Pirjo Jussila L’Esperance­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­                                                                                pjussila@comcast.net   
                                                                                                                                (610) 551-4257
                                                                                                   Professional                                              
112 Irish Run Rd., Mohrsville, PA 19541                              Landscape Architect, Licensed Ontario Association of Landscape Architects

Education:     Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, University of Guelph, Canada

Pennsylvania Landscape Architect/ Designer                                                    2008-2012   Sole Proprieter                                                                                                                                                      Berks County,  PA. 

• Expertise in design & artistic illustration & presented in a computer generated format (AutoCad).
• Character sketches & elevation drawings prepared.

• Project development initiated by clients ideas and requirements.  Concepts are refined & finalized  with multiple drawings provided including: grading, layout, planting plans, & design details. The projects complexity or clients requirements, dictates the level of project detailing. 

• Tendering, contractor selection, contract administration, daily /& or weekly site supervision of construction, & maintenance evaluation are all services provided.

• Areas of specialization includeResidential Site Master Planning, Design & Landscape Revitalization involving long term phasing in construction scheduling with concentration on project cost effectiveness & clients priorities.

• Landscape Designer - Spayd’s Nursery & Landscape Construction, Fleetwood, Pennsylvania.
• Design /Build-Project involvement included meetings with clientele to establish immediate landscape needs & budgetary requirements.
• Formal presentations of hand rendered landscape drawings & sketches were provided with detailed quantity take offs & cost estimates for construction. 

• Contract documentation & administration, assistance in the coordination of work crews, site supervision, and selection of specimen plant materials were all areas of expertise.
• The company website has incorporated many of my rendered projects in their photo gallery of landscaping.

Michigan & Iowa  Landscape Architect                                                                        1994-2008   Sole proprietor

• A diverse knowledge has been gained of regional styles of landscape design, different climatic zones & differences of plant materials, as well as the variety & availability of building products.
• Active member in local service groups & local government agencies that promoted community improvement projects in the region. Volunteer participation as a design consultant & management of volunteer groups, suppliers & contractors.
• A sensitive approach to Landscape revitalization & reclamation & aspire for the most ‘Green’ alternative.
• Innovative yet highly functional design approaches for outdoor recreation & entertainment areas.
• Detailed survey & assessment of the site design & it’s effect on the natural landscape.
• Detailed & comprehensive knowledge of specimen trees & perennials.
• Skilled & intuitive approach to difficult topography with grading plans.
• Provision of comprehensive detailing, specifications, tender documentation, supervision & construction management.
• Highly capable in multi-disciplinary participation w/ architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers and planning departments.
• Work in various states has afforded me a multifaceted expertise in design & very strong communication skills.

Senior Landscape Architect                                                                  1981-1991    Landscape Planning Ltd.,
                                                                                                                                        Concord, Ont., Canada

• Joined consulting office as Junior Landscape Architect, becoming an Intermediate Landscape Architect after 1.5 yrs

• Quickly moved to a more senior position with the management responsibilities of 3-6 employees as Senior Landscape Architect.  Decisive and devoted manager with personnel.
• Highly in tune with handicapped design requirements.
• Municipal planning regulations in this region required a high level of professionalism by all disciplines of site planning and all landscape drawings were subject to departmental approval & requiring the stamp of a professional Landscape Architect.
• Formal presentation of design proposals to governmental & public forums.
• Coordination & participation w/ architects & engineers on the development of site grading of parking lots & greenspaces.
• Complex Downtown streetscape corridor studies, recommendations, details, plans & reports conducted.
• Comprehensive Environmental Assessmentfeasibility reports for rural residential subdivisions conducted with detailed Inventory studies of existing site features with recommendations.
•  Acted as expert witness for O.M.B. (Ontario Municipal Board- Acting government body for development of lands in Ont., Canada).

Other Design Specializations:

• Municipal Park Planning, (Community & Neighborhood Parks- Greater Toronto Area)
• Institutional, Commercial & Estate Residential expertise
• Entrance Feature Design- Signage, site features & plantings for subdivisions, commercial & retail complexes. 
• ie. Design Award – ‘Atlantis’ office complex signage, North York & Honorable Mention Award for Yonge St. Office Bldg.
• Design Award for Business Commercial designs ‘Pine Seven’ Office Park, Richmond Hill
• Experience w/ Interior landscaping & expertise in Water feature design.