Meet some of the graduates of the Landscape Design program

Graduates of Landscape Design are now working in a variety of roles in the landscaping industry, as entrepreneurs and working in the public and private sectors. Explore the shapes their careers have taken, and what they have to say about studying at Fanshawe College.

(Note: the profiles below are listed in chronological order, starting with the most recent.)

 

Raafat Hachicho - Graduate, 2020

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Raafat Hachicho Head Shot

Junior Landscape Designer,

Land Art Design Landscape Architecture

"This program made me believe in the journey first and then gave me all the skills I needed to complete it. The technical skills and knowledge I was offered by the field experts and academic professionals, diversified my skillset and ambitions. I worked in horticulture at the Royal Botanical Gardens and I am now a junior landscape architect at Land Art Design Landscape Architecture, working with architects and other consultants. Throughout my journey, I was given the knowledge to build decks and patios, plant a sustainable vegetable garden, experiment with interior design, complete 3D rendering and finally, co-ordinate with a team of professionals to design commercial and residential projects. I am always learning and I am still not sure if I will be doing the same thing for the rest of my life but what I know for sure is that I acquired a strong foundation from Fanshawe's Landscape Design program which has proven to be useful to unlock more potential."

 

Elise-Suraya Trottier - Graduate, 2019

Photo of Elise Suraya-TrottierLandscape Designer, Hutten & Co. Land and Shore

Elise has always enjoyed art and design, as well as spending time outdoors. Landscape design is a career that combines both of these things, and after graduating from Landscape Design in 2019 she has gone on to work at Hutten & Co. in Grey Bruce, one of the most beautiful places in Ontario. In her role as a landscape designer, Elise enjoys seeing the design-build construction team bring her designs to life, going on site visits, interacting with clients and spending creative time in the office designing.

“There is a lot of variety in this career which keeps things interesting!”

 

 

Lisa Hannam - Graduate, 2019

Photo of Lisa HannamBusiness Development Representative, A&L Canada Laboratories Inc.

Lisa is employed by A&L Canada Labs, an innovative leader in agricultural services, research, and technologies. She is the Representative for A&L’s home lawn and garden division, Verified Lawn & Landscape. Lisa’s time spent in the landscape industry provided an opportunity to better understand the needs of homeowners and contractors alike. Before working for A&L, Lisa gained experience designing and installing gardens for Springbank Landscapes in London.

 

 

Quentin Caron - Graduate, 2018

Photo of Quentin CaronUX Designer and Freelance Landscape Designer

Quentin’s design journey started at Fanshawe College as an international student from France. Following graduation, he moved to the GTA and worked as the lead landscape designer for a design-build company, and has now transitioned into creating digital products for tech companies in Toronto.

“The teachers, staff and classmates provided invaluable support from the start. With discipline and curiosity, there is no ceiling to your potential as a designer.”

 

 

Weijian Li - Graduate, 2018 

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Weijan Li Headshot

Landscape Designer, Guangzhou S.P.I. Design Co. 

After completing the Landscape Design diploma at Fanshawe College in 2018, Weijan continued his education at the University of Calgary where he completed a Master of Landscape Architecture degree in 2021. Upon graduation, he was able to start his career in the landscape architecture industry in southern China, with confidence. Weijan was offered a junior landscape designer position from five landscape architecture firms in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, China; however, he chose a firm that aligned with the type of projects that he was most interested in, varying from residential design to large-scale public park design.

Weijan spends his days at the office completing design concepts, producing base plans in AutoCAD and using Sketch-up for modelling. As well, he uses Lumion/Enscape plus Photoshop for final renderings with the technical and software skills learned at Fanshawe.

 

Hilary Sivyer - Horticulture Technician Graduate, 2014 and Landscape Design Graduate, 2016

Photo of Hilary SivyerParks and Recreation Helper, City of London, Landscape Designer

Since 2015, Hilary has worked as a self-employed landscape designer and gardener to customers all over southwestern Ontario and part-time with the City of London. In 2018, she was hired full-time with the City of London to work in the greenhouse assisting the growers and gardeners, and continues to design and maintain parks and gardens as needed. Hilary also continues to provide design, installation and maintenance freelance services.

“My time studying at Fanshawe in both programs has given me the skills to work confidently in a male-dominated industry. Landscape Design in particular gave me the knowledge to understand by-laws, ecological impacts, proper grading and functional design layouts increasing the longevity of installations. The contacts I made in the industry during my time as a student continue to be assets years after graduation.”

 

 

Kathleen Stevens - Graduate, 2016

Photo of Kathleen StevensLandscape Technologist, City of Toronto Parks Forestry & Recreation - Capital Projects

Kathleen has worked for the City of Toronto for two years and participates in the development of City-wide Parks, Forestry and Recreation initiatives such as the Ravine Strategy, Facilities Master Plans and in the creation of localized park projects such as new basketball courts and playgrounds.

“I decided I needed to go back to school after my degree, as I wanted a career in shaping public green space and the Landscape Design program helped me gain all the hard and soft skills to reach this goal. I do not think I would have had near the success I have had attaining my career goal within three years of graduating, if it was not for deciding to go to Fanshawe. Best part was, I had fun, taking advantage of opportunities to travel abroad and became very close with my classmates during long nights of hard work.”

 

 

Brett Tonin - Graduate, 2016

Photo of Brett ToninLandscape Designer, adesso design inc.

Brett is an intermediate landscape designer with adesso design inc. in Hamilton, ON and has experience working on a range of projects from institutional design, municipal parks, recreational trails, luxury condominiums and more. Brett is currently in the process of becoming a landscape architect and obtaining his seal.

“Fanshawe’s Landscape Design program prepared me with the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in the landscape design and architecture industry. The semester abroad gave me and my classmates a profound outlook on Landscape Design and provided us the experience of a lifetime that will never be forgotten!”

 

 

Jake Gray - Graduate, 2015

Photo of Jake GrayLandscape Architect, Dillon Consulting Ltd.

Jake is a Landscape Architect with four years of professional consulting experience with Dillon Consulting Limited. After graduation from Landscape Design, he bridged into the University of Guelph Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program, graduating in 2017. Jake’s passion for creating meaningful public spaces is seen in many of his projects, with varied experience in public and private sector projects including public parks, urban amenity areas, housing developments and commercial properties. Jake is a full member of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects with a seal and certificate.

“Fanshawe gave me the foundation to excel at Guelph and then into my career as a Landscape Architect.”

 

 

Claire McLoughlin - Graduate, 2015

Photo of Claire McLoughlinLandscape Architect, City of Cambridge

Claire has developed her career by working in several private landscape architectural design firms in the Toronto and Hamilton area, gaining experience working on projects of various scales and scopes. She is now a Landscape Architect with the City of Cambridge. Claire used her two co-op work terms to improve her knowledge and skills by working in a garden centre and as a junior designer. This ignited her passion for design and after graduation from Fanshawe, she bridged into the University of Guelph’s Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program, graduating in 2017. Claire found that the education she received at Fanshawe provided a solid foundation to launch her career and she continues to build on her skills.

 

 

Denver Greer - Graduate, 2014

Photo of Denver GreerHorticulture Technician and Grounds Supervisor, King’s University College at Western University

As the Horticulture Technician on King’s University College Campus, Denver provides advice and implements landscape enhancements to ensure the continued beautification of the campus grounds. Denver enjoys creating spaces that will make a difference in people’s lives and became interested in Landscape Design after years of construction with Wentworth Landscapes. During his time at Wentworth Landscapes, he worked on award-winning landscape projects alongside other Fanshawe Landscape Design alumni. After attending Fanshawe, Denver began working with TLC Landscaping Design + Pools where he worked in project sales, design and estimating for two years before his final transition to King’s University College.

“The Landscape Design program at Fanshawe provides opportunities for detailed learning in all facets of the industry. My education provided opportunities, knowledge and skills to be successful in my various career paths”.

 

 

Ty Shubrook - Graduate, 2013

Photo of Ty ShubrookOwner, Shubrook Construction Ltd.

Ty has owned and operated Shubrook Construction Ltd. (SCL) since April, 2017. SCL provides custom outdoor environments to residents in London and the surrounding areas. Specializing in complete backyard makeovers, Ty begins by meeting with clients to see what they envision for their property, and then provides a full design based on their needs. He works alongside his crew of 10 employees to complete projects such as installing custom pools and cabanas and full landscape makeovers.

“The Landscape Design program at Fanshawe College provided me with the landscape foundation required to operate a successful design/build business. Without this program, I wouldn’t have been able to render the unique designs that we’ve installed for many happy homeowners throughout London”.

 

 

Andrew Wentworth - Graduate, 2011

Photo of Andrew WentworthVice President of Landscape Management, Wentworth Landscapes

As VP of Landscape Management at Wentworth Landscapes, Andrew partners with both clients, his team and community to develop and maintain residential and commercial spaces, helping people reconnect with the outdoors. Well-designed and maintained landscapes benefit us mentally and physically, and Andrew believes his work creates a richer healthier life for those he collaborates with. His role in Senior Leadership at Wentworth Landscapes has given him the opportunity to help grow the company and stay involved with the industry including working with Landscape Ontario, Skills Canada, Come Alive Outside and even a cameo on HGTV.

 

 

Alexander Osborne - Graduate, 2008

Photo of Alexander OsborneOwner and Project Manager, Springbank Landscapes Design and Construction

Alexander has been involved in the landscape profession for most of his life, having worked for his family's landscape maintenance business. He has owned and operated his own design-build company since 2012, which creates incredible outdoor spaces in the London area. With a desire to share his knowledge and inspire future industry professionals, Alexander teaches various studio, construction and survey technique classes at Fanshawe College in the Landscape Design and Horticulture Technician Programs.

“Since the beginning, I have been hiring co-op students from the program to be members of our team. I think it is such an amazing opportunity to be a part of shaping the newest recruits in our industry”.

 

 

Natalie Walliser - Graduate, 2005

Photo of Natalie WalliserSenior Facilities Planner, University of British Columbia

Equipped with skills from Fanshawe College, Natalie’s career has taken an interesting path. Her experience in the Landscape Design program fostered a love of design and provided technical skills to support further studies and a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Guelph. Her practice has taken her to Africa, Hawaii, and across Canada, as both a public servant and a private consultant. While working as a campus planner and landscape architect at the University of Saskatchewan, Natalie taught landscape design and worked closely with the grounds team to create thoughtful designs and support their sustainable composting program. She now works at the University of British Columbia leading campus growth and development as a senior facilities planner.

"The diverse hands-on learning opportunities I received at Fanshawe set the tone for a fun and pragmatic approach to my work and career."

 

 

Linda McDougall - Graduate, 2005

Photo of Linda McDougallLandscape Architect, City of London

Linda has worked at the City of London since 2008 and is now part of the Parks Planning & Design service area. Linda leads the coordination and implementation of parks projects, Conservation Master Plans for Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA) and many other environmental projects. Linda was the project manager for the Guidelines for Management Zones and Trails in ESAs document update which was recognized with the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects Service to the Environment Award in 2017.

“Going back to school as an adult at Fanshawe changed my life. I am fortunate to have a great career in public service that includes making London a better place to live and protecting the environment. The Landscape Design program was really great and it gave me the confidence to go on and complete a Master’s Degree.”

 

 

Jeff Hicks - Graduate, 2002

Photo of Jeff HicksCEO, Hicks Group Inc.

“Growing up on a farm and having majored in euchre spares and skipping class in high school, I was feeling pretty lost before applying to Fanshawe’s Landscape Design diploma. In fact, it was my third application choice! However, after graduating the program, I was hooked on learning, so I applied to a private horticulture college in Niagara Falls, and got in. So, I went! I then applied for a Master of Science in Plant Taxonomy and Biodiversity at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and I got in. So, I went. After graduating with a Masters, I looked around the world for jobs and applied to one in Dubai, UAE and I was hired. So, I went. I spent 10 wonderful years designing and building multi-million-dollar gardens for some amazing people, including members of the royal family. After traveling the world from Dubai for several years, it was time to come home. So, I did. I now teach part time at Fanshawe College, while running my businesses, raising our awesome children, farming, maintaining great global relationships and living a level 10 life. If you are not sure what to do – just apply - great things may happen for you as well!”

 

 

Jeff Burnett - Graduate, 1998

Photo of Jeff BurnettOwner and President, Deck Dreams

Jeff is the owner of two successful landscape companies servicing southwestern Ontario. Deck Dreams has been a full-service deck, pergola and fence construction company since 2006. Straightline was founded as a deck and fence post installation company in 2020. Sharing his hands-on industry experience, Jeff also teaches Construction and Materials courses at Fanshawe College, and loves mentoring the current generation of students.

“Fanshawe gave me a solid foundation to build my career on. I do not just have a job in the industry; I have a career, all stemming from the Landscape Design program.”

 

 

Kim Perkin - Graduate, 1982

Photo of Kim PerkinOwner and Garden Designer, Kim Perkin Landscapes Inc.

Kim started his own landscape design and build company in 1991 and now specializes in residential landscape design and creating amazing low maintenance outdoor spaces for clients in the Guelph, Waterloo-Wellington region. After graduating from the Landscape Design program, Kim completed his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph in 1987. In his early career Kim worked for several landscape architecture firms in Toronto and southern Ontario. With the experiences gained in his career, Kim focuses his design vision on native plantings, stone and water when creating soothing and relaxing, functional and beautiful landscapes for his clients.