AboutSean J Murphy, LA Expertise I can answer almost any question related to design, installation, pricing of landscaping and hardscaping. I am not a horticulturist though so I can not answer questions on pests or diseases of plants. I also can answer questions related to pools, water features, ponds, lighting, grading, drainage, walls, patios, decks and much more.
Experience I have been doing landscaping since I was 8 years old. My family owned a nursery in Florida when I was a teen and I owned and operated several lawn and landscape companies over the years. I have since completed 6 years of in Landscape Architecture at Purdue University and have a Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture. I have been practicing professionally for 13 years in Atlanta and the south east US. I have worked for some of the best and most well know firms and personalities in landscaping and my work has won many awards. I have worked for the likes of Disney, the 1996 Olympic games, and REIT Post Properties(Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, NY, Tampa, Orlando). I know many of the plants in Georgia and Florida plus surrounding states. I have passed the Georgia Landscape Architects Licensure Exam and can legally call myself a Landscape Architect Lisc. # 001156
I am currently the Department Manager of the Planning and Landscape Architecture Department of a local Multi-Disciplinary firm and used to own and operate Amenity Architects LLC. you may preview our work at www.amenityarchitects.com. My new employer is SoutheasternEngineering, Inc. see www.seenginering.com
I am also part owner in the family business Murphy's Garden Art also see at www.murphysgardenart.com.
Organizations American Society of Landscape Architects,
Keep Smyrna Beautiful,
ULI,
Smyrna Downtown Development Authority,
Smyrna Downtown Task Force,
Publications Landscape Architect and Specifier News,
Atlanta Homes Magazine,
Landscape Architecture Magazine,
Coastal Living, Magazine
Education/Credentials Pinellas County Center for the Arts 1984 - 1988,
Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture - Purdue University, 1994,
Mike Lynn Graphics Workshop 1994,
University of Georgia Wetland Delineation Certification 1995,
Post University Mini MBA 2000,
Edinburgh College of Art - 1 year co-op 1993,
Intern Smallwood Reynolds Stewart and Stewart Architects Atlanta1993,
Awards and Honors ASLA Merit Award 1994 Mined Land Project IN,
ACI 1st Place for Hardscape Design / Installation 1999 Biltmore Atlanta.
Coastal Living Idea House Design 2005/2006.
South Eastern Flower Show People's Choice Award for best garden design,
Many more!!! too many to list here
Past/Present clients
Georgia Governor Roy Barnes,
The State of Georgia,
City of Powdersprings,
City of Stockbridge,
Post Properties,
Bayfair Homes,
John Willis Homes,
Pulty Homes,
Serenbe Development,
Mayor of Smyrna-Georgia Max Bacon,
Question Hi, i have just had a patio laid with a natural stone. The landscaper used an acid wash to brinfg out the colour etc. Would you suggest sealing the patio as well? What benefits does this have? And can it be done straight away?
Thanks
Answer Sealing is ALMOST always a good idea if the stone is mortared in place. It will make the colors much darker and vibrant. To get an idea of how this will look, wet the pavers. It also helps prevent mold and frost cracks by stopping or minimizing water infiltration.
However, on a pool deck or places toddlers play it can be a very bad idea. Sealed stone has a tendency to be MUCH HOTTER and slicker than unsealed stone. It can be literally too hot to walk on in bare feet. It can burn you on really hot days. Specially if the stone has lots of darker colors. It is also very slippery when wet.
You should wait a few days minimum before applying, a couple of weeks would be even better. In my experience it is best to use an oil based sealer. I like a brand called Rez-Seal. You roll it on with a thick nap roller. Be sure it is very clean and very dry (it needs to have not rained for several days and no water been applied during that time. I would acid wash, rinse, then dry for three days and then thoroughly broom/vaccume it just before applying. Do not apply on a windy or overly humid day...see can for instructions.
Use the matt or flat finish unless you want a glossy look. You might want to add a bit of fine sand or non-slip additive to be sure it isn't too slippery when wet. You can literally lightly sprinkle this in the the wet sealant right after applying. I use a salt shaker. Or some installers add it to the can of sealant. Follow recommendations for store bought non-slip additives.
I recommend you get a piece of the same stone and apply the sealant to see if you like the finished look before applying it to a large area.
Best of Luck
Sean J Murphy, LA
Director Planning and Landscape Architecture
SEI
Southeastern Engineering, Inc.
Amenity Architects, LLC
