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,
ISA Certified Arborist 2009
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.
Past/Present Clients Disney Imagineers (while employed by others),
Georgia Governor Roy Barnes,
The State of Georgia,
City of Suwanee Ga,
City of Norcross Ga,
City of Powdersprings Ga,
City of Stockbridge GA,
Post Properties,
Bayfair Homes,
John Willis Homes,
Pulty Homes,
Serenbe Development,
Mayor of Smyrna-Georgia Max Bacon,
Representative for Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vic,
Question I have a patio concrete pad that sits too low from our from door. It's about 10 inches from the pad to the threshold of the door and i know it's too much of a step. I would like to put decorative pavers on top of my concrete pad but have no idea what to use to fasten the pavers on the concrete pad permently. Though about using thin set mortar, or regular mortar. Both done with a grooved trowel. Or maybe using liquid nails with a grooved trowels as well. Any suggestions? And if i have gaps, is grout ok for outside? Any help is appreciated.
Answer You dont have to anchor or fasten them. However if you really want to you can certainly use mortar and simply screed a 1/2 setting bed and tamp them lightly into it with no joints. They may come loose though. I've never tried liquid nails. If you live in an area of heavy frost they would probably pop loose when water gets under them and freezes.
In my opninion, the best thing to do is install an edge restraint at the side of your patio. You can buy these in metal or plastic or make one out of concrete. Once an edge is installed that sticks up about 2.5 to 3" above your patio you then place 1" of mason's sand (sold as play sand in bags at home stores)on the concrete slab, level it with a board by screeding it to an even 1" thickness. Then set your pavers in it just like typical paver installation. Finally, sweep sand into the joints to lock them in place.
To learn more simply search the internet for the two words: "installing pavers", be sure you place these two words in quotes to get good results. There are hundreds of good sites with videos, etc.
Good Luck
Sean J Murphy
www.seanjmurphy.com
www.amenityarchitects.com
