Mary Johnston
Professional Certifications, Awards, Accreditation:
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree, minor in Spanish, Masters classes in Landscape Design and Historic Preservation (all from UNM), and frequent continuing education courses in the landscape industry.
Background & Experience:
Background in architecture design and landscape design, 2 years remodeling and construction experience, 4 seasons of experience in our National Parks doing historic preservation of structures and landscapes on the National Register of Historic Places. 2 years of hands-on experience at a local nursery, which cultivated my love and knowledge of plants.
Best part of my job:
The most fulfilling aspect of my job is the ability to transform mundane spaces into enchanting oases, inviting people to embrace the outdoors and ultimately enhance their quality of life.
A typical workday looks like:
My typical workday starts bright and early, meeting with crews on a job site to oversee project management, probably followed by a trip to the nursery and other landscape suppliers ensuring smooth project flow. Later I might meet with a prospective client to discuss their yard and visions and lastly, I’ll return to the office to design landscape plans and estimates while listening to my favorite music or podcast.
What's the most inspiring part of your job:
The most inspiring aspect of my job is seeing how consistently hard our crewmembers work, regardless of weather conditions, be it scorching summer heat, snowy windy winters, and everything in between all while skillfully delivering craftsmanship and detail to every project.
If I weren't so damn good at my job, I'd probably be:
I’d probably be a full-time silversmith, creating flashy jewelry and traveling to source interesting gems and minerals.
My superpower is:
My superpower is my ability to stay cool and think quickly and critically to solve challenges pragmatically.
The best piece of advice I've ever been given is:
Don’t take yourself so seriously, no one else does.
I’d wow everyone in a talent show with my talent for:
I have a talent for attention to detail, from landscape design or final execution to the tiny detail of a small silver ring I created or the garnish atop a dish I cooked. My other talent is my super-useful knowledge of The Office.
What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I am happiest camping, hiking, and traveling with my fiance and our dog. I also love cooking, going to concerts, and catching up with friends over good food and drink.
On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...
… drinking coffee and planning a last-minute day hike before the work week starts.