Zak Johnson
Eugene
Summary
Energetic and personable designer, educator and performer with strong communication and teamwork skills. Experienced in collaborating on multidisciplinary teams on landscape architecture projects for K-12 schools and athletic facilities. 20+ years of experience in performing arts, working as a team in bands in the role of supporting musician and bandleader. Strong history of service work as a volunteer and teacher.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Designer, Arborist
Cameron McCarthy Landscape Architecture and Planning
Eugene, OR
01.2018 - Current
- Led design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with client vision and project goals. These projects were primarily in the public sector, mainly focused on K-12 schools and athletic field design.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative landscape solutions that enhance environmental sustainability, including playground equipment firms.
- Utilized software tools like AutoCAD and SketchUp for creating detailed design plans and presentations.
- Conducted site analyses to assess environmental factors and inform design decisions, enhancing project feasibility. This included performing tree assessments and providing tree protection and removal plans to preserve public safety and heritage trees at project sites.
- Mentored junior designers, fostering skill development and promoting best practices in landscape architecture.
- Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Created sketches and technical drawings to present design concepts to clients.
- Volunteered my time as a professional to events, conferences and workshops.
Sales Associate, Designer
Graham Landscape & Design
Eugene, OR
08.2017 - 01.2018
- Conducted sales and customer outreach for firm, including receiving and returning correspondence and setting up meetings with potential new clients. Led team in sales throughout my tenure at Graham.
- Curated project contracts with clients, and scheduled work to be performed.
- Performed design work for projects contracted and met with clients throughout the design process.
- Managed projects throughout construction as foreman and client liaison.
Owner
Johnson Lawn and Garden
Eugene, OR
02.2006 - 08.2017
- Managed daily operations, including office duties, maintenance routes and construction projects.
- Conducted sales and company outreach, branding and attended conferences/workshops for continuing education in the field.
- Built lifelong relationships with clients that I cared for as family.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices for lawn care and landscaping techniques.
- Purchased, inventoried and maintained equipment and built relationships with suppliers.
Musician
University of Oregon Gospel Singers
Eugene, OR
09.2002 - Current
- Learned and performed music with band, often challenging and complex compositions.
- Traveled extensively with group, including tours to China and throughout United States
- Participated in competitions, winning back-to-back titles at the Disney Gospel Festival in Orlando, FL, 2010-2011.
Educator
University of Oregon Urban Farm
Eugene, OR
03.2020 - Current
- Taught multiple classes per term at Urban Farm as team leader.
- Graded assignments, conducted exams, and led class projects.
- Assisted professor with curriculum development and created instructor manual for class.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Landscape Architecture
University of Oregon
Eugene06-2017
Skills
- Personable
- Excellent communicator
- Teamwork skills
- Sales
- Skilled educator
- Public speaking
- Layout design
- Concept development
- Project management
- Design research
- Presentation design
- Rough sketching
- Client satisfaction
- Design implementation
Accomplishments
- Designed numerous projects that have been built, including Autzen Stadium turf field and PK Park turf field.
Certification
- ISA Certified Arborist, 2022-Present
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Educator
University of Oregon Urban Farm
03.2020 - Current
Designer, Arborist
Cameron McCarthy Landscape Architecture and Planning
01.2018 - Current
Sales Associate, Designer
Graham Landscape & Design
08.2017 - 01.2018
Owner
Johnson Lawn and Garden
02.2006 - 08.2017
Musician
University of Oregon Gospel Singers
09.2002 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Landscape Architecture
University of Oregon