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 I have an area in front of my house that I want to cover in river rock. The area is about 12x10 ft. Due to the natural downhill slope of our yard, the area I am wanting to cover has a tendency to flood- that's why using bark chips etc has not worked in the past. We previously created a concrete patio but tree roots destoyed that. I have decided to cover the area in river rock. I have a drain in place to take care of water issues. How would you suggest I implement the rock? Put down sand then landscaping cloth then rock?
Answer River rock is generally rounded and composed of mixed sizes of small rocks from egg size to grapefruit and larger. All you do is set it out in the area you want being sure to cover adequately.
If you are talking about flag stone (large thin flat pieces used for patios), then you need to put down a base of crushed aggregates (Granite stone dust and small chips) and compact it with a small vibratory compactor. Be sure it is level or at most has a 1-2% slope for drainage away from your house. Then apply 1 inch of sand for a setting bed. Screed the sand with a 2x4 (level it) and then apply the stones, tamping and leveling them in place as you go.
You can apply a geotextile separator between the sand and granite if you like to help spread the load of individual stones and reduce shifting but if the stones are large enough this is not required.
Best of Luck
Sean J Murphy
www.seengineering.com
www.amenityarchitects.com
