Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
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Jamar Simien

Missouri City,TX

Summary

Creative and consistent landscape designer with a diverse art and design skillset ranging from oil paint, to designing high end custom furniture, to excelling in the field of landscape architecture. Graduated from the #1 ranked School of Landscape Architecture program in the country, LSU. Proven high end product salesperson with a track record of building quality client relationships and executing the client's specific vision. World traveler that's able to make cultural connections through art and design, which is reflected in recent paintings and functional art. Certified, award-winning Texas art educator and experienced designer that has consistently provided a guiding light for young learners and adult collaborators through art education. Imaginative and naturally gifted artist that can put clear ideas on paper with ease- which is essential to the luxury landscape client experience. Site specific, carefully designed landscapes can become a place of discovery and harmony through a reconnection to nature. Critical thinker possessing in-depth knowledge of various art theories, principles and hands-on skills. Committed to learning new concepts through collaboration in order to reach full potential as an impactful landscape designer.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Landscape Designer

Murr Incorporated
12.2022 - Current
  • Consult with clients and analyze locations to develop concepts.
  • Frequently render LA designs, mainly with computer-aided methods.
  • Develop comprehensive AutoCAD drawing sets, including plant selection, hardscaping elements, and collaborating to include irrigation systems, electrical and structural plans/details- ensuring overall project success.
  • Source high-quality trees, shrubs, grass seed or sod, fertilizer and other supplies to complete new installations.
  • Regularly prepare cost estimates for proposals that accurately reflect the scope of work required.
  • Integral team member involved with landscape maintenance contracts for ongoing care.
  • Coordinate permitting processes with municipal authorities (especially HCED), ensuring smooth project execution.
  • Manage and coordinate installation of complex landscaping projects, including a large scale connectivity project for a mixed use section of The Vintage in Houston. (Completed in 2/24)
  • Balance aesthetics with functionality by considering factors such as drainage systems, erosion control measures, maintenance requirements and safety concerns in all designs.
  • Highly skilled in creating detailed landscape and hardscape drawing sets in AutoCAD. A natural teacher that's able to mentor a young AutoCAD drafter.
  • Landscape architecture experience ranges from small scale residential design to large scale commercial projects, with most of my experience in medium scale mixed use landscape developments.
  • Evaluate existing landscapes and provide recommendations for improvements based on client needs and environmental considerations.
  • Educate clients on proper care and maintenance of landscape projects.
  • Conduct site analyses and assessments to determine optimal design solutions for various projects.
  • Research and identify appropriate plants and materials for landscape projects.
  • Fast learner that's eager to learn more about native plant materials, planting design, it's connection to science, and it's impact on people.
  • Use creative design techniques to maximize aesthetic appeal of landscape projects.
  • Collaborate with engineers, architects, and water operators on projects to complete large jobs and meet strict deadlines for Municipal Utility District clients across Harris and Fort Bend County.
  • Create and maintain detailed records of landscape projects for future reference.
  • The Elements of Design are central to my design philosophy: shape, color, space, form, line, value, and texture.

Founder and Creative Director

Contour Functional Art
10.2017 - Current
  • Key roles for the company: Lead high end sales rep, lead designer and lead project manager. Doubled sales year over year from 2020-2022.
  • All construction materials are sustainably sourced in Africa, Costa Rica and Texas, and are repurposed into functional art. For each piece of furniture sold, up to 20 trees are planted in Malawi, a small country in East Africa.
  • Since 2017, Contour has scaled to provide high end residential and commercial furniture to over 200 clients across America, including fulfilling custom projects for the White House Military Office at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in DC.

Owner and Fine Artist

The Power Of Color
11.2011 - Current
  • Experienced fine artist specializing in realistic oil portraiture, architectural and landscape paintings.
  • Over 150 solo and group art exhibitions since 1992, with commissioned work privately and publicly displayed across America.
  • History, storytelling, human connection and the influence of time inspire my original artwork.
  • Art and design services include private art lessons, portraits, architectural illustrations, landscapes, abstract art, logos, murals, t-shirt, set design and website design.


Art Teacher

Goose Creek Memorial High School
08.2014 - 05.2017
  • Nominated for Texas High School Division Outstanding Art Educator of the Year in 2016. Selected Teacher of the Month for 4/16 & 10/16.
  • Advanced 1 student to state in Dallas in April 2015, the piece of art medaled at state. Advanced 3 art students to state in April 2016, the most by one teacher in school history. Advanced 1 student with 2 different pieces of art to state in San Antonio in April 2017. Both pieces medaled, a first in school history.

Art Teacher

Cedar Bayou Junior School
02.2010 - 05.2014
  • Art teacher at a diverse middle school in the Houston area for 5 school years.
  • Taught art to 6th-8th graders, mentored at-risk children after school and during the summer.
  • Designed t-shirts and sets for school clubs and events.

Associate Landscape Designer

The Office Of James Burnett
07.2007 - 02.2009
  • Worked under the direction of Chip Trageser, Andrew Albers and Ernesto Alfaro on a variety of multiscale landscape projects in Houston and across the country.
  • While at OJB, we focused on the largest private real estate development in the history of the U.S. at the time, City Center Las Vegas.
  • Excelled at creating construction documents for large scale projects including City Center Las Vegas, Discovery Tower in Houston and Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, Tx. (Formerly known as Woodall Rodgers Park)
  • Had a leadership role in the design and construction of Ley Plaza, the sports complex plaza at Rice University. Coordinated meetings with all of the consultants, visited the site weekly and presented new designs to the client.

Landscape Architect Intern

Louisiana State Parks
05.2006 - 05.2007
  • As an intern during my final year of college, I mainly worked on 3D renderings for design presentations.
  • Most of our work consisted of state park master planning, design and landscape maintenance services.
  • The office was located in the state capitol and primarily managed a variety of state park services based on the annual state government budget.
  • Managed the landscape literature and materials library for the office.
  • Prepared spreadsheets and reports for various regulatory approvals.

Education

Certificate of Recognition -

ACT Houston
Houston, TX
08.2009

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture -

Louisiana State University And A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA
08.2007

High School Diploma -

LaGrange Senior High School
Lake Charles, LA
05.2002

Skills

  • Landscape architecture project manager with a diverse skillset including: realistic 3D rendering, conceptual design, design development, construction documentation, drafting landscape details, cost estimating, bidding, construction management and much more
  • Engaging team player with a positive attitude, a creative mindset and a motivational spirit
  • Genuinely cares about the environment and this concern is evident through previous work
  • Site specific design was at the core of the LA program at LSU
  • Very good listener with the patience to seek to understand
  • Open to learning and receiving formative coaching to improve in all areas of landscape design
  • Interested in learning more about the science of planting through horticultural studies
  • Gifted artist with formal training and professional experience
  • Skilled in digital illustration including graphic design, designing and building websites, creating original logos and 3D architectural renderings
  • Exceptional people and communication skills
  • Ability to simplify complex ideas and communicate effectively to clients
  • Real world art and design experience through designing and building high end custom furniture
  • Award-winning and published fine artist
  • Award-winning high school art teacher
  • Solo art exhibitions in Baton Rouge, Houston and Los Angeles
  • Creative and abstract approach to otherwise ordinary projects and tasks
  • Fine Art skills including: Prismacolor, pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, oil paint, acrylic paint, mural design, set design, t-shirt design, logo design, oil and chalk pastels, clay, paper mache', marker and charcoal
  • Proficient in a variety of computer programs including: all Microsoft programs, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, LandFX, Sketch Up and AutoDesk Viz

Timeline

Associate Landscape Designer

Murr Incorporated
12.2022 - Current

Founder and Creative Director

Contour Functional Art
10.2017 - Current

Art Teacher

Goose Creek Memorial High School
08.2014 - 05.2017

Owner and Fine Artist

The Power Of Color
11.2011 - Current

Art Teacher

Cedar Bayou Junior School
02.2010 - 05.2014

Associate Landscape Designer

The Office Of James Burnett
07.2007 - 02.2009

Landscape Architect Intern

Louisiana State Parks
05.2006 - 05.2007

Certificate of Recognition -

ACT Houston

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture -

Louisiana State University And A&M College

High School Diploma -

LaGrange Senior High School

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Jamar Simien