Colin Woodford Owen
1617 Bethel St NE Olympia, WA 98506 (404) 376-2939 colin.woodford.owen@gmail.com
EDUCATION / training
the university of georgia
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (2011)
international society of arboriculture (isa)
ISA Certified Arborist, #PN-9606A (2022)
TRAQ Certification (Anticipated June 2024)
american society of landscape architects (ASLA)
Professional Landscape Architect (PLA)
Licenses: Texas #3011 (2014), Washington #24008207 (2024)
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Master Gardener Certification (2016)
SOFTWARE PROFICIENCY
Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD w/ LandFX, MasterSpec, Adobe Creative Suite CC, Sketchup, Bluebeam Revu, Bentley Projectwise, ArcGIS Pro
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ARBORIST - SCJ Alliance
Lacey, Washington / December 2022 - Present
Conducting field visits to inventory the health, quantity, and condition of trees for commercial, residential, and municipal clients.
Preparing tree reports to satisfy code requirements of various jurisdictions throughout the South Sound region, requiring thorough attention to detail as each municipality has its own specific ordinances pertaining to trees.
Providing “eyes on the ground” arborist consultations for out-of-state clients with commercial properties in Washington, which can include assessments of at-risk trees, coordination with property managers, contacting tree removal companies to obtain quotes, and providing a physical presence during the removal and pruning of trees if necessary.
Preparing tree removal and mitigation plans for commercial and WSDOT projects, which include detailed plans and specifications for the protection of existing trees and proper installation of replacement trees.
Maintaining and updating SCJ’s best practices pertaining to tree health and protection, and periodically providing this information to the other disciplines in house (civil engineering, traffic engineering, and planning).
Assisting clients with site walkthroughs to discuss areas of concern and future management plans.
landscape architect - SCJ Alliance
Lacey, Washington / November 2018 - Present
Currently serving as landscape design lead for the Blackjack and Salmonberry Creeks fish passage restoration project in Kitsap County, Washington. The 50 acre site, situated along Hwy 16, is a multi-disciplinary collaboration for WSDOT and part of a larger state-wide initiative to restore critical salmon habitat. The project involved the creation of multiple highway bridges, revised traffic alignments, and the relocation and restoration of two formerly salmon-bearing streams. The total contract budget for SCJ’s portion of the design work was approximately $60,000 (total design budget of over $4 million) and was carried out from 2020-2023. My role included coordinating with the design team and WSDOT’s Olympic Region landscape architechture office; conducting on-site tree inventories and assessments; assisting with wetland delineations; preparing cost estimates; and leading a team of 1-2 drafters in creating a set of construction documents for tree protection and planting design. Project is on currently under construction and on-track for completion in 2026.
Regular utilization of LandFX to design both schematic and construction-level planting and irrigation plans for medium- to large-sized residential and commercial developments, including corporate clients such as Winco and Love’s Travel Stops.
Lead graphic designer for the development of a Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan for University Place, Washington as part of the city’s 2020 Capital Improvement Plan. Used on-site assessments and ArcGIS to assess/analyze the condition of 16 parks city-wide, incorporated community input through multiple City Hall charettes, and created a graphics package of recommended improvements and acquisitions to the overall park network. By collaborating with the city manager, parks department and parks advisory board members, SCJ delivered a master plan for the next five years that was structured to provide manageable projects for immediate funding and implementation through Washington’s RCO grant program.
landscape architect - hawkins partners, inc.
Nashville, Tennessee / February 2015 - November 2017
Served as project manager on two projects in the metro Nashville area, including a 45-acre condo development with a design budget of approximately $98,000.
Oversaw in-house design team of two to three people, depending on specific project requirements.
Created planting and hardscape designs for commercial and residential clients - tasks that require extensive knowledge of local ornamental plant varieties and their cultural requirements in order to create a successful product.
Provided on-site construction administration for the landscape / hardscape install of a commercial warehouse renovation in South Nashville.
Regular coordination and issue mitigation with developers, architects, MEP, etc. to keep projects moving forward within budgetary and schedule constraints.
designer - rvI planning + landscape architecture, inc.
Austin, Texas / January 2013 - February 2015
Developed knowledge of planting design / horticultural requirements for native and ornamental species of Texas and the Southeastern US.
Served as interim project manager on the design development, construction documentation and construction administration of a $1.7 million landscape/hardscape package for a retirement community in Naples, Florida. Key tasks included landscape design, selecting zone-appropriate planting material, regular coordination (email, resolving design conflicts, conference calls, billing review, etc.) with architectural, civil engineering and MEP members of the team located around the country, as well as regular delegation of site-specific components to a local consultant in Naples.
Regularly created contract documents sets, including planting design plans, construction details, specifications and bid documents.
site planner - jackson, person & associates
Memphis, Tennessee / October 2011 - September 2012
Worked alongside landscape architects and industry-certified professionals on projects including university campus master plans, greenway trails, urban parks and stormwater management solutions.
Promoted to lead designer on two projects - a HOPE VI housing redevelopment and a stormwater management plan for Tougaloo College, within two months of joining the company.
Designed, obtained quotes for, and implemented a total graphics package for all company stationery, including company logo, business cards and custom entry signage for reception area.
Regularly conducted formal presentations to in-house staff and clients representing a variety of disciplines.
Prepared marketing/proposal graphics (including Photoshop before/after images and digital models) for potential clients.
High-profile projects include: The National Civil Rights Museum, Tougaloo College, The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the Greater Memphis Greenline.
employment history
scj alliance - lacey, wa
Role: Landscape Architect / Arborist
November 2018 - Present
Hawkins partners Landscape Architects - Nashville, TN
Role: Landscape Architect / Project Manager
February 2015 - November 2017
RVi planning + landscape architecture - Austin, tx
Role: Designer
January 2013 - February 2015
jackson person and associates (JPA) - memphis, tn
Role: Site Planner
October 2011 - September 2012
city of hartwell - Hartwell, georgia
Role: Department of Parks and Recreation Design Intern
Summer 2010