I grew up in San Diego and while in high school, through my first job working for a landscape architect, became interested in drafting landscape plans for residential and commercial jobs. Shortly thereafter I was introduced to plant materials and the retail side of the nursery business. As an avid lover of the outdoors already, following this path allowed me to follow my passion of creating beautiful landscapes, inspired by the English garden my father maintained in our home while I was growing up. Professionally, I have been elevated to Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects; was appointed by Governors Schwarzenegger, Brown and Newsom to the Landscape Architects Technical Committee; am currently a member of the Board of Directors of the California Landscape Architectural Student Scholarship Fund; served on the UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Program Guidance Committee; was awarded the Life Member Award by the California Landscape Architectural Student Scholarship Fund, (CLASS Fund); and also received the Ruth Shellhorn Outstanding Service Award for Service and Dedication from the Southern California Chapter of ASLA.
I went to college at Cal Poly Pomona where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in landscape architecture and it was while I was studying there that I first became acquainted with Newport Beach. Having lived in Newport now for over 40 years, each morning I walk the length of the Newport Pier and boardwalk and take photographs of the beach, pier and rising sun that I then share through a dedicated IG page and also on Facebook. I really enjoy seeing how the scene with all of its colors can change with each passing minute, making every day unique! As a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, I am so grateful to live in our beautiful city.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married to my lovely wife, Dawn for 45 years and we have two grown ‘kids’, Christopher who is 40 years old and Jonathan who is 37 years old. We have two grandkids, Maddox who is 10 years old, and Phenix who is 2 years old.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve been in the green industry since my senior year in high school, so that’s been over 50 years, and I’ve been a licensed landscape architect since 1979. I’m a principal at Land Concern, Landscape Architecture and have worked there since 1976. I am also an avid amateur photographer and hope to expand on that experience in the future.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I have several favorites, but if I had to pick just a couple, I guess that they would be Billy’s At The Beach and the Rusty Pelican. Both have that laid back ‘Beach Vibe’ that I love so much.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We’ve lived in the same house in Newport Beach for over 40 years, but I’ve been coming here since the summer of 1976 when I first visited Newport on my birthday and went to the Ancient Mariner for my birthday dinner. I immediately fell in love with the area and vowed to someday live there. It took a little while, but with some brief stints in Costa Mesa, Fullerton, and Santa Ana, we finally set our roots for good in Newport Beach.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Rush Hill. Had always wanted to meet John Wayne at a bar in Newport.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movies: Master and Commander/Far Side of the World. TV: Seinfeld/Big Bang Theory/Cheers/MASH
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Slow down and enjoy life. Be passionate about what you do.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Visit all of the National Parks and see the beauty of the USA.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jimmy Buffett or Elton John at Bluewater Grill or 21 Oceanfront.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Favorite thing is obviously the beach and the whole beach environment. Laid back.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Pretty much what I am doing now, taking photos and practicing landscape architecture.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I had envisioned myself being the next John Denver!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Walking the beach at sunrise/sunset, clear skies, cool breeze, listening to Jimmy Buffett.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family. Everything I am is because of them; everything I do is because of them.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
With regard to my personal home, Family, Safe, Warm. When considering Newport Beach as my home, Beach, Relaxation, Sunshine. But how I feel about where I live and what I call Home is so much more than any three words!