Since receiving a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Georgia, I have pursued a career that enables me to design attractive, effective, and sustainable buildings, hardscapes, plantings and spaces. Designs which are not only striking for the present, but possess timeless and enduring qualities and seek to develop community.

Much of my inspiration comes from natural beauty as manifested in the rain forests, mountains, oceans, rivers, glaciers, and crags that I have enjoyed exploring through the years. As a result of my travels, I have found that there is power in experiences with nature. I have developed a great desire to make these same

experiences available to others, even if they do not venture beyond their home town. Whether by preserving nature, restoring sites to their former splendor, or by incorporating inventive, creative solutions into urban settings that echo elements found in the wild, opportunities for enjoying the earth are boundless.

As a designer, I have a responsibility to give back to the community and develop lasting creations for future generations to enjoy. Obtaining a prestigious degree from the College of Environmental Design ranked by many as the top program in the nation, I strive to use my education, skills, creativity, and experience to build community and better the world we all share. The motivation behind my designs has been to offer my clients and the community something beyond simply an aesthetically pleasing space. I want to leave them with a legacy that emulates the community’s involvement and instills a sense of pride in what they have inspired me to create.

I look forward to working with a team of driven professionals, like myself, who possess a similar vision and value system, and who will effectively utilize our resources to accomplish our goals together.

-Arthur Benjamin Simms, V

What are the natural features which make a township handsome? A river, a lake, a hill, a cliff or individual rocks, a forest, and ancient trees standing singly. Such things are beautiful; they have a high use which dollars and cents never represent. If the inhabitants of a town were wise, they would seek to preserve these things, though at a considerable expense; for such things educate far more than any hired teachers or preachers, or any present recognized system of school education. I do not think him fi t to be the founder of a state or even a town who does not foresee the use of these things.

- Henry David Thoreau, Journal, 1861

Table of Contents

Professional Work 1-6

Herty Plaza 7-8

Urban Plaza 9-10

Athens Streetscape 11-12

Memorial Park 13-14

Subdivision Development 15-16

Mixed Use Development 17-18

Atlanta Beltline 19-20

Travel 21-22

Photography 23-24

Professional Work - RMNP

As a main tourist destination off of Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, it is imperative that Chasm Falls is accessible to many of the Park’s visitors. A new disabled viewing platform has been proposed for the space although; it has yet to be funded. These two images show what the space above the falls looks like currently and what it will look like after the construction of a viewing platform. In the second image, I merged several photos in Photoshop to create a vivid and realistic image of what the fi nalized viewing platform will look like. This material is to be used in a promotional presentation in order to have the project funded.

Before After Photoshop Edit

Rocky Mountain National ParkChasm Falls

Rocky Mountain National ParkGreenhouse Redesign

While collaborating with the Chief Resource Manager at Rocky Mountain National Park, I was able to work closely with plant biologists in order to redesign an outdated greenhouse at RMNP in order to better serve the Park’s needs. The beds needed to be reconfi gured to make better use of the existing space and new shade structures needed to be added. The images to the right show the proposed design and construction documents. Much of this material will be used for funding the project as it is still in the conceptual phase.

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Rocky Mountain National Park

As a recipient of an award for his work making the backcountry more accessible, the Head Backcountry Ranger desired to make his offi ce more accessible to disabled people. Currently, there is only a small staircase leading into the building. The three concepts to the left show designs that incorporate a ramp, water feature, and expand the picnic area, making the space not only more accessible but inviting as well. Upon a preliminary meeting, it was decided to proceed farther with concepts two and three. On the right, these designs are shown in 3-D. All three designs strive to make the space a destination that all people can enjoy.

Rocky Mountain National ParkBackcountry Offi ce Entrance

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Concept 2

Concept 1

Concept 3

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Concept 3 Perspective

Concept 3 Perspective

Concept 2 Perspective

Concept 2 Perspective

Mosaic Outdoor Living

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Hoda ResidenceBroomfi eld, CO

Designer Andy Hashman incorporated many elements in this large deck project in Broomfi eld. Extension operable and inoperable glass walls, heating elements, a grill cabinet, dining area, and water feature are all included in this design. The framing of the deck consists of existing treated wood. New additions were constructed out of steel for a durable, lasting product. Working with Project Manager, Taylor Hudson, we developed construction drawings for framing and support for the cantilevered sections. We also found creative solutions for the placement of two spiral staircases. I created many construction drawings on framing, connections, spiral staircases, drainage systems, and railings. The Sketchup models I develop help to give the client a true sense of what the space will be like and what he or she can expect once construction is completed.

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Epicurean CateringCentennial, CO

Epicurean Catering came forward because they wanted to have a more attractive and desirable hosting area. Designer David Schwank wanted to include a creative lineup and preparation area for guests to create their own homemade pizzas. The outdoor room provides covering as well as heaters so the space can be used all year. An artistic fi re feature extends the functioning space into cooler times of the year. The Italian yard game, bocce ball, provides guests with entertainment while they wait for their dinner. The Sketchup model I created helped Epicurean envision the space and convince them to move forward with the project.

Herty Plaza

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Located on North Campus at the University of Georgia, Herty Field currently serves as a way to effi ciently move students from downtown Athens to central campus, while also providing space for relaxation and special events. An intriguing, dynamic, and attractive design that creates desirable spaces will serve as a distinguished entry and transitional space for the university.

The free-formed curves improve upon the stagnant character of the site and create a form that incorporates a larger area, while creatively maintaining areas for passive relaxation and events. The entire site is one cohesive design that links the campus to the city. The new plan provides engaging water features and various seating options. The elevation changes help to manage the size of site by hiding or revealing specifi c elements as visitors experience the design. The main entrance to the North is designated with a sign and plantings to give a sense of arrival. On the South, the redesigned bridge serves as an attraction and boundary. By intentionally unifying the plaza and creating a strong sense of place and entry, Herty Plaza becomes a focal point in Athens.

Hand drafted, rendered with pencil

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Urban Plaza

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Entrance A view to the lower level

Inspiration

Urban plazas give meaning to places that may lack interest or attraction. They are spaces where people can come to relax, talk, and interact.

This design serves as a retreat from the busy routine within the city setting. Because human beings are naturally drawn to the sights and sounds of water, this plaza contains two water features. The circular patterns enforcing the topography and paving refl ect ripples generated by drops of water hitting standing water.

The three level changes allow for the creation of various spaces. The lowest level serves as a place to remove oneself from the city as the sounds of the waterfall fi ll the area. With its proximity to many businesses and restaurants, this plaza has the potential to be a popular and unique gathering spot in downtown Athens, Ga.

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Hand crafted model

Athens Streetscape

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In Athens, Georgia, the section of Broad Street from Foundry Street down to the Oconee River presents a great opportunity for improvement. The existing greenway and historical landmarks on the site provide a destination for the people of Athens. Currently, the site and river lack connection to the rest of downtown. Increased density in retail and housing, along with a new attractive streetscape and a park as a destination will encourage people to explore and spend time closer to the river. This extension of downtown can be an economic boost for the city and support the restoration and revitalization of the Oconee River.

Hand drafted, rendered with marker and pencil

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The controlled use of tree plantings and coinciding seat walls along Broad Street allows for the visitor to have a pleasant walk from downtown all the way to the river. The widening of the sidewalk and the addition of parallel parking provides a barrier between the pedestrian and Broad Street. The infi ll housing adjacent to the main plaza has a community garden and is in close proximity to the university, downtown, and countless shops, boutiques, and groceries, making it a desirable residence for a wide range of tenants. The dynamic forms within the main plaza provide Athens with a distinct destination. The unique pockets allow a variety of interactions between the visitor and the plaza.

Memorial Park

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The Memorial Park redesign was completed in order to display my grasp of the implementation documents that are required to complete a project. An accompanying specifi cations booklet is not pictured here. The goal for the park is to honor the men and women who have served the United States. Incorporated is a refl ecting pool set in front of a polished black granite wall. The fi ve ironwood trees set in planters within the plaza symbolize the fi ve branches of the military. Included in this set are an illustrative master plan, Google SketchUp model, dimension and staking plan, grading plan, planting plan, and set of construction details.

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The four images above show the design process for developing a single family detached housing subdivsion.

Subdivision Development

These two images show the process for road design. This design creates a strong relationship between the vertical and horizontal curves of the road while still maintaining no more than a 5 percent net change in cut and fi ll.

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AutoCAD draft

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Mixed Use Development

This mixed use development incorporates 106 single family dwelling units and over 10,000 square feet of commercial offi ce and retail space on just under 14 acres. Typical amenities, such as a pool, clubhouse, and tennis court are available, too. Throughout this process, sanitary sewage lines were located along with storm drains. The section cut above demonstrates the horizontal/vertical relationship of the road layout while the plan to the right shows the proposed grading plan. The Northwest corner of the site also integrates a new retention pond for a visually attractive storm water management initiative.

AutoCAD drafted, rendered with marker and pencil

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Atlanta Beltline - Design

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*Goals for the Boulevard Crossing Community and the entirety of Subarea Three were generated by the Atlanta BeltLine Inc. as stated in the March 2009 Summary Report:

Land Use and Urban Design Goals• Encourage development that is compatible with community values and future needs.• Facilitate mixed use “centers” (living, working and shopping) to promote economic development, serve the community neighborhoods and support alternative transportation modes.• Maintain a variety of residential opportunities, including mixed-income and workforce housing to strengthen the diverse community.• Expand civic facilities to support community growth

Public Art and Cultural Goals• Provide open, cultural, and civic spaces to promote social interaction and a thriving community.• Identify, interpret and protect community historic and cultural resources.

Circulation Goals• Explore opportunities to incorporate innovative strategies into communitywide transportation solutions commensurate with future needs.• Provide connectivity, continuity and redundancy among various modes of transportation.• Allow transportation facilities to promote seamless neighborhood boundaries, while preserving and or enhancing community distinctions and character. • Ensure future usage by developing a sustainable fi nancial structure for maintenance.

Greenspace Goals• Reclaim/restore/create & expand community environmental resources.• Ensure the recreational needs of the City of Atlanta are compatible with Boulevard Crossing community needs.

This site plan takes a closer look at a smaller section of the park. Incorporated into the lake is a boardwalk with a gazebo to offer human interactions with the water. It also provides a destination for people to meet and enjoy the natural beauty and pleasurable aesthetic of the park. The south side of the lake has proposed wetland grasses for storm water management. There, visitors can see fi rst-hand how storm water is dealt with in a responsible and sustainable manner. The deck on the west side of the lake will also function as a stage for concerts. The grade of the adjacent lawn will mimic that of an amphitheater.

The mixed-use development has a proposed grid of trees on the plaza to create shade. Grasses in the planting bed will soften the hardscape and serve to collect runoff in storm events. A large pool creates a strong visual relationship between the pond in the park and the plaza.

Picnic areas near the pond create social destinations. Much of the park will be shaded by large growing trees, while other areas will be open so they can be enjoyed in milder weather.

AutoCAD drafted, rendered in Adobe Photoshop

Boulevard Crossing Masterplan

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Travel

England

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Traveling has been one of the biggest infl uences in my life. I have learned a great deal about culture, design, and other ways of living. Travel has allowed me to expand my mind and see the world in a new light. I have been exposed to many of life’s possibilities through these experiences.

During my time spent abroad, I have learned that I have to be fl exible and work with others. My adventures have always had an amount of uncertainty that has contributed to the experience. This forced me to adapt to changing environments and get the most out of every experience, even if it is not how I envisioned it.

I have also learned how to depend on others and strangers. When I am in a foreign land and there is someone who has more knowledge about the area than me, I have to trust in and rely on them. Patience is also invaluable during travel. Getting hung up on small stuff and trying to force things to happen does not help anyone to attain the end goal.

Costa Rica

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Photography

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All photos in portfolio taken by A.B.Simms, V using Nikon D5000 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and MF Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G lenses and Kodak Z1285 with AF VARIOGON 35-75mm f/2.8-5.1.

There is an increasing evidence suggesting that mental health and emotional stability of populations may be profoundly infl uenced by frustrating aspects of an urban, biologically artifi cial environment. It seems likely that we are genetically programmed to a natural habitat of clean air and a varied green landscape, like any other mammal. The specifi c physiological reactions to natural beauty and diversity, to the shapes and colors of nature, especially to green, to the motions and sounds of other animals, we do not comprehend and are reluctant to include in studies of environmental quality. Yet it is evident that in our daily lives nature must be thought of not as a luxury to be made available if possible, but as part of our inherent indispensable biological need.

-Frederick Law Olmsted, in Biography, by J.E. Todd, 1982

absimmsv@gmail.com . (678) 327-9810