-site inspections, requiring creativity, adaptability, and strong time management skills.

Success in this field depends on a "go-getter" attitude, continuous learning, and collaboration with diverse professionals on projects ranging from schools to universities.

While challenges exist, such as prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment, the rewards include involvement in diverse and impactful projects, ultimately contributing to beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.

Students are encouraged to gain hands-on experience through entry-level positions to explore different company sizes and project focuses before entering this exciting and collaborative industry.

A lack of diversity in the field should not be a deterrent; supportive communities can be found within companies. A diverse undergraduate experience, including research and study abroad, is highly beneficial.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Regina Paredes Martinez

Landscape Designer II

Siegfried Engineering

University of California Davis

n/a

Architecture, Interior Design

Professional Services

Product / Service / Software Development and Management

Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, First Generation College Student

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of a Landscape Designer at Siegfried Engineering

Regina's passion for landscape architecture stemmed from childhood experiences helping their dad with construction projects and working at Home Depot, exposing them to "construction and everything." After initially considering civil engineering at UC Davis, they discovered a love for the "art component" of landscape architecture, a blend of art, science, and math, leading to their current role.

Career Path of a Landscape Designer at Siegfried Engineering

Main Responsibilities of a Landscape Designer II at Siegfried Engineering

Regina's main responsibilities as a Landscape Designer II at Siegfried Engineering involve a collaborative team approach where tasks are delegated, encompassing "designing, planting, designing irrigation, site designing, or inspecting." This hands-on role in a small team allows for diverse involvement and continuous learning, with Regina noting that they get "to learn something new every day."

Main Responsibilities of a Landscape Designer II at Siegfried Engineering

A Day In The Life Of A Landscape Designer At Siegfried Engineering

A Landscape Designer II's day-to-day work varies greatly, encompassing both office-based tasks like "designing and doing planting layout, any irrigation layout" and on-site responsibilities such as inspections and "punch walks" to ensure quality and design expectations are met. This variety keeps the work engaging and prevents boredom, offering a dynamic career experience.

A Day In The Life Of A Landscape Designer At Siegfried Engineering

Most Important Skills For A Landscape Designer II At Siegfried Engineering

Regina, a Landscape Designer II, emphasizes the importance of creativity and artistic skills in her profession, highlighting the need to be a "go-getter" who proactively seeks inspiration from diverse sources. The ability to learn and adapt, incorporating ideas from "everybody and everything," is crucial for success.

Most Important Skills For A Landscape Designer II At Siegfried Engineering

Favorite Parts Of Being A Landscape Designer II At Siegfried Engineering

Regina's favorite aspect of working as a Landscape Designer II at Siegfried Engineering is the "diversity of projects," ranging from schools and medical offices to universities and beyond, allowing for varied experiences and involvement at different levels. This variety is a key element of their enjoyment in the role.

Favorite Parts Of Being A Landscape Designer II At Siegfried Engineering

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Landscape Designer II at Siegfried Engineering

Regina's biggest challenge as a Landscape Designer II is prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively, especially given the fast-paced nature of construction where "construction moves very fast". This requires constant attention to deadlines and juggling multiple projects, which necessitates revisiting and completing all tasks.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Landscape Designer II at Siegfried Engineering

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Landscape Design Industry As A Landscape Designer II

Regina, a Landscape Designer II, enjoys the "diversity of projects" and the collaborative nature of the work, meeting and working with "architects, other landscape architects, civil engineers," and other professionals to create "a beautiful site." This highlights the multifaceted and collaborative aspects of the landscape design industry.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Landscape Design Industry As A Landscape Designer II

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Landscape Design Industry, According To A Landscape Designer At Siegfried Engineering

To thrive in landscape design, a "go-getter" attitude is essential, embracing challenges and continuous learning through research and asking questions; the willingness to admit "if you don't know something, you don't have to pretend" is key to success.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Landscape Design Industry, According To A Landscape Designer At Siegfried Engineering

What a Landscape Designer at Siegfried Engineering Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Landscape Design Industry

Entering the landscape design industry, Regina wishes someone had emphasized that "you're definitely not gonna be an expert," and that gaining expertise takes time and diverse project experience. This early career lesson highlights the importance of continuous learning and not being discouraged by a lack of initial knowledge compared to more experienced colleagues.

What a Landscape Designer at Siegfried Engineering Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Landscape Design Industry

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Landscape Designers

Regina, a Landscape Designer II, recommends that undergraduate students seek "hands-on experience" through entry-level positions at landscape architecture firms to explore different company sizes and project focuses, gaining valuable professional skills and determining "if you like a smaller, big company or if you like more of an environmental focus or more of a cityscape or resorts." This practical experience allows students to learn firsthand about the industry and build their knowledge.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Landscape Designers

Significant Career Lesson From a Landscape Designer at Siegfried Engineering

Regina, a first-generation Latina Landscape Designer II, noted the significant impact of observing a lack of diversity in the landscape architecture field, stating "it was very impactful to see that there weren't that many women and that many Latinas out there." Despite the initial challenge of finding "people who you identify with," this experience ultimately led to the realization that diverse, supportive groups can be found within individual companies.

Significant Career Lesson From a Landscape Designer at Siegfried Engineering

College Experiences That Helped A Landscape Designer II At Siegfried Engineering Succeed

To prepare for a career in landscape design, Regina engaged in diverse undergraduate experiences, including research projects on wildfires, a study abroad program designing a museum in Nepal, and participation in various clubs and organizations. This strategy, in Regina's words, allowed for learning "a little bit of everything," boosting their resume and setting them up for success.

College Experiences That Helped A Landscape Designer II At Siegfried Engineering Succeed

Advizer Personal Links

www.linkedin.com/in/regina-paredes

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