John Watkins
Benbrook,TX
Summary
Capable landscape design professional, equally comfortable behind a computer or planting a tree. Strong desire to cultivate meaningful relationships with clients and the community and display the wonder and beauty of nature with economically, ecologically, and socially responsible designs.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Landscape Designer
Yardspell
Dallas, TX
06.2025 - Current
- Designed innovative landscape layouts enhancing aesthetic appeal and functionality.
- Collaborated with clients to define project goals and design preferences.
- Developed detailed planting plans incorporating native species for sustainability.
- Created 3D renders to convey design intent
- Managed project timelines, ensuring timely completion and adherence to client specifications.
- Managed projects from inception to completion
Landscape Designer
Westfork Landscaping
Fort Worth, TX
04.2023 - 08.2024
- Organized site visits with clients in order to discuss ideas about their outdoor space.
- Collaborated with clients to develop unique designs that meet their needs and budget requirements.
- Created 3D visuals with Lumion to show clients the potential of their outdoor spaces.
- Designed and created detailed landscape plans incorporating hardscapes, softscapes, and other features.
- Researched various plants, trees, shrubs and flowers to determine which are best suited for each project.
- Developed a comprehensive plan for the creation of a sustainable landscape design.
- Assisted in budgeting and quoting landscaping projects, including labor, materials, and timelines.
- Presented clients with finished plans and installation proposals.
- Supervised installation of landscaping projects from start to finish.
- Reviewed progress reports from contractors ensuring all work was being done according to specifications.
Landscape Designer
Qualitiscape
Fort Worth, Texas
06.2022 - 03.2023
- Organized site visits with clients in order to discuss ideas about their outdoor space.
- Collaborated with clients to develop unique designs that meet their needs and budget requirements.
- Utilized plan graphics and Photoshop perspectives to convey design intent.
- Designed and created detailed landscape plans incorporating hardscapes, softscapes, and other features.
- Assisted in budgeting and quoting landscaping projects, including labor, materials, and timelines.
- Presented clients with finished plans and installation proposals.
- Prepared estimates for material costs associated with each project.
- Located high-quality supplies and plants for customer installations.
- Assisted in determining placement of trees, shrubs, flowers and other elements in order to maximize visual appeal while minimizing labor costs during installation process.
- Supervised installation of landscaping projects from start to finish.
- Reviewed progress reports from contractors ensuring all work was being done according to specifications.
Landscape Worker
New Hope Nursery
Arlington, Texas
05.2020 - 04.2022
- Monitored and evaluated the condition of trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowerbeds.
- Inspected gardens for pests, weeds, and diseases and applied appropriate treatment.
- Trimmed shrubs and trees.
- Mowed and edged lawns.
- Planted trees, shrubs, and annuals.
Landscape Designer
TBG Partners
Dallas, Texas
03.2018 - 03.2020
- Created and maintained detailed records of landscaping projects for future reference.
- Drafted detailed landscape plans incorporating hardscapes, softscapes, and other features.
- Utilized CAD for drawing plans, elevations, sections, and construction details.
- Rendered designs with manual and computer-aided methods.
- Completed special projects such as recreational designs and site rehabilitations.
- Researched various plants, trees, shrubs and flowers to determine which are best suited for each project.
- Collaborated with engineers, architects and other professionals on projects to complete large jobs and meet strict deadlines.
Nursery Manager
Calloway's Nursery
Arlington, Texas
02.2010 - 08.2014
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
- Assisted customers with plant selection and offered plant care information to improve customer shopping experience.
- Organized plant inventories on nursery premises to facilitate easy product selection and purchase.
- Watered plants daily and removed substandard foliage to maintain plants in saleable condition.
- Created inviting environment for customers by maintaining store organization and cleanliness.
Education
Master of Arts - Landscape Architecture
University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TexasBachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary
The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TXSkills
- Well Versed in Design Principles
- Knowledge of Native & Adapted Plants
- Proficient in: AutoCAD, Sketchup, Lumion, Adobe Creative Suite
- Site Analysis
- Preliminary Concept Design to CD Set
- Construction Management
- Detail Oriented
- Effective Visual Communicator and Storyteller
Accomplishments
- 2016 Texas ASLA Honor Award (Deep Ellum Creative Parking)
- 2017 Texas ASLA Merit Award (St. Luke United Methodist Campus)
- 2018 Texas ASLA Merit Award (Gallery LA)
Affiliations
- Avid Reader
- Apartment Gardener
- Collector of a Variety of Things
- Third Rate Chess Player
Timeline
Landscape Designer
Yardspell
06.2025 - Current
Landscape Designer
Westfork Landscaping
04.2023 - 08.2024
Landscape Designer
Qualitiscape
06.2022 - 03.2023
Landscape Worker
New Hope Nursery
05.2020 - 04.2022
Landscape Designer
TBG Partners
03.2018 - 03.2020
Nursery Manager
Calloway's Nursery
02.2010 - 08.2014
Master of Arts - Landscape Architecture
University of Texas At Arlington
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary
The University of Texas At Arlington
Notable Projects Involved With
- Sandbrock Ranch: Aubrey
- Monarch View Park: Frisco
- The Harvest at Frisco Commons: Frisco
- Ronald McDonald House: Fort Worth
Awards
2016 Texas ASLA Honor Award
2017 Texas ASLA Merit Award
2018 Texas ASLA Merit Award