McGill Celebrates Landscape Architecture Month
Interview with Kurtis Durrant, PLA, for Landscape Architecture Month
It is only fitting that we celebrate the outstanding work of our land planning and recreation staff as National Landscape Architecture Month draws to a close.
They are dedicated to developing spaces that harmoniously combine built and natural environments, and they also work hard to ensure that communities are given opportunities to thrive and every individual within that community feels welcome to enjoy the results of their efforts.
WHY IS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IMPORTANT?
Landscape architecture is the art of developing outdoor and indoor areas of varied proportions that incorporate elements of nature, craft, engineering, construction, and culture to achieve aesthetic yet environmentally conscious outcomes.
MEET KURTIS DURRANT, PLA
When asked what the most rewarding aspect of his job is, McGill Planner Kurtis Durrant said, “what I find most rewarding is the impact that the work I am a part of can have on a community.”
An example of this impact is when Kurtis worked on a park in Kernersville, North Carolina. Along with additional members of our land planning and recreation team, he worked on the park concept, design, and completed the engineering documents ahead of construction.
“About six months later, I went to go visit the park after it was completed and while I was there the local high school was having their prom. They were having their photographs taken at the park, because it was a great and aesthetically pleasing place downtown — and they all spoke about how much they loved it, which made me happy,” said Kurtis.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING OUTSIDE
“The main reason I wanted to go into landscape architecture was to design and create spaces that make people want to go outside,” Kurtis explained. “Whether it’s a little pocket park downtown or a 300-acre nature park, the goal is to get people outside with their friends and family and have them enjoying nature and the world around them.”
“I believe getting outside not only helps with cognitive and social abilities but also physical abilities. It is so important to have designated spaces where kids can go outside and play in a non-structured way. This leads to them developing their motor skills and using their creativity,” noted Kurtis.
PRICE LANDING PARK HAS UNIQUE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS
“Price Landing Park was a cool project because it’s along the Intracoastal Waterway and some of the elements are very particular for that area. Instead of just having a playground, we designed gardens and adventure play areas and stormwater educationopportunities. So, this is a place where there are opportunities for play and learning.”
HOW MCGILL’S LAND PLANNING AND RECREATION TEAM REMAINS ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
“Environmental preservation is always on our radar. When we begin working on a project, the top three things we try to think about is how it is going to benefit the community, how it is helping the needs of the municipality, and what are the environmental benefits that it is providing.”
LEARN MORE
Click here to learn more about our award-winning land planning and recreation team and call 844.448.4333 or send an email to info@mcgillassociates.com for more information on how we can get your next landscape architecture project off the ground.
